The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) awarded more than US$1 million in grants for the installation of electric vehicle chargers at 24 key tourist destinations across the Garden State as part of the State’s Electric Vehicle Tourism Program.
The tourism destinations range from Hudson County to Atlantic County and locations in between. The grants will cover 50 Level-Two chargers and 11 DC Fast Chargers. Four of the grant awards announced are being made to the City of Asbury Park, which will go to support the installation of four public charging stations in the city.
“Over the past four years, our Administration has worked rapidly to make EV ownership in our state practical and easy,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s grant awards will greatly improve EV infrastructure in tourist destinations across our state, encouraging EV-owning New Jerseyans and out-of-state tourists to visit these areas and improve the local economy while contributing to our battle against climate change. With forward-thinking initiatives like this, New Jersey continues to lead the nation in building a green economy.”
The Electric Vehicle Tourism Program eliminates barriers to purchasing electric vehicles by investing in electric vehicle infrastructure and reducing range anxiety for residents and tourists visiting New Jersey. Expanding infrastructure across the state is critical to moving New Jersey closer to Governor Murphy’s goal of 330,000 EVs by 2025. Encouraging the use of Electric Vehicles is also an important part of reducing transportation emissions and achieving the Governor’s goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050.
“With the announcement, New Jersey continues to lead on reducing our emissions from vehicles through electric vehicle infrastructure investment,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, president, NJBPU. “We are driving more people to our state’s many historic, recreational and cultural treasures while promoting a cleaner, greener future. As we recover from the pandemic, this initiative will help EV drivers discover more of the Garden State by giving tourists a place to plug-in and unwind.”
The NJBPU received 94 applications, 24 of which were awarded. Also, the NJBPU announced the Electric Vehicle Tourism Program opened on March 21, 2022 for the second round of applications. The second round of applications will close on May 16, 2022.
“New Jersey has a lot to offer to travelers from in and out of state and Asbury Park is one of the state’s premier tourist destinations. The EV Tourism program will add to Asbury Park’s appeal and give EV drivers greater access to the vast amenities in our state while reducing emissions and increasing the amount of EV charging stations,” said Senator Vin Gopal.
The EV Tourism Program provides the following grants to eligible applicants accepted for participation:
- An incentive of $2,000 for an eligible Level-Two Charger and an incentive of 50 percent of the make-ready costs, up to US$ 5000.
- An incentive of 50 percent of the cost of a Direct Current Fast Charger (“DCFC”) and the associated make-ready costs, up to US$ 75,000.
- Locations would be limited to six (6) Level-Two EV Chargers and two (2) DCFCs per site.
- Grants will be provided as reimbursements.
The following 24 applications have been approved in the first round of solicitations:
Grant awardees are diverse, ranging from overnight lodging establishments to boardwalks and parks. Vehicle electrification is a fundamental pillar in meeting the Governor’s clean energy goals. Through comprehensive statewide infrastructure improvements, New Jersey is moving closer to the goals established by the Electric Vehicle Act, which includes the installation of 1,000 Level-Two Chargers and 400 DC Fast Chargers for public use by December 31, 2025.
“We are incredibly thankful to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for helping promote a sustainable future for the State of New Jersey in providing these grants as part of the State’s Electric Vehicle Tourism Program,” said Mayor John Moor, “Asbury Park has led the charge along the Jersey Shore to help reduce our carbon footprint with electric vehicle charging stations. Not only do they serve as an amenity for visitors, but they improve accessibility for our residents throughout the City.”
The EV Tourism Application and Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.njcleanenergy.com/e
