Electric Vehicles
Upgrade and save
You can help the planet while saving money when you upgrade to a cleaner and more efficient electric vehicle.
We’re supporting the State of Rhode Island's carbon reduction goals and our commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions to safeguard the environment for future generations. Rhode Island Energy strongly supports electrifying on-road transportation because of our promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
Benefits of driving electric vehicles
Cost savings
Take advantage of financial incentives with federal tax credits.
The Rhode Island Drive EV project provides rebates to Rhode Island residents, small businesses, and non-profits to improve our clean transportation objectives in reducing emissions.
Charge anywhere
It’s easy and affordable to charge from home or work and the number of charging stations is growing every day.
Extended range
Several models in the market have 200+ miles of range, and many more are coming soon. An EV could be perfect for your commute and give you plenty of range for your weekend trips too.
A variety of models
EVs and Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) are available as SUVs, hatchbacks, sedans, minivans, and pickup trucks. Instant torque lets you accelerate faster than the average gas vehicle. EVs are remarkably quiet, self-starting, and have heated steering wheels, among other high-tech features.
Frequently asked questions
What is an electric vehicle?
An electric vehicle (EV) is fully or partially powered by electricity that produces fewer or no tailpipe emissions.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run completely on electricity stored in batteries and have an electric motor rather than a gasoline engine. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine two propulsion modes in one vehicle: an electric motor that is battery powered, can be plugged in and recharged and a gasoline engine that can be refueled with gasoline.
Will an electric vehicle save me money?
A clear incentive to drive an electric vehicle is the one you get every day by saving money at the gas pump—or avoiding it altogether. Drivers of plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) typically drive 80% or more of their annual miles on electricity, shrinking their gas consumption dramatically by shifting to electric power. All-electric battery EV drivers never need gas at all!
All-electric battery EV (BEV) drivers may also save money on other maintenance costs. BEVs have fewer moving parts, and engine components may last longer because they don’t operate at the high temperatures of an internal combustion engine.
Check out the Vehicle Cost Calculator from the Department of Energy (DoE) to compare the costs of an electric vehicle with those of a gasoline-powered vehicle.
How does EV charging differ at home and on the road?
You need access to a standard 120-volt outlet to charge at home. To charge on the road, you can plug in at many workplaces, malls, gas stations, and parking structures equipped with charging stations for your convenience.
How long does it take to fully charge the car?
It depends on what level of charger you plug into and your battery’s current “state of charge.” Using a standard outlet in your home garage will provide about 2-5 miles of travel per hour of charge (“Level 1”), typically taking 17-24 hours for a full charge. More powerful chargers like those found at many workplaces will provide about 12-30 miles of travel per hour of charge (“Level 2”), taking 4-6 hours for a full charge. Level 2 chargers are available for home installation using a 240-volt circuit (like a clothes dryer).
Even faster Direct Current Fast Chargers (“DCFC”) are increasingly being installed along turnpikes and thruways for use by vehicles with DCFC capability. These chargers offer the potential for up to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes or less.
What are the environmental benefits of driving an EV?
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a PHEV in our service territory emits less than half the CO2-equivalent emissions as a gasoline car (155 grams per mile (gpm) vs. 381 gpm), while a BEV emits less than a quarter (54 gpm).