On August 1, 2024, Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) announced the launch of PowerUpRI, an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure incentive program targeted to Rhode Island residents and landlords. The program is funded through a partnership with RIIB, totaling $750,000. The funding will comply with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 initiative, meaning 40 percent of the total funding will be reserved for low-to-moderate-income residents.
The program covers up to $700 or 50 percent of the purchase and installation costs of a Level 2 residential EV charger, whichever is less expensive, including electrical upgrades if required. Additional incentives are also available for income-qualified applicants, who can save up to $1,000 or 75 percent of the purchase and installation costs, with electrical upgrades also included.
The program is open to Rhode Island residents who own or lease a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) registered in Rhode Island and landlords. Chargers must be Energy Star Certified and installed by a certified, licensed electrician.
Residents are eligible to apply for the PowerUpRI program in addition to the Federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit [irs.gov], which provides a tax credit to residents who purchase and install qualified alternative fuel vehicle refueling property for their principal residence, including electric vehicle charging equipment, between December 31, 2022, and January 1, 2033. The federal tax credit equals 30% of the cost with a maximum amount of $1,000 per item.
PowerUpRI seeks to increase the adoption of clean transportation, reduce transportation emissions, and make EV charging more convenient and accessible to all Rhode Island residents. According to Rhode Island Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns, “This program will help accelerate the adoption of EVs, reduce long-term emissions, and advance our Act on Climate [rilegislature.gov] objectives.”
For additional information on the PowerUpRI program please visit: https://drive.ri.gov/powerupri