Alternative Fuel Stations
Above is a complete list of alternative fuel locations in or near Providence, RI: biodiesel; compressed natural gas (CNG); ethanol (E85); electric; hydrogen; liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (propane) & more.
Tax incentives and/or other rebates, credits, incentives or related initiaves for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles or for other uses of alternative fuel in Providence, RI.
The town of Warren may allow excise tax exemptions of up to $100 for qualified AFVs registered in Warren. Qualified vehicles must be primarily fueled with one of the following: an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable batteries or fuel cells; gas produced from biomass, where biomass is defined as any organic material other than oil, natural gas, and coal; liquid, gaseous or solid synthetic fuels produced from coal; or coke or coke gas.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 44-34-14)
A low-speed vehicle may operate on the roadways of Prudence Island between the hours of 6am and 6pm. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour (mph), but it may cross a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. For the purpose of this regulation, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled, electric or gas powered motor vehicle that is designed to carry no more than four passengers; is designed to be and is operated at speeds of not more than 25 mph; and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.4-1)
The Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may issue special vehicle license plates to owners of electric drive vehicles, including those powered in whole or in part by a storage battery. Eligible vehicles include hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and all-electric vehicles registered as electric drive vehicles in the state. For more information, including license plate fee, see the Rhode Island DMV Other Plates website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-3-101)
Vehicles powered exclusively by electricity are exempt from state emissions control inspections. For more information, see the Rhode Island Emissions and Safety Testing Program website.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-47.1-5)
The Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE EV) rebate program offers rebates for the purchase or lease of ZEVs and PHEVs. Rebate amounts vary based on vehicle type:
| Vehicle Technology | Maximum Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| ZEV | $2,500 for a new vehicle; $1,500 for a pre-owned vehicle |
| PHEV | $1,500 for a new vehicle; $750 for a pre-owned vehicle |
ZEVs include all-electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. New vehicles may not have a purchase price above $60,000, and pre-owned vehicles may not have a purchase price above $40,000. All eligible vehicles must be purchased on or after July 7, 2022. An additional rebate of up to $2,000 is available to applicants that participate in a state or federal income-qualified program. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including a list of income-qualified programs, see the DRIVE EV and DRIVE EV+ websites.
No person can stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a parking space where there is a EV charging station and signage indicating that parking is for EV charging only, unless the vehicle is connected to the charging equipment. Violations will be subject to a fine of $85.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-21-18 and Rhode Island General Laws 31-41.1-4)
A vehicle primarily powered by natural gas may exceed the state’s gross vehicle weight limits by a weight equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle with the natural gas tank and fueling system and the weight of a comparable vehicle with a diesel tank and fueling system. The NGV maximum gross weight may not exceed 82,000 pounds.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-25-2)
A low-speed vehicle may operate on the roadways of the City of Newport as a commercial jitney service between the hours of 6am and 12am. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour (mph), but it may cross a street or highway with a posted speed limit greater than 35 mph. For the purpose of this regulation, a low-speed vehicle is defined as a self-propelled, electric, or gas powered motor vehicle that is designed to carry no more than eight passengers; is designed to be and is operated at speeds of not more than 25 mph; and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Rhode Island General Laws 31-19.5-1)
Rhode Island utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.
A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four wheeled electric vehicle that has a maximum speed greater than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph, has a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 3,000 pounds, and conforms to the maximum safety equipment requirements and standards specified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500. Low speed vehicles may not be driven on any roadway or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mph. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference House Bill 5457, 2023)
The city of Providence (RI) in Providence County has an estimated population of 178,042.
There are currently at least 238 alternative fuel stations in or near Providence, RI (10-mile radius).
The Department of Energy (DOE) recognizes natural gas (compressed or liquefied) as an alternative fuel.