The city of Providence, located in the smallest state of Rhode Island, is making big strides towards a greener future. The city’s significant growth in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is attracting local and international attention. This article will take a deep dive into Providence’s rapidly developing EV infrastructure, the types of charging stations available, the costs associated with owning an EV in the city, and the various initiatives taken by the government.

Providence’s Current EV Infrastructure

Providence is a city that is taking the electric vehicle revolution seriously. The city boasts 178 public charging station ports, with a significant number being Level 2 charging ports. The city’s commitment to making EVs accessible and the ease of charging them is evident in the high percentage of free stations available to the public.

Charging Station Statistics in Providence

• Level 2 Stations: 89% of these stations are Level 2, with a total of 159 available in the city.
• Level 3 Stations: These fast-charging stations make up 11% of the total charging points, with 19 available in the city.
• Free Charging Stations: An impressive 33% of the total charging stations offer free charges for EVs, making Providence one of the most EV-friendly cities in the country.

The main networks operating these charging stations include ChargePoint, Volta, and Tesla, ensuring a wide range of compatibility for various EV models.

Popular Charging Stations in Providence

Providence offers a variety of accessible and popular charging stations within the city, including:

• Miriam Hospital – ChargePoint
• Walmart – Providence – Electrify America
• Good Fund – ChargePoint
• Providence, RI Supercharger – Tesla
• North Providence Marketplace – EVgo
• 36 Pleasant Valley Parkway – ChargePoint

You can just do a search on your favorite search engine for charging stations Providence and you should be able to find which is the closest to you at any given time.

Other EV-Friendly Cities in Rhode Island

Providence is not the only city in Rhode Island that is embracing the electric revolution. Other cities that have made significant strides in EV infrastructure include:

• Warwick – 122 Charging Stations
• Johnston – 40 Charging Stations
• East Providence – 39 Charging Stations
• Cranston – 28 Charging Stations
• Newport – 28 Charging Stations

These cities, along with Providence, are leading the way in Rhode Island’s electric revolution.

The Cost of Owning an EV in Providence, Rhode Island

Owning an EV in Providence is becoming increasingly affordable due to the state’s supportive initiatives. These include financial incentives and the availability of a wide range of EV models. Let’s look at the cost breakdown for some of the most popular EVs in the city.

Chevrolet Bolt

The Chevrolet Bolt is an all-electric vehicle with an estimated range of 259 miles. Starting at a price of $26,500, it is one of the most affordable American electric vehicles. The cost of a full charge for the Bolt in Rhode Island is around $13.66, given the state’s average electricity price of $0.21/kWh.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, the 2022 World Car of the Year, has an estimated range of 220 miles and costs nearly $40,000. With Rhode Island’s electricity rate, a full charge for the Ioniq 5 at home would cost about $12.18.

Tesla Model 3 and Model Y

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y are two of the most popular EVs in Rhode Island. The Model 3 starts at $42,990 and has an estimated range of 272 miles, while the Model Y starts at $54,990 and offers a range of 330 miles. Charging these models in Rhode Island would cost around $12 and $15, respectively, given the state’s average electricity rate.

Rhode Island’s Incentives for Electric Vehicles

Rhode Island offers substantial incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These incentives include:

• Rebates: Up to $2,500 for buying or leasing a new electric vehicle and up to $1,500 for buying or leasing used EVs.
• Hybrid incentives: Up to $1,500 for buying a new hybrid vehicle.
• Charging station installation: Up to 100% of the installation costs for Level 2 and DCFC in the workplace or businesses.

Conclusion

The city of Providence and the state of Rhode Island are making significant strides in promoting the use of electric vehicles. With a rapidly expanding EV infrastructure, impressive incentives, and a variety of EV models available, owning an EV in Providence is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition. The state’s commitment to a greener future is evident in its initiatives, making it a leading player in the electric revolution.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, cities like Providence are setting a great example. By understanding the benefits of electric vehicles and the support available, more people can be encouraged to make the switch, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.