Electricity Laws and Incentives in Rhode Island
The list below contains summaries of all Rhode Island laws and incentives related to electricity.
Laws and Regulations
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rate Development Requirements
When developing EV TOU rate programs, Rhode Island Energy must complete a cost-benefit analysis that considers the financial impacts of encouraging consumers to charge EVs during off-peak hours. Additional terms and conditions apply.
(Reference Senate Resolution 962, 2023)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Procurement Study
The Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA) must, among other things, analyze the number of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state fleet and assess the feasibility of transitioning the state vehicle fleet to AFVs and expanding EV charging infrastructure. DOA must submit a report of their findings to the Rhode Island Senate by February 1, 2024.
(Reference Senate Resolution 15, 2023)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Acquisition Requirements
To reduce fuel consumption and pollution emissions, and purchase vehicles that provide the best value on a life cycle cost basis, the state must take the following actions:
- At least 75% of state motor vehicle acquisitions must be AFVs, and the remaining 25% must be HEVs to the greatest extent possible. By 2025, 25% of state motor vehicle acquisitions must be ZEVs;
- All new light-duty trucks in the state fleet must achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 19 miles per gallon (mpg) and achieve at least a Low Emission Vehicle certification, and all new passenger vehicles in the state fleet must achieve a minimum city fuel economy of 23 mpg;
- All state agencies must purchase the most economical, fuel-efficient, and lowest emission vehicles appropriate to meet requirements and discourage the purchase of sport utility vehicles;
- All state agencies must purchase low rolling resistance tires with superior tread life for state vehicles when possible; and
- All state vehicles must be maintained according to manufacturer specifications, including specified tire pressures and ratings.
The state must also prepare an annual report to the governor on compliance with these goals.
(Reference Executive Order 15-17, 2015 and Executive Order 05-13, 2005)
Electric Drive Vehicle License Plates
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue special vehicle license plates to owners of electric drive vehicles, including those powered in whole or in part by a storage battery. Eligible vehicles include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and all-electric vehicles registered as electric drive vehicles in the state. For more information, including license plate fee, see the Rhode Island DMV Other Plates website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-3-101)
Electric Transit Bus Pilot and Replacement Program
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is responsible for implementing the RIPTA Zero Emissions Vehicle Program to evaluate electric transit buses to replace retired diesel buses. This program is part of Rhode Island’s Beneficiary Mitigation Plan and is funded by Rhode Island’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information see the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Volkswagen Settlement website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Parking Restriction
No person can stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a parking space where there is an EV charger and signage indicating that parking is for EV charging only, unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment. Violations will be subject to a fine of $85.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-21-18 and Rhode Island General Laws 31-41.1-4)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Development Support
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation, along with the Division of Motor Vehicles and the Office of Energy Resources, published a statewide public EV charging station plan in December 2021. The plan outlines needs, opportunities, and recommendations for expanding EV charging infrastructure in Rhode Island. Recommendations include:
- Invest in incentive programs for EVs and EV chargers;
- Increase equity considerations in EV and EV charger programs;
- Increase electrification of transit and school busses and other medium- and heavy-duty vehicles;
- Conduct an analysis on how transportation electrification will impact transportation revenue;
- Support the decarbonization of electricity;
- Develop a clean transportation dashboard to track electrification progress; and,
- Lead by example through state agency action.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-3.3-1)
Low-Speed Vehicle Access to Roadways
Beginning July 1, 2024, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a four wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Low speed vehicles may not be driven on any roadway or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.6-1)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of MHD ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).
In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.
For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement
Rhode Island has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations, requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2027, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in Rhode Island. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Advanced Clean Cars II and Advanced Clean Trucks website.
(Reference Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Regulation Chapter 12-05-37)
Petroleum Reduction Initiative
The Petroleum Savings and Independence Advisory Commission (Commission) was established to provide recommendations and monitor programs designed to reduce the state’s dependence on petroleum-based fuels in the transportation and heating sectors. Established targets may not provide less than a 30% overall reduction in petroleum consumption from 2007 levels by 2030 and a 50% overall reduction from 2007 levels by 2050. Recommendations will include those related to incentives, plug-in electric vehicle deployment, implementation of a clean fuels standard, and land use planning. The Commission must report on monitoring activities to the General Assembly at least every two years. The Commission must also continue to evaluate the state’s progress toward meeting petroleum-reduction goals and make recommendations to the General Assembly as necessary.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 42-140.4)
Public Utility Definition
A company that provides alternative fuel or energy sources for use as a motor vehicle fuel or energy source is not defined as a public utility.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 39-1-2)
State Agency Coordination to Address Climate Change
The Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) was established to coordinate efforts between state agencies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The EC4 will pursue GHG emissions reductions of 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. State agencies must assist EC4 to develop programs to encourage state employees to reduce vehicle miles traveled and use public transportation when available. The Council will also work with municipalities to encourage sustainability; identify federal, state, and private funding opportunities that can be leveraged to reduce emissions in Rhode Island; and develop GHG emissions reduction strategies. The Council submitted a plan in December 2016 with suggested strategies for GHG emissions reduction activities to the governor. The EC4 and the State Chief Resiliency Officer submitted a statewide Action Plan to Stand Up to Climate Change and to the governor in July 2018.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 42-6.2 and Executive Order(PDF) 17-10, 2017)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
Rhode Island joined California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.
In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:
- Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
- Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
- Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
- Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
- Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.
For more information, see the Multi State ZEV Task Force website.
State Incentives
Clean Diesel Grant
The Rhode Island Clean Diesel Fund provides fleet operators, businesses, local and state government entities, schools districts, and other qualifying entities with reimbursement grants to reduce emissions from medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles. Eligible projects include on-road, non-road, and marine vehicle, engine, and equipment replacements. Eligible technology includes new diesel, alternative fuel, and zero emission vehicles. Eligible on-road vehicles must be registered and domiciled in Rhode Island, and 50% of the vehicle miles travelled or hours of operation must be in Rhode Island for at least five years after receiving the grant. For more information, including additional eligibility requirements, see the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Diesel Emissions Reduction Act website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.3-5.1)
Electric Vehicle Emissions Inspection Exemption
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state emissions control inspections. For more information, see the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing Program website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.1-5)
Fleet Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Rebates
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification Fleet (DRIVE EV Fleet) program offers rebates of up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of a new ZEV and $1,000 for the purchase or lease of a pre-owned ZEV. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of $500 per vehicle is available for applicants located in high-asthma communities. ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Eligible applicants include small businesses with less than 500 employees, non-profit organizations, state and local government agencies, school districts, and public libraries. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants may receive a maximum of five rebates every two years. For more information, including a list of high-asthma communities, see the DRIVE EV Fleet website.
Rhode Island's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.
For more information about Rhode Island’s NEVI planning process, see the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources NEVI Plan website. To review Rhode Island’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Rebates
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) rebate program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of ZEVs and PHEVs. Rebate amounts vary based on vehicle type:
| Vehicle Technology | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| ZEV | $1,500 for a new vehicle; $1,000 for a pre-owned vehicle |
| PHEV | $1,000 for a new vehicle; $750 for a pre-owned vehicle |
ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of up to $1,500 is available to applicants that participate in a state or federal income-qualified program. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a list of income-qualified programs, see the DRIVE EV and DRIVE EV+ websites.
More Laws and Incentives
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