Murphy announces further expansion of electric vehicle initiatives, with a caveat

From a podium in Asbury Park, Gov. Phil Murphy announced today the continuation of the Charge Up New Jersey electric vehicle (EV) incentive program and the launch of a new residential charger program, two steps that he said help New Jersey fight global warming.

“With so much at stake amid the mounting climate crisis, it is imperative that we all do our part not just as New Jerseyans, but as global citizens, to help mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Murphy said in a statement. “That’s why I’m proud that my administration is doing everything in its power to make the transition to electric vehicles more financially feasible and practical for working families across the state.”

According to a press release from the governor’s office, the Charge Up New Jersey program has awarded more than 13,000 incentives for EV purchases since its launch in 2019; the new residential charger program will add an additional $250 incentive for home EV chargers.

The program has not been without its difficulties, however. As reported by NorthJersey, it has temporarily shut down several times due to fund shortages, and the current maximum $4,000-per-vehicle incentives represent a decrease from the $5,000 incentives that have been offered in years prior.

Board of Public Utilities records say the reduction is designed to “allow the existing funding to go further and provide more incentives for EVs in New Jersey,” according to NorthJersey. The Charge Up program has a budget of $35 million, and another $29.5 million is split across various other programs, including the new residential charger program as well as other initiatives to transform the state vehicle fleet and provide chargers in tourist areas.

The state has lofty long-term goals for EV usage, including a 100% electric state vehicle fleet by 2035, which would help put the state on the path to using 100% clean energy overall by 2050. 

“Electric vehicles are essential in our transition to a clean economy, which will create local, good-paying jobs while simultaneously combating the growing climate crisis,” Rep. Frank Pallone (D-Long Branch) said today. “Electric vehicles are the future, and investments in these vehicles and charging infrastructure will help ensure America leads that future now.”