WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — Good news for Electric Vehicle (EV) owners, charging your cars is getting much easier.

State and federal officials held a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday on new, fast charging stations at the Route 117 Park and Ride in Warwick.

Rhode Island is now the first state in the nation to complete Phase 1 of the alternative fuel corridor under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, according to officials.

The goal of the first phase of the NEVI Program was to install four Level 3 fast chargers along I-95 — two at the Warwick Park and Ride and two at the Ashaway Park and Ride in Hopkinton.

These chargers can charge EVs up to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes, officials said.

“By creating the infrastructure for cleaner transportation alternatives, we’re not only working towards our Act on Climate goals but leading the charge to decrease our carbon footprint,” Gov. Dan McKee said. “I’m grateful to the private and public partners who came together on this project that demonstrates our state’s continued commitment to enhancing our state’s EV charging infrastructure and the green economy.”

According to the results of a NEVI survey , Phase 2 will be designed to address the needs of public and private entities. Officials anticipate Phase 2 will begin in the Fall.

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