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The New Jersey Electric Deployment Authority (NJEDA) recently announced that it would be expanding its electric vehicle voucher program to heavy-duty vehicles. This announcement came on the heels of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ approval of an order that sets out the parameters for building publicly accessible, light-duty electric vehicle charging stations. The voucher program is intended to help institutions and businesses purchase new, zero-emission vehicles.
New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) allocates $7 million for electric vehicle vouchers
The state’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP), which launched as a $210,000 pilot in 2019, has increased its allocation for electric vehicle vouchers. The program awards grants to state and local government entities for purchase and installation of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. The funding increase includes increased award caps and is intended to boost the effectiveness of the program. Governor Phil Murphy has set a goal of converting 25% of state-owned vehicles to zero-emission cars by 2025.
In addition to the NJEV voucher program, the Clean Tech Seed Grant Program aims to grow clean energy and clean tech companies in New Jersey. The program helps move discoveries from the research phase to commercial viability and industry interest. To accomplish this goal, the state’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Board of Public Utilities (BPU) have agreed to allocate up to $2 million in clean energy funding in July 2021. These funds will expand the scope of the CleanTech R&D Voucher Program.
The Governor’s Solar Act was signed by former Governor Chris Christie in July 2012. The law required the state to generate 4.1% of its electricity from solar power by 2028. New Jersey met the revised goal in April 2020, making it the sixth-largest solar producer in the country. It was also the third largest producer of electricity from small-scale solar generating systems. It generated 6.5% of all the electricity produced in New Jersey in 2020.
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approves order setting parameters for building-out publicly accessible, light-duty electric vehicle charging stations
A recent Board of Public Utilities approval approved by the New Jersey Public Service Commission expanded the eligibility criteria for EV Charging Grants. The new program also covers workplace charging stations for employees and fleet vehicles, public places (downtown areas, transit centers, recreation destinations), and multi-family dwellings. These are the types of charging stations most often seen along busy roads and highways.
This order aims to improve the public’s use of electric vehicles, and will make EVs more affordable. The price of charging for EVs will be competitive with the price of gasoline. Customers can pay using a smartphone, tap card, or the program’s website. Parking spaces will be reserved for EVs that are actively charging. Non-EV drivers may be ticketed.
The state’s Clean Fleet Electric Vehicle Incentive Program aims to encourage local governments to adopt EVs. The program is funded through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. With this program, local governments can purchase charging stations through the State Purchasing Contract while submitting an application for grant funds. Applicants are encouraged to apply for the program if their jurisdiction has a high percentage of low-to-moderate-income (LMI) residents.
NJEDA Board expands eligibility to include heavy-duty vehicle classes
Last month, the NJEDA Board approved 144 applications for zero-emission medium-duty vehicle vouchers. The agency anticipates giving out another two to four hundred vouchers this year. Nearly 90% of applicants are small businesses, with 57% of them being minority and women-owned. While this year’s application count was small, NJEDA expects to add 200 to 400 more vouchers, allowing local businesses to apply for the vouchers.
A recent expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emissions Incentive Program (ZZIP) aims to encourage more businesses in the state to switch to zero-emission vehicles. This expansion of the program will result in an additional $45 million in funding. This funding will go toward approving two hundred and forty new vouchers, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Since the program was first announced in 2013, the NJEDA has approved 144 applications, giving out $32.2 million in vouchers.
The expansion of the program will provide financial and technical assistance to small businesses interested in making the switch to zero-emission vehicles. It will also advance clean energy goals and protect public health. To make the process easier for small businesses, the NJEDA will partner with a New Jersey university to offer technical assistance for businesses interested in applying for vouchers. The NJEDA Board expects to open applications for the voucher program in the coming months.