Rhode Island is pushing the establishment of an electrical vehicle rebate program. The Governor says the program, called “Drive” will be made possible by the summer of this year and start with a 1 point 25 million dollar financial commitment from the Office of Energy Resources.
OER Officials say the adoption of electric vehicles is a substantial mechanism to insuring that the state is able to achieve its mandatory greenhouse emission goals. A 45 percent reduction in the state’s emissions is needed by 2030.
With the help of the federal government additional fast charging stations will be installed. The Governor says the goal is to making charging vehicles both accessible and convenient.
“I am proud to announce that Rhode Island residents and businesses will soon have access to electric vehicle rebates that will help meet their transportation needs in a more sustainable manner,” said Governor McKee. “Increased adoption of EVs will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere – a key driver of climate change and pollution-induced heath impacts, especially in our frontline communities. My budget also includes $23 million in federal funds to expand our network of electric vehicle charging stations. When combined, these investments will encourage more Rhode Islanders to invest in electric vehicles and support the state’s progress toward a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.”
In December 2021, the McKee Administration submitted a comprehensive report to the General Assembly that provides strategic policy guidance for improving access to electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state. This guide may be viewed at http://www.energy.ri.gov/evplan.
A draft plan is expected in April.
. (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)
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