New Jersey to launch program to boost EV usage

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) is seeking to launch a program to help local governments transition to clean energy.

The “Clean Fleet EV Incentive” program would allow local governments to purchase electric vehicles (EVs) at the State Purchasing Contract price while also allowing them to apply for grant funds. This is designed to incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) or charging stations by local governments.

Specifically, local governments can apply for a $4,000 grant toward the purchase of a battery EV or $1,500 toward the purchase of a dual-port Level 2 EV charging station.

“The transportation sector is responsible for 46 percent of the state’s net greenhouse gas emissions, so replacing gas-powered vehicles is a key component to establishing a cleaner and healthier environment,” NJBPU President Joseph Fiordaliso said. “The ‘Clean Fleet EV Incentive’ program will provide incentives to help local governments transition their fleet and move the state toward Governor Murphy’s vision of a clean energy future.”

The application deadline for the program is April 15, 2020. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications that meet certain criteria. Specifically, preference would be given to those that would be adding the first EV to their fleet and that allows for public utilization of the Level 2 charging station. Applicants who indicate that they will post signage for the station and list the charging station on applicable websites will also be made a higher priority. Further, municipalities and counties that have more than 15 percent of the residents within their geographic boundary living below the Federal Poverty Level would also be given preference.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy pledged to achieve 330,000 EVs on the road in New Jersey by 2025.