EV Chargers and the History of Electric Vehicles in the Garden State
The first sign of an electric vehicle in New Jersey was in 1904, manufactured by the Lansden Company. John Lansden and William Little based their company out of Newark, focusing mainly on trucks. The vehicles ran off of storage batteries created by the one and only, Thomas Edison. By 1908 Edison was controlling the company, and by 1911 John M. Lansden left his namesake organization and Edison sold the company due to financial struggles. The company lived in Pennsylvania and New York, before settling in Connecticut in 1921 and dismantling in 1928, due to the vastly dropping production of electric cars, and the rise of gas guzzlers. Thanks, Henry Ford.
By 1997 Japan released the world’s first mass-produced hybrid electric vehicle, the Prius. It was in 2000 when the car was released worldwide with a smashing success. Since then, electric and hybrid cars have been gaining popularity immensely. Major car manufacturers are now producing their own versions of these vehicles. One of the most important ways to incentivize people to purchase an electric car is by developing a nationwide charging infrastructure. People are more willing to make the switch knowing that they will have places to charge their car, the way they know there will always be somewhere to fill their gas tank.
New Jersey has a plethora of incentives when it comes to electric vehicles and chargers. The U.S. Department of Energy compiled a list of all the incentives the Garden State has to offer for EV owners, and we have it right here:
New Jersey's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. Plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.
Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Tax Exemption
ZEVs sold, rented, or leased in New Jersey are exempt from state sales and use tax. This exemption does not apply to partial ZEVs, including hybrid electric vehicles. ZEVs are defined as vehicles that meet California Air Resources Board zero emission standards for that model year.
Click here for more info on this tax exemption.
Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV Charging Station Rebate
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ (NJBPU) Charge Up New Jersey program offers point-of-sale rebates to New Jersey residents for the purchase or lease of a new light-duty EV. Rebates vary based on vehicle purchase price the vehicle’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated all-electric range are available in the following amounts:
Click here for more info on the Residential Incentive Program.
Click here for more info on the Charge Up Residential Charger Program.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Electrification Grants
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) offers incentives to cover the incremental cost of replacing diesel vehicles with all-electric vehicles. Incentives are available for the 100% of the incremental cost of the vehicle, including associated charging infrastructure. Eligible vehicles include shuttle buses, school buses, garbage trucks, and transit buses. Privately-owned school buses under contract with a public-school district are also eligible. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities. This program is funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) proceeds.
Click here for more info on Vehicle Electrification Grants.
Plug-In Electric Vehicle Toll Discount Program
New Jersey Turnpike Authority's Green Pass Discount Plan provides a 10% discount on off-peak New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway toll rates for drivers of vehicles that have a fuel economy of 45 miles per gallon or higher and meet the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standard. Vehicles must register with New Jersey E-Z Pass.
Click her for more info on receiving a discount on your E-Z Pass.
Clean Truck Replacement Program
New electric yard tractors are unveiled at Red Hook Container Terminal in Port Newark, New Jersey on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. (Michael Sol Warren | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s Truck Replacement Program provides funding for up to 50% of the cost to replace a heavily emitting truck or up to $25,000, whichever is less. Eligible recipients include independent owner operators and licensed motor carriers servicing the port with drayage trucks equipped with Model Year 1996 to 2003 engines. Funding is limited to two replacement trucks per eligible applicant. Additional rules and conditions apply.
Click here for more info on the Clean Truck Replacement Program.
Reduced Propane Fuel Tax
The tax imposed on propane used to operate a motor vehicle is equal to half the tax paid on the sale or use of gasoline, or $0.0525 per gallon.
Click here for more info on the Reduced Propane Fuel Tax.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Grants
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides grants through the It Pay$ to Plug In: New Jersey’s Electric Vehicle Workplace Charging Grant Program (Program) to support plug-in electric vehicle adoption and EV charging station installation. Reimbursement grants are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for the cost and installation of eligible EV charging stations at workplaces, government and educational facilities, non-profits, and multi-unit dwellings.The Program is part of New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan.
Click here for more info on the Charging Station Grants.
Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) Weight Exemption
A NGV may exceed the state's gross vehicle weight limits by a weight equal to the difference between the weight of the vehicle with the natural gas tank and fueling system and the weight of a comparable vehicle with a diesel tank and fueling system. The NGV maximum gross weight may not exceed 82,000 pounds.
Click here for more info on the weight exemption.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Fleet Grant Program
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities offers local and state government entities grants of up to $4,000 for the purchase of a new or pre-owned EV and up to $1,500 for the purchase of an EV charging station. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with award amounts limited based on government entity type and population size.
Click here for more info on the grant program.
Medium-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Voucher Program
The New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) will pilot a voucher program for the purchase of new, medium-duty ZEVs registered in New Jersey. Commercial, industrial, or institutional organizations located, or primarily operating, within the Greater Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, and greater Shore areas are eligible to apply. Vouchers are available for up to 100% of purchase price amounts, based on the following weights:
Vehicles must be purchased through qualified vendors, after receiving voucher approval. Additional funding is available to qualified woman-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses. Funding may not be combined with other state incentive programs unless applicants meet multiple requirements. Funded by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
These are just the incentives the state government has to offer. Private utility companies, such as PSE&G or Atlantic City Electric, offer other incentives and rebates for residents and businesses with electric vehicles. You can find more information about private incentives, including laws and regulations here.
Interested in installing solar or an EV charger? Click here for $500 cash back on solar installation! Just fill in your info and Solar Me will get right back to you.
Citations
For a more in depth history of the electric car in the United States check out: https://www.energy.gov/articles/history-electric-car
Written by Jessica Maliszewski | November 4, 2022