Tax incentives and/or other incentives for drivers of electric vehicles in West Warwick.
A low-speed vehicle may operate on the roadways of Prudence Island between the hours of 6am and 6pm. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour (mph), but it may cross a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. For the purpose of this regulation, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled, electric or gas powered motor vehicle that is designed to carry no more than four passengers; is designed to be and is operated at speeds of not more than 25 mph; and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.4-1)
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue special vehicle license plates to owners of electric drive vehicles, including those powered in whole or in part by a storage battery. Eligible vehicles include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and all-electric vehicles registered as electric drive vehicles in the state. While not required, the DMV encourages use of this plate for the safety of first responders. For more information, including license plate fee, see the Rhode Island DMV Other Plates website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-3-101)
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state emissions control inspections. For more information, see the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing Program website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.1-5)
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) rebate program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of ZEVs and PHEVs. Rebate amounts vary based on vehicle type:
| Vehicle Technology | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| ZEV | $1,500 for a new vehicle; $1,000 for a pre-owned vehicle |
| PHEV | $1,000 for a new vehicle; $750 for a pre-owned vehicle |
ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of up to $1,500 is available to applicants that participate in a state or federal income-qualified program. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a list of income-qualified programs, see the DRIVE EV and DRIVE EV+ websites.
No person can stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a parking space where there is an EV charger and signage indicating that parking is for EV charging only, unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment. Violations will be subject to a fine of $100.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-21-18 and Rhode Island General Laws 31-41.1-4)
A low-speed vehicle may operate on the roadways of the City of Newport as a commercial jitney service between the hours of 6am and 12am. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour (mph), but it may cross a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. For the purpose of this regulation, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled, electric, or gas powered motor vehicle that is designed to carry no more than eight passengers; is designed to be and is operated at speeds of not more than 25 mph; and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.5-1)
Beginning July 1, 2024, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a four wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Low speed vehicles may not be driven on any roadway or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-1-3 and 31-19.6-1)
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, in addition to standard vehicle registration fees, EV owners must pay an annual fee of $200, plug-in hybrid EV owners an annual fee of $100, and hybrid EV owners an annual fee of $50.
In addition, by Jan. 1, 2027, the Rhode Island Department of Revenue and Rhode Island Department of Transportation must submit a report, including information and practices of other states, to the General Assembly on findings and recommendations to index or update these fees and any other related charges for electric-drive vehicles.
(Reference Public Law Chapter 278, Article 11, 2025)
The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources may administer funds for clean transportation programs, including but not limited to electric vehicle rebates, electric bicycle rebates, and other programs.
(Reference General Law 42-140-12 and Public Law 278, 2025)
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) must set fees for cost recovery for EV charging stations on state property and post proposed fees online for a public comment period. The proposed cost recovery fees in 2025 are $0.28/kWh for Level 2 charging and $0.39/kWh for direct-current (DC) fast charging. A $0.25/minute idle fee applies after 4 hours of continuous occupancy at a Level 2 charging site and $0.35/minute after 1 hour of continuous occupancy at a DC fast charging site. Users will receive a 15-minute warning before idling fees begin. Idle fee policies are under development for state vehicles at stations designed exclusively for state fleet use. The fees will contribute to the “EV Charging Stations Operating and Maintenance Account,” administered by OER, to install, operate, and maintain EV charging stations on state property.
(Reference General Law 42-140-11)
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