EV vs Gas in Rhode Island: Yearly Cost (2026)
An electric car in Rhode Island costs about $1,384 a year to run, including the $200 state EV fee, compared with $1,700 of gas for a 30 mpg car – the EV saves about $315 a year (50 of 51 for EV savings).
12,000 mi/yr, 3.5 mi/kWh, 85% home charging at 28.29¢/kWh, gas $4.25/gal (New England (PADD 1A) average). Change any number below.
Rhode Island EV registration fee
| Battery-electric (BEV) | $200.00 / year |
| Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) | $100.00 / year |
Effective January 1, 2026. Regular hybrids pay $50.
Source: www.ncsl.org, checked October 24, 2026.
Charging at home vs public chargers
Charging only at home, the EV would cost about $1,278 a year in Rhode Island. Every 10% of miles moved to public fast chargers (about $0.48/kWh) adds roughly $71 a year. See the cost per charge for popular models in EV charging cost in Rhode Island.
Nearby states
- Connecticut: EV $1,051 vs gas $1,700 a year
- Maine: EV $1,318 vs gas $1,700 a year
- Massachusetts: EV $1,256 vs gas $1,681 a year
- New Hampshire: EV $1,230 vs gas $1,700 a year
- Vermont: EV $1,126 vs gas $1,700 a year
Frequently asked questions
Is an EV cheaper than gas in Rhode Island?
Yes. Driving 12,000 miles a year, an EV costs about $1,384 ($1,184 of electricity plus the $200 state EV fee) versus $1,700 of gas for a 30 mpg car – a difference of $315 a year.
How much is the EV registration fee in Rhode Island?
$200.00 a year for a battery-electric vehicle and $100.00 for a plug-in hybrid, on top of normal registration. Effective January 1, 2026. Regular hybrids pay $50.
What gas price makes an EV and a gas car cost the same in Rhode Island?
About $3.46 a gallon for a 30 mpg car, counting charging and the EV fee. Gas is currently $4.25 (New England (PADD 1A) average).
Electricity: EIA Electric Power Monthly (July 2026). Gasoline: EIA weekly retail prices, week of 2026-10-19. Estimates only; excludes purchase price, insurance and maintenance.