Announces Second Round Grantees and Launches Application Window for Clean Fleet, EV Tourism, and Multi-Unit Dwelling Charger Programs

July 25, 2022

ASBURY PARK – Governor Phil Murphy today announced the launch of Year Three of the State’s popular Charge Up New Jersey electric vehicle (EV) incentive program and also unveiled the State’s new residential EV charger program. Both the Charge-Up New Jersey Program and the Residential Charger Program are key parts of the landmark electric vehicle legislation signed into law by the Governor two years ago. Further, the State released the names of the newest grantees and launched the next application window for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU) three other EV incentive programs.

Today’s announcement represents a major step forward in the growth of the State’s comprehensive and highly successful electric vehicle program. The Charge Up Program is currently the country’s largest cash-on-the-hood incentive program, with a maximum $4,000 incentive. Over the last two years of the program, over 13,000 EVs were purchased or leased with this incentive.

The electrification of the state’s transportation sector, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions, is a key part of the Energy Master Plan, the State’s roadmap to reaching 100 percent clean energy by 2050. By working to reduce emissions from both light- and heavy-duty vehicles, New Jersey is striving to achieve its bold emissions reductions goals while advancing environmental justice across the state. The Murphy Administration’s efforts to increase access to its incentive program complements the State’s measures to safeguard overburdened communities from the disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change. Through the New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds, the State is reducing harmful emissions, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation emissions, and promoting economic opportunity.

“With so much at stake amid the mounting climate crisis, it is imperative that we all do our part not just as New Jerseyans, but as global citizens, to help mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Murphy. “That’s why I’m proud that my administration is doing everything in its power to make the transition to electric vehicles more financially feasible and practical for working families across the state. As we enter Year Three of the Charge Up New Jersey EV incentive program, we remain determined to meet our bold clean energy goals and are confident that thousands more New Jerseyans will take advantage of a program that will continue to bear considerable economic and environmental benefits.”

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy for his vision and leadership on electric vehicles. The Governor’s EV program has been a resounding success in helping us advance toward a clean energy future and today’s event is a great example of that,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Not only do we anticipate a highly successful third year of our Charge Up program but we are equally excited about launching the residential charger program and the next round of our other robust, EV programs. Our goal is not only to encourage New Jerseyans to drive electric, but to ensure they have enough locations all around the state to charge up, regardless of where they live, work or play.”

“New Jersey DEP has awarded nearly $10 million for 1,970 EV charging stations with 3,229 plugs on our corridors, and in our communities,” Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette said. “These charging stations will provide an extensive network of charging opportunities to support cars purchased under the Charge Up NJ program, further enhancing the Murphy Administration’s commitment to electrify our transportation sector, reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate climate change, and put the state even closer to its 100 percent clean energy goals.”

In the first two years of the Charge Up Program the State provided incentives for more than 13,000 vehicles, with a greater concentration in Year Two of providing incentives for more affordable EVs. In Year Three the State will provide incentives of up to $4,000 for vehicles with MSRP’s under $45,000 and incentives of up to $2,000 for vehicles with an MSRP between $45,000 and $50,000.

As of this announcement, all sales and orders made as of 12:01 am on July 25, 2022 at eligible dealerships and showrooms of eligible EVs may apply at the point of sale for their incentive.

Today, the State is also launching the new Residential EV Charger Incentive Program, which offers a $250 rebate for a home charger. This program can be combined with the already existing utility programs, which may cover installation costs.

“Electric vehicles are essential in our transition to a clean economy, which will create local, good-paying jobs while simultaneously combating the growing climate crisis. Electric vehicles are the future, and investments in these vehicles and charging infrastructure will help ensure America leads that future now,” Congressman Frank Pallone said. “Electric vehicles also save Americans tremendous money and are rapidly growing in popularity – by investing in the necessary charging and manufacturing infrastructure, we are making sure that trend can continue and that consumers are able to reliably power their cars across New Jersey and the country. In Congress, I fought to ensure that New Jersey received funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law so we can accelerate our investment in a clean economy and work to reduce carbon pollution.” 

“We have set forth strong goals and incentives to increase the number of electric vehicles on our roads and to make progress toward more accessible charging stations for everyone,” said Assemblyman Dan Benson. “With that comes the need to make it as seamless as possible for homeowners and renters to access charging wherever they live.  As we enter Year Three of the Charge Up New Jersey program, we hope to continue making advancements in accessibility for electric vehicles and charging stations to make the transition to electric cars smooth for the people in our State.”

“New Jersey must do everything possible to reduce and one day eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector,” said Zoe Baldwin, New Jersey Director, Regional Plan Association. “In 2017, RPA’s Fourth Regional Plan called for scaling up incentives for electric vehicles and planning extensive, comprehensive charging networks. Five years later, New Jersey is well on its way toward those shared goals thanks to Governor Murphy’s unwavering commitment to decarbonizing the Garden State. Renewal of the Charge Up New Jersey program along with the suite of incentives for EV charging infrastructure doubles down on those efforts, making it even easier for drivers and businesses to do their part and help our state become cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable.”

The Murphy Administration’s commitment to jump-starting the transition to EVs goes well beyond the Charge Up Program. Over the last two years, NJBPU has approved EV Charging Incentive Programs for Jersey Central Power and Light, Public Service Electric and Gas, and Atlantic City Electric. Additionally, in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) NJBPU launched three new programs, which collectively provided over $12 million in incentives for the purchase of more than 900 Level Two chargers and over 60 Fast Chargers across the state.

NJBPU released a list (link) of all FY22 EV grant recipients and will also be opening the FY23 applications for those programs—Clean Fleet, EV Tourism Charger and the Multi-Unit Dwelling (MUD) Charger Program.

The Clean Fleet program provides grants for government entities for the purchase of electric vehicles and chargers. The Program supports local and state governments as they transition their fleets to electric vehicles. Eligible entities include local schools, municipal commissions, state agencies or boards, state commissions, state universities, community colleges, county government, and county authorities.

The MUD EV Charger Incentive Program was designed to encourage owners and operators of multi-unit dwellings to provide EV chargers for residents and guests. Eligible multi-unit dwellings are apartments, condominiums, or mixed residential locations that feature a minimum of five units and have dedicated off-street parking. This program helps to encourage equitable access to the benefits of the EV transition.

The EV Tourism program provides funding for chargers at tourist locations across the state, encouraging residents and out-of-state travelers to choose NJ to charge up and unwind at one of our many destinations, whether a downtown, shore, or historic site.

Established in the EV Law, the State will provide at least $30 million in annual incentives for the Charge Up New Jersey program for a period of ten years. In FY23, the Board has budgeted $35 million for the Charge Up Program, $5.5 million for the residential charger program, $10 million for Clean Fleet, $4 million of which is dedicated to local government, $6 million for EV Tourism, and $4 million for MUD. The FY23 Appropriations Act includes additional funds for charging infrastructure and electric vehicles to meet the Electric Vehicle Act’s mandate of a 100 percent State fleet by 2035.