The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) board approved a new clean energy program aimed at increasing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state. The $50 million Take Charge Program will fund 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 EV charging infrastructure for private commercial fleets. Private fleets interested in adopting electric vehicles require consistently available and reliable charging infrastructure, but they 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.”
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.
The minimum award for the Take Charge Program is $50,000. Awards will be capped at 50% of eligible project costs, but the cap may be increased by 5% 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 if 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 III 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.
