Gov. McKee announces new electric vehicle rebate program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Rhode Island is looking at ways to improve access to clean transportation as gas prices are on the rise across the state.

On Monday, Governor McKee in a joint effort with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources announced a new electric vehicle rebate program.

Speaking at an event held at the Capital Good Fund’s new electric vehicle charging station, Gov. McKee highlighted funding that will be used to increase the number of publicly available electric vehicle charging stations across the state.

“Increased adoption of EVs will reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere – a key driver of climate change and pollution-induced heath impacts, especially in our frontline communities,” says McKee.

The Governor’s budget includes $23 million in federal funds to expand charging stations, and and rebates could be up to $2,500 for new cars.

According to the McKee administration, more than a third of the state’s carbon emissions are linked to the transportation sector.

“Coupled with proposed investment in our state’s charging station network, this EV rebate program will help reduce GHG emissions and other pollution-driven impacts from our transportation sector,” said State Energy Commissioner Nicholas S. Ucci.

The program is expected to be made available to state residents by summer of 2022.