TRENTON, N.J. – A new clean energy program aimed to increase electric vehicle charging stations across the state was approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board last week. The $50 million Take Charge Program will provide funding for charging infrastructure projects for private commercial fleets, helping bring more electric vehicles onto New Jersey’s roadways.
The Take Charge Program will help cover the costs, including hardware and related installation costs, of establishing electric vehicle charging infrastructure for private commercial fleets. Private fleets interested in adopting electric vehicles require consistently available and reliable charging infrastructure but often face high costs for installation and site upgrades necessary for charger operation.
“Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is leading the way in advancing robust programs and initiatives aimed to create a cleaner environment for future generations,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The Take Charge Program will complement the NJEDA’s other clean energy initiatives that support expanding the state’s fleet of electric vehicles, improving air quality, saving businesses money, and bolstering our green economy.”
Earlier this year, Governor Murphy announced that there are over 250,000 electric vehicle registrations in New Jersey, a new milestone in the state’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to 100 percent clean energy.
For-profit commercial organizations with two or more commercial-use vehicles will be eligible to apply for the Take Charge Program. Funding may be used to cover the cost of labor, materials, and equipment associated with new charging stations, including wiring and electric work, on-site renewable energy generation, and upgrades for installation and operation. Click here for a full list of eligibility requirements and eligible project costs. Interested parties with any questions may email [email protected].
The minimum award for the Take Charge Program is $50,000. Awards will be capped at 50 percent of eligible project costs, but the cap may be increased by 5 percent increments if certain criteria are met, including if a project is in an Overburdened Community. An applicant may apply for multiple projects across different sites, as long as the total award does not exceed $5 million. The program is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
This new program builds upon the NJEDA’s continued efforts to put more zero emission vehicles on roads across the state. Earlier this year, the NJEDA approved Phase 3 of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) and the New Jersey Zero Emission Vehicle Financing Program (NJ ZEV), which aims to accelerate the adoption and use of commercial zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles within the state, while reducing harmful emissions. Vendor applications are now being accepted for both programs on a rolling basis, with purchaser applications opening soon.
About the NJEDA
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.