The State of Rhode Island is building a network of around 50 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state and is planning to buy hybrid or electric-powered vehicles for the state fleet.

Rhode Island has awarded a $781,225 contract to ChargePoint to find locations for and to install the charging stations across the state.

Commenting on the initiative, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee said the moves, paid for by federal stimulus money, are expected to improve the state’s economy, by reducing the dependency on gas.

The state government is developing clean transportation infrastructure, by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants, added Chafee.

The first charging station is at Roger Williams University in Bristol, while the others are anticipated to be installed by 30 September 2013.

Currently, the state has replaced 30 gas-powered cars in its fleet with hybrids and plug-in hybrids, according to the Department of Administration.