A new initiative to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for private commercial fleets in New Jersey has been approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board. The Take Charge Program, with a budget of $50 million, aims to support the installation of EV charging stations across the state.
The program will provide funding to cover hardware and installation costs for charging infrastructure used by private commercial fleets. Many fleet operators interested in adopting electric vehicles encounter significant expenses related to installing and upgrading sites 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.”
Governor Murphy previously announced that more than 250,000 electric vehicles are registered in New Jersey as part of ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward clean energy.
Eligible applicants include for-profit commercial organizations operating two or more commercial-use vehicles. Funding can be used for labor, materials, equipment associated with new charging stations—including wiring and electrical work—on-site renewable energy generation, and necessary upgrades. Awards start at $50,000 and may cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs; this cap can increase by increments of 5 percent if certain criteria are met such as location in an Overburdened Community. An applicant can apply for multiple projects but cannot exceed a total award of $5 million. The program is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
This initiative follows previous NJEDA actions such as Phase 3 approval of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) and the New Jersey Zero Emission Vehicle Financing Program (NJ ZEV), both intended to accelerate adoption of zero emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles while reducing harmful emissions.
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