Rhode Island Still Has EV Purchasing & Leasing Incentives – CleanTechnica

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Though the federal EV incentives are gone, some US states still have them: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey.

Rhode Island can be added to the list. Its DRIVE EV program provides rebates up to $1,500 for the purchase or lease of new battery-electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. For new plug-in hybrid vehicles, $1,000 is available.

There are incentives for used vehicles too: $1,000 for the purchase or lease of used battery-electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. For used plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the incentive is $750.

Additional incentives up to $1,500 are available to Rhode Island residents who meet certain income requirements. Those that qualify could get a total of $3,000 in incentives for a new battery-electric vehicle or fuel cell vehicle. Those who qualify and want a used battery-electric or fuel cell vehicle can get up to $2,500 in incentives. There is also an income-qualified rebate for used plug-in hybrids of an additional $750, making the potential total for this type of vehicle $1,500.

There are also incentives for fleet vehicles.

Some state EV incentive programs only allow incentives for a particular list of models, but Rhode Island does not have such a list. As it states in its FAQs section, the limits are on model purchase prices. “There are no vehicle make or model requirements, but there are vehicle price limits. New EVs must be at or below $60,000.00* (agreed upon value of the vehicle) and used EVs must be at or below $40,000.00* (agreed upon value of the vehicle). Please see our Program Guidance Document for details.”

Some haters, trolls, and critics try to complain that electric vehicles cost too much, but there are new EVs that cost less than the average price of a new vehicle in the US, which is about $50,000.

Zach wrote an article about affordable electric vehicles in the US. Here are just some of them.

“Chevy Bolt ($28,595): I have to be honest here and say this model wasn’t initially on my list, as it’s not my cup of tea, but I have seen countless Bolt owners rave about their car — they love it.

“Nissan LEAF ($29,990): The new Nissan LEAF really shocked me. It looks like a great new option on the market at a surprisingly low price for what you get.

“Chevy Equinox EV ($33,600): This is the model that I think really challenges the LEAF in this list, though. Rather than being a subcompact, it’s a compact SUV.

“Ford Mustang Mach-E ($37,995): I’m using the words “shocked” and “surprised” in this article a lot because that’s sort of the point — cars and SUVs that are available for a lower price than I’d expect.

“Tesla Model Y ($39,990): Objectively, without a doubt, the Tesla Model Y is a great value for money package on the auto market.”

I’m adding the decontented Tesla Model 3, which is affordable right now. “Tesla Model 3 went from $42,490 to $36,990 — with several downgrades and features removed.”

That’s six new electric vehicles for far less than the national average price for a new vehicle in the US.

All those prices are before state incentives and potential savings from using electricity instead of gasoline and from potential reduced maintenance and repair costs.

So, no, not all electric vehicles cost too much; there are affordable options and there is a used EV market with even lower cost options.

Climate change has already cost Rhode Island dearly. “Allowing polluters to pump our atmosphere full of planet-warming greenhouse gases will not only make Rhode Islanders’ lives shorter and sicker; it will cost them billions. Extreme weather disasters have cost Rhode Island up to $500 million over the last five years alone. In the next 15 years, defending Rhode Island’s infrastructure, homes, businesses, and communities from more frequent and intense storms and flooding could cost the state $2.9 billion.”

Electric vehicles don’t use oil and gas so they help reduce air pollution that contributes to climate change. They also don’t directly generate toxic air pollution in places people live. Electric vehicles have many more benefits as well.

Rhode Island doesn’t have much clean, renewable electricity; most of its electricity is generated by using natural gas. At least this fossil fuel is not as harmful as coal.

Some EV critics like to claim electric vehicles don’t have enough range, a claim that might have applied 10 years ago but not now. Additionally, an analysis concluded that the average driving trip distance in Rhode Island is less than 10 miles. In 2025, there are many EV models that have ranges well over 200 miles per charge.