Rhode Island’s ambitious plans to eliminate gas-fueled car sales by 2035 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 are facing significant challenges due to the Trump administration’s recent tariffs. Environmental experts warn that these tariffs will increase the cost of electric vehicles (EVs), potentially reducing demand and undermining the state’s emission reduction goals.
Transportation accounts for 36.6% of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions, making the transition to electric vehicles crucial. Tina Munter, policy advocate for the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, emphasized the importance of this transition. The Trump administration’s tariffs, particularly those on Chinese imports, could impose a minimum 247.5% tax on Chinese electric vehicles and a 173% tariff on lithium-ion batteries, which are primarily manufactured in China.
Impact on Electric Vehicle Costs and Demand
Several experts interviewed by The Herald expressed concerns that these tariffs will significantly inflate the cost of electric vehicles imported from Europe and Asia. Professor Timmons Roberts, who teaches Environment and Society at Brown University, stated that the tariffs will “highly” inflate EV costs. Munter concurred, noting that while the tariffs will negatively impact demand, other economic policies, such as the potential loss of incentives and rebates, pose an even greater threat.
State Programs and Funding Challenges
Rhode Island has implemented programs like the Driving Rhode Island to Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE) program, which offers rebates of up to $1,500 for new and used EVs and plug-in hybrids. Robert Beadle, spokesperson for the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, reported that the DRIVE program has awarded over 2,400 rebates, making EVs more accessible while supporting local dealerships and reducing transportation-related emissions. However, funding remains a challenge for the state’s vehicle electrification goals, with the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula program’s funding currently paused.
Health and Environmental Benefits
Munter highlighted that adopting electric vehicles would particularly benefit communities near highways and industrial areas, such as Providence and other urban municipalities. These areas are disproportionately affected by air pollution, leading to negative health effects. Roberts emphasized that eliminating internal combustion engines is crucial for meeting climate goals and improving public health, warning that Trump’s tariffs will have far-reaching negative impacts beyond transportation, affecting sectors like wind and solar technologies.
As the state continues to promote EV adoption through initiatives like the DRIVE program, fleet transitions, and public charging infrastructure, experts stress that overcoming the challenges posed by tariffs and funding issues is essential to achieving Rhode Island’s environmental objectives.
