On June 28, 2022, Rhode Island Governor McKee announced the launch of DRIVE EV, the state’s new electric vehicle (EV) rebate program which will open to the public on July 7, 2022. The rebate will support the adoption of EVs by Rhode Island residents, small-business, nonprofits, and public sector entities throughout the state.
DRIVE EV will be administered by the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, and will provide individual rebates of up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and up to $1,500 for new plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs). The program will offer rebates of up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of used BEVs and FCEVs ,and up to $750 for used PHEVs. The state will also offer DRIVE+, an incentive that will provide up to $2,000 for individuals who purchase or lease an eligible EV and meet certain income requirements.
A complementary program, DRIVE EV FLEET, will provide EV rebates of up to $2,500 for qualified small businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities. An additional $1,000 rebate is available if the organization is located within a municipality with the highest asthma rates due to traffic exposure.
“Governor McKee and I are proud to announce the opening of the DRIVEEV program, which will help connect Rhode Island residents and business to more affordable and sustainable transportation solutions,” said State Energy Commissioner Nicholas S. Ucci. “This electric vehicle rebate program will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful particulates from our transportation sector in line with Act on Climate goals. Additionally, we are excited to announce the availability of enhanced incentives for income-eligible drivers as well as for small businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities in high-asthma rate communities. This program is a win-win-win for Rhode Island.”
The program is funded by an initial $1.25 million commitment by OER and is one action to help Rhode Island achieve the state’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2030, with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. For more information about the DRIVE EV program, visit www.drive.ri.gov.