RIDOT Unveils Electric Charging Stations At Park And Rides

WARWICK, RI — In an effort to encourage electric vehicle usage, The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is offering free charging stations at two park and ride lots until the end of year.

The pilot program is being run in conjunction with the state's office of energy resources and National Grid, and aims to reduce barriers to charging station accesbility.

Chargers are available all day, every day at the lots on Route 117 in Warwick and Route 3 in Hopkinton.

"Electric cars are becoming more common on our streets, and the commuter parking lots we own are a perfect test bench for us to evaluate the demand for this service," RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. "There are a number of barriers to electric car adoption, among them concerns about range and access to fast, convenient charging stations. These stations help alleviate those concerns."

The stations will have 240-volt level two and direct current fast charging options, providing 25 miles of range per hour of charging and 250 miles of range per hour of charging, respectively. Each lot will accommodate up to six cars on Level Two chargers and two per direct current charger.

"Transportation is Rhode Island’s costliest and most carbon-intense energy sector, accounting for 40 percent of statewide energy expenditures and 36 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions," said State Energy Commissioner Nicholas S. Ucci. "This sector remains heavily dependent on petroleum-based fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, with major implications for long-term environmental sustainability and public health. The adoption of electric vehicles and deployment of charging infrastructure is vital if we are to mitigate the harmful emissions that pollute our communities and contribute to global climate change."

Both lots are stops for RIPTA buses, and are encouraged for use by commuters. Direct current chargers are not intended for extended use, instead brief stops by drivers on longer trips. The equipment was purchased for around $300,000 using the Electrify RI program, funded by Rhode Island's settlement with Volkswagen.

"Rhode Islanders all have a deep, shared commitment to the health of our communities and our environment," said Terry Sobolewski, the president, RI National Grid. "National Grid is proud to support RIDOT’s pilot program which is providing free access to EV chargers at two of its Park & Ride commuter lots. As we focus on ways to reduce carbon emissions, encouraging and supporting the use of electric vehicles on our roads is a way National Grid can help Rhode Island move closer to its greenhouse goals."