Rhode Island celebrates completion of Phase 1 NEVI program

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee joined state and federal officials to celebrate the state’s achievement as the first in the nation to complete Phase 1 of the alternative fuel corridor under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.

During a ribbon cutting at the Route 117 Park & Ride in Warwick, RI, McKee joined officials with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, the RI Department of Transportation, the RI Department of Environmental Management, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. The ribbon cutting represents the completion of the state’s work to install four new Level 3 Direct current Fast Chargers along I-95, bringing to eight the total number of DCFC chargers along I-95. Those chargers join another six dual-port Level 2 charging stations located along the I-95 alternative fuel corridor. The chargers offer efficient and convenient charging options that enable state residents and travelers with electric vehicles the ability to charge with confidence.

“The completion of NEVI Phase 1 marks a milestone moment in Rhode Island’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” McKee 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. 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.”

State officials said Phase 2 of the NEVI program would begin in the fall and further expand EV charging infrastructure across public roads and other accessible locations.

“Rhode Island is ahead of the curve in providing the infrastructure for not only electric vehicles but also plug-in hybrid electric vehicles,” Peter Alviti, Director of RI Department of Transportation, said. “With the completion of phase one, and with our coordinating charging stations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, we can proudly say that electric vehicle owners can cross our state with confidence. And we can say that our infrastructure gives potential EV purchasers a reason to buy and drive EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.”

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