RI "Top 50"

EVSE Planning

The "TOP 50" project intends to implement a dispersed, accessible, and effective network of 50 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, that will allow Rhode Islanders the opportunity to seriously consider the purchase of EVs.

Suggest a Location

Project Overview (PDF)

Join us for our next stakeholder meeting about the project!

October 19th

The Goal:

The charging stations will be available to the public, and will be located at sites that are visible and easily accessible; such as retail outlets, major employment centers, hotels, etc. The team also hopes to further understand the complexities of developing, installing, and maintaining charging infrastructure as well as learning how to best integrate its addition to our current electric distribution system.

Existing Charging Stations

in Rhode Island:

Rhode Island currently has half a dozen charging stations, including

• Cardi's Furniture Superstore, Warwick
• Wickford Junction Commuter Rail Station, North Kingstown
• TF Green Providence Airport, Warwick
• Schneider Electric Office, West Kingston
• Nissan Dealerships
• Chevy Dealerships

Charging Stations can be found nationally using the Alternative Fueling Station Locator:

www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations

Results: Top Suggested Locations:

• Stop & Shop, North Kingstown, Barrington, Pawtucket, Bristol, Warwick, Newport, Lincoln
• Warwick Mall
• Providence Place Mall
• Amtrak Station Providence
• Smithfield Commons
• Walmart

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Why Electric Vehicles for Rhode Island?

Small State = less range anxiety: The small size of Rhode Island make it
the ideal location for electric vehicles with a limited range.

Energy Security: Using hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles instead of conventional vehicles can help reduce U.S. reliance on imported petroleum and take advantage of renewable energy sources in Rhode Island.

Better Fuel Economy = Lower Operating Costs: PHEVs and EVs can reduce fuel costs dramatically because of the low cost of electricity relative to conventional fuel. Most EVs operate at an MPGe (Miles per Gallon Equivalent) of 90-110!

Zero Emissions = Improved Air Quality: Hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles can have significant emissions benefits over conventional vehicles, including zero tailpipe emissions during all-electric operation for better air quality.

For Site Hosts:

Green Commitment: Having an electric vehicle charging station would demonstrate to customers that your business is taking direct action to increase energy security and air quality in Rhode Island.

Visibility: Having a charging station draws electric vehicle drivers to your business by literally putting it on the map. Navigation systems, smartphones, and government and private mapping services keep a list of charging station locations across the country.
If an EV driver is planning on driving to the area where your business is located, your business will have a high level of visibility.

The Technology

View Available Vehicles

in Rhode Island

Visit our "Vehicles in RI page to see a list of all alternative fuel vehicles available in Rhode Island

Vehicles in RI Page

Electric Vehicle Charging Equipment (EVSE)

EVSE is the equipment used to deliver electrical energy from an electricity source to a vehicle that can be “Plugged-In” or a PEV.

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) 

PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor, and also use a gasoline and a traditional engine as an additional power source. These vehicles can typically drive solely on electric power for 10-40 miles. Once the charge in the batteries is depleted, these vehicles operate like a stand hybrid-electric vehicle using gasoline.

All-Electric Vehicles

(EVs) 

EVs are vehicles that use electricity stored in batteries to power one or more motors. These vehicles can be unique models, or electric versions of familiar cars.

Learn more about Electric Vehicles

Ideal Site Characteristics for an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVSE)

 

Public Access

To ease range anxiety these few stations must be readily accessible to the public ideally 24 hours a day. Understandably certain sites cannot allow this for security reasons but to be eligible sites must offer the station to the public at least 10 hours a day.

 

Nearby Local Attractions

Charging at this level can take a typical EV between 3-8 hours for a complete charge. Ideally charging stations best serve the community when they are at or within walking distance to the following:

• Restaurant or Cafe
• Library
• Shopping Center
• Downtown or Town Center
• Sports Arena
• Convention Center
• Gym or Fitness Facility
• Other Frequented Venues
  

1-3 Hour Turnover

Although commuter lots or all-day parking seam like ideal locations, sometimes that are not the best location for an EVSE. If the driver arrives with an EV with half a charge, they will likely need 1-3 hours of charge, and would be occupying the station when they vehicle has finished charging. With this in mind, the ideal turnover for a EVSE location 1-3 hours, rather than a longer period like 6-10 hours.

Suggest a Location for a Charging Station:

The Partners

Project Get Ready Rhode Island

Rhode Island was the first Northeast state with membership in Project Get Ready, a group of 23 cities who aim to accelerate the electric vehicle (EV) industry by fostering ecosystems in which the technology can most succeed . Since then Project Get Ready Rhode Island has engaged institutions, companies, and municipalities to commit to accelerating electric vehicle readiness and adoption.

Ocean State Clean Cities

Ocean State Clean Cities is one of nearly 90 U.S. Department of Energy designated coalitions designed to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. Their mission is to assist in the improvement of the State of Rhode Island's air quality, reduce the dependence on foreign fuel, increase U.S. national energy security, and promote economic opportunity in Rhode Island.

National Grid

National Grid's vision is to deploy Smart Grid technology in order to optimize the flow of green energy resources, enhance the performance of the electric distribution grid, and provide customers with the ability to make informed decisions about how they use energy.

Rhode Island Division of planning

The Division of Planning sets policy to guide the future development and redevelopment of Rhode Island.