Rhode Island EV Charging Costs (2026)

Data updated: March 5, 2026

Rhode Island ranks #48 nationally for residential electricity rates at $0.31/kWh. Rhode Island has an EV adoption rate of 2.9% with expanding charging access across urban and regional corridors. With 689 Level 2 ports and 122 DC fast ports statewide, charging infrastructure continues to expand.

Average Rate

$0.31/kWh

Rank #48 out of 50

EV Adoption

2.9%

State adoption estimate

Rhode Island Electricity Rates

Current rates by utility territory, with EV program details.

$0.31/kWh

$0.13/kWh above US average

Public Level 2 (est.): $0.39/kWh ($0.33-$0.51/kWh)

Public DC fast (est.): $0.61/kWh ($0.54-$0.74/kWh)

Estimated public charging prices derived from local electricity rates. Actual prices vary by network, location, and fees.

Many utilities offer off-peak EV charging options that can lower effective charging costs.

UtilityAvg Rate
The Narragansett Electric Co$0.30/kWh

Rates updated monthly | Source: EIA and utility filings.

Rhode Island EV Registration Fee

BEV: $200.00/year ($16.67/month)

PHEV: $100.00/year ($8.33/month)

Law reference: Rhode Island HB 5076 (2025)

Source: ncsl.org/transportation/special-registration-fees-for-electric-and-hybrid-vehicles + dmv.ri.gov

Note: New for 2026: Effective January 1st.

EV Charging Costs by City in Rhode Island

View more Rhode Island cities ->
CityAvg RateMonthly Cost EstimateAction
Providence$0.30/kWh$78.95/monthView city page ->
Warwick$0.30/kWh$78.95/monthView city page ->
Cranston$0.30/kWh$78.95/monthView city page ->

How Rhode Island Compares to Nearby States

StateRateRank
Rhode Island (Current)$0.31/kWh#48
Massachusetts$0.31/kWh#47
Connecticut$0.25/kWh#42
Pennsylvania$0.20/kWh#39
New Jersey$0.23/kWh#40
Vermont$0.23/kWh#41

Calculate Your Rhode Island EV Charging Costs

Start with your ZIP code and EV model to open the full savings calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge an EV in Rhode Island?

Home charging in Rhode Island averages around $0.31/kWh. Public Level 2 sessions are estimated around $0.33-$0.51/kWh, while DC fast charging is estimated around $0.54-$0.74/kWh depending on network and membership. Final cost can also include session or idle fees.

What is the cheapest time to charge an EV in Rhode Island?

Overnight off-peak windows are usually the lowest-cost charging period in Rhode Island. Check your local utility TOU schedule to confirm eligible hours and price windows.

How much does it cost to fully charge a Tesla Model Y in Rhode Island?

Charging a Tesla Model Y from near-empty in Rhode Island costs approximately $23.53 at home, $29.60 at a public Level 2 station, and $46.30 at a DC fast charger, based on EPA efficiency of 25.3 kWh/100 miles and an estimated 300-mile range.

Is home charging cheaper than public fast charging in Rhode Island?

Yes - at $0.31/kWh, home charging in Rhode Island costs 49% less per kWh than DC fast charging.

Ready to calculate your exact charging costs in Rhode Island?

Enter your ZIP code and EV model to get a personalized monthly charging estimate in under 30 seconds.

Internal Resources

Data updated monthly where available.