The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) recently launched a $725,000 grant program aimed at encouraging the installation of more electric vehicle charging stations around the State.According to the State Board of Public Utilities, there are currently 398 charging outlets at 181 locations in New Jersey, based on data kept by the federal Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. The Bureau of Public Utilities (BPU) President Richard Mroz, said the grant program will encourage greater use of electric vehicles as well as plug-in hybrids, by expanding the infrastructure network needed to keep alternative-fueled vehicles on the road in New Jersey.
Under the first phase of the New Jersey program, reimbursement grants of up to $250 will be offered on a first-come basis for each Level 1 charging station installed, and up to $5,000 for each Level 2 charging station.
Level 1 charging stations provide power through 120 volt lines. Level 2 stations are connected to 240 or 208 volt dedicated circuits.
Public, private, for-profit, non-profit, educational and governmental entities will be eligible for the grants, as well as owners of parking facilities used by commuters or employees of other companies.
New Jersey has also set up a new website (www.drivegreen.nj.gov) that offers information about the program, the types of electric vehicles available, how to charge them, and links to current charging station locations. NJ CAR has two charging stations (one standard and one fast charging) at Coalition headquarters, just a few miles outside of Trenton.