New Jersey launched year four of the state’s ‘Charge Up New Jersey’ incentive program today. The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) also opened the next application round for three incentive schemes to install EV chargers.
Staying with the vehicles, this latest instalment builds on the success of previous years. In the first three years of the Charge Up scheme, New Jersey said it incentivised more than 16,000 vehicles. When launching the policies in 2020, the state called for two million plug-in cars by 2035 and offered consumers rebates of up to $5,000. These were slightly reduced in round three, but the ambitious target to ban ICE sales by 2035 still stands.
In round four, now open, applicants may receive up to $4,000 for vehicles with an MSRP under $45,000 and incentives of up to $1,500 for more expensive cars offered by dealers at prices between $45,001 and $55,000.
“As we enter Year Four of Charge Up New Jersey, we will continue to establish EVs as an affordable and accessible option for all residents, regardless of their income or zip code,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By investing in electric vehicle affordability and charger access – in addition to enhancing incentives for EVs with lower price points – we will provide every New Jerseyan with an opportunity to reap the full economic and environmental benefits of our transition to a 100 per cent clean energy economy.”
New Jersey bolstered the EV uptake with three infrastructure incentive programs and opened a new round of applications running through November today. The programmes are Clean Fleet vehicles and chargers designed for local and state governments, the EV Tourism charger scheme, and the Multi-Unit Dwelling charger programs for residential applications.
Generally, the latest integration in the FY2024 program offers increased incentive caps based on development size. Further, there is an enhanced incentive for charging stations in lower-income environments, according to the NJBPU.
All chargers in all three programs must also be dual-port, networked chargers on a state-compliant network. Level 2 chargers must be Energy Star compliant.
In detail, the Clean Fleet program provides grants for government entities, including schools, universities, and municipalities, to buy electric vehicles and chargers. This is the first year non-profit organisations may apply. Also new is the opportunity to receive $10,000 towards Class 2b-6 vehicles like garbage trucks, school buses, and shuttle buses.
The EV Tourism Charger Program provides incentives to install EV chargers on New Jersey’s tourist sides. These can include hotels, parks, and other historical sites. Hosts may apply for up to six Level-Two chargers and two DC fast chargers through the program.
Lastly, the MUD EV Charger Incentive Program encourages owners and operators of multi-unit-dwellings tp provide EV chargers for residents and guests. Eligible entities must have a minimum of five units and dedicated off-street parking.
For homeowners charging at home, the Charge Up Residential Charger Program provides a $250 rebate for approved chargers. That program remains open in FY2024.
At the end of 2022, there were 91,560 electric vehicles on the road in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Keyword: New Jersey opens next round of e-mobility incentives