New Jersey Public Utilities Board launches electric vehicle charging program

On Thursday, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) announced it would accept applications for its medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicle (MHD EV) charging program.

The $16.1 million program, funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), will complement the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) ongoing electrification efforts in the transportation segment. Working with the NJEDA’s NJ Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJZIP), the program will provide incentives for chargers and other make-ready costs. It would focus on funding both community charging models and private fleet charging models to spur further EV adoption.

“We’ve all had the experience of driving behind a bus or truck and smelling the thick metallic diesel exhaust that emerges in its wake,” NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso said. “Medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses make up 25 percent of New Jersey’s transportation sector emissions – not to mention they are also a major and disproportionate contributor to localized air pollution – even though they are only about 4 percent of the vehicles on the road. Through smart and strategic programs and investments, like those featured in this charging program, we can achieve cleaner air in overburdened communities and cost savings for business owners. NJBPU thanks our sister agencies for their partnership in making this program a reality for New Jerseyans.”

NJBPU said it is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources as part of its participation in the RGGI’s Strategic Funding Plan’s “Catalyze Clean, Equitable Transportation initiative. Under the NJBPU program, chargers in the program must be Direct Current Fast Chargers with a 150kW/hr or greater capacity. Selected project locations will be allowed up to six chargers per site. Project selection will depend on grantees receiving project approval from their electric distribution company.

“Increasing the number of zero-emission vehicles on the roads is a key part of New Jersey’s response to climate change and improving health outcomes in our overburdened communities, all while supporting small businesses looking to go green and reduce their carbon footprint,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through innovative programs like the Medium and Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicle Charging Program and NJ ZIP, we will continue to advance Governor Murphy’s whole-of-government approach to building a green economy grounded in creating good jobs and strong, healthy communities.”