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The Latest Updates from New Jersey's Utilities Industry

Written by NJUA News Staff
Published December 11, 2024

NJ Hits Electric Vehicle Milestone As All-Electric Deadline Looms

New Jersey has surpassed 200,000 electric vehicle (EV) registrations, reflecting increased consumer adoption of these vehicles and the expansion of charging infrastructure. According to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, nearly 208,000 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are registered in the state, more than doubling the number recorded two years ago.

Transitioning to electric vehicles is a priority for the Murphy Administration, which has implemented policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable transportation. These measures include incentives for EV purchases and efforts to expand charging infrastructure to address concerns about vehicle range.

"New Jersey is leading the charge in transitioning toward a zero-emission future. Reaching this 200,000 EV milepost clearly demonstrates growing consumer confidence in the performance of electric vehicles and our growing regional network of charging infrastructure,” Governor Phil Murphy said. 
 
These changes are largely the result of New Jersey's Charge Up initiative, which has provided more than 40,000 electric vehicle incentives to help make EVs more affordable, according to NJBPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy.
 
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette is pleased with the results of the Charge Up program so far, claiming that “for the last three years, the state’s market share of EVs has consistently exceeded the national average, and we will do everything we can to maintain this momentum.”
 
Murphy’s administration has implemented a range of policies to encourage EV adoption, including financial incentives, investments in charging infrastructure, and the recent adoption of Advanced Clean Cars II, a program designed to expand new and used EV options for consumers. The primary goal of this transition is to combat greenhouse gasses, of which transportation is the largest contributor at 37%.
 
Key incentives include:
  • Charge Up New Jersey: A rebate program offering up to $4,000 for individuals purchasing or leasing an eligible new EV.  To date, $113,705,200 has been issued or reserved for consumers purchasing or leasing new EVs.
  • NJ Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP): A voucher program incentivizing the use of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles. 
  • Clean Fleet EV Program: An incentive program for local, state and non-profit entities purchasing new EVs and/or EV charging stations.
  • Diesel Modernization Program: A program to incentivize the transition to electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment.

Increased access to charging stations has also played a major role in the increase of electric vehicles on the road, with 4,000 publicly accessible charging ports on the roads today, up from just 150 in 2016. In addition, the BPU has funded 7,000 home chargers, which will satisfy the majority of charging needs for those residents.

New Jersey’s incentives for EVs and EV charging stations can be bundled together and be used along with utility incentive programs. In addition, the federal government provides tax credits to purchasers of EVs and EV charging stations, which includes businesses and tax-exempt organizations. These various incentives, along with federal tax credits, have resulted in the increased appeal of EVs.  

For charts and data on EV sales and registrations, charger locations and other information, visit https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/nj-ev-data/