USA: Rhode Islands gets hundreds of new public EV chargers

The US state of Rhode Island has received $15 million in federal funding to extend its EV infrastructure network. The goal is to install a further 206 stations across the state.

The stations will be clustered in 85 charging hubs. However, there is no mention of whether the new stations will all be AC or if the Ocean State will also get additional DC charging infrastructure through the grant.

The statewide plan is called ‘Charging Ahead: Rhode Island Working Together for Electrification (Charging Ahead).’ According to the accompanying press release, the EV charging network expansion will be realised in two stages. However, it is not clear how many chargers will be installed in the first phase.

“The project will utilise various community locations such as public road parking lots, municipal office buildings, public schools, and public parks,” the press release states, adding that disadvantaged communities will favoured when it comes to selecting the final locations. The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) will “design, install, manage and maintain publicly-available electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.”

“This new $15 million investment will grow the state’s electric charging infrastructure network in a smart, sustainable way that reduces pollution and helps people lower their fuel costs,” said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee. “It will accelerate 24/7 access to public charging stations that are convenient, affordable, and reliable for Rhode Island’s growing population of EV drivers.”

“This new federal funding will complement Rhode Island’s ongoing investments in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, building upon the work already being done through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “These additional funds will help accelerate the expansion of charging stations across the state and support workforce development initiatives while contributing to our Act on Climate Change objectives.”