If you run a business or nonprofit, you may qualify for state and/or utility incentives to purchase electric vehicles for your organization and/or install charging stations for your fleet or for use by your customers and the public. Learn more below!

The federal incentive for acquiring an EV (30W) expired on September 30, 2025, and the federal incentive for installing a charging station (45W) will expire on June 30, 2026—both due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We urge you to take advantage of the federal incentive for charging before it is eliminated.

Incentives to Purchase Electric Vehicles

The Federal Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (45W) is no longer available.

• Only vehicles acquired before September 30, 2025 are eligible to receive the tax credit.
• Vehicles weighing less than 14,000 pounds were eligible to receive a credit of up to $7,500, whereas vehicles weighing more than 14,000 pounds were eligible to receive a credit of up to $40,000.
• To demonstrate timely acquisition, the business or tax-exempt organization must have signed a binding written contract and made a payment for the vehicle on or before September 30, 2025. 
  
• Eligible businesses must file form 8936 to claim the credit. 
• Tax-exempt entities must file form 990-T to obtain the credit.

DRIVE FLEET

• Available to Rhode Island businesses (fewer than 500 employees), nonprofits, or public sector entities
• $1,500 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric vehicle (< $60,000) or $1,000 towards the purchase or lease of a used battery electric vehicle (< $40,000)
• Rebate increased by $500 if located within a municipality with high asthma rates (Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket, or Providence)
• Limited to 5 vehicles every 24 months
• Must apply within 120 days of purchase
• Must purchase or lease from a Rhode Island dealership or one of a list of pre-qualified out-of-state dealerships

Incentives for Charging Installation

Federal Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit (30C)

Note: The 30C tax credit is set to be eliminated on June 30, 2026.

• Covers 30% of the cost or 6% in the case of property subject to depreciation, not to exceed $100,000
• Projects that meet prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements may be eligible to receive the full 30% tax credit, regardless of depreciation status
• Covered expenses do not include permitting or inspection fees
• Includes bidirectional chargers
• Installation must be in a low-income community or in a rural community to qualify; click here to check eligibility
• Available to tax-exempt entities via Elective Pay

 PowerUp RI

• Covers up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs of Level 2 chargers that Energy Star Certified, depending on if an electrical upgrade is needed
• Open to RI residents that own or lease a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) that live in a single-family or multi-family home
• Landlords interested in installing chargers on rental properties are eligible to apply for the standard rebate
• Income-qualifying rebate is available for qualifying residents
• Must apply within 180 days of purchasing and installing the charger