May 23, 2024
New Jersey Electric Vehicle Laws Shaping EV Adoption
6 Min. Read
New Jersey has been a strong supporter of electrification, with the adoption of a mandate to gradually phase out ICE vehicle sales by 2035. The state has also developed a legal framework that supports the development of an electric vehicle (EV) charging network while creating incentives to make EV purchases appealing to consumers.
Upcoming changes to New Jersey EV law could be a setback for consumers eyeing an EV purchase, but the statewide EV mandate will remain in place. As a New Jersey resident, you can expect to see the public charging infrastructure grow in the near future.
Read on to learn more about New Jersey electric vehicle laws and how these measures are creating a sustainable and resilient energy future for the Garden State.
How Does New Jersey View Zero-Emission Vehicles?
New Jersey is following in California’s footsteps with the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule, a mandate that sets electric vehicle sales targets for manufacturers until new ICE vehicle sales are completely phased out by 2035.
This law sets requirements for automakers rather than imposing restrictions on consumers, prompting investments from the private sector and encouraging manufacturers to offer higher-performing and affordable EVs.
The state is also supporting EV adoption with a provision in the New Jersey Sales and Use Tax Act that creates a sales and use tax exemption on EV purchases.
In 2021, New Jersey adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, which echoes the state’s EV mandate for medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
The state is electrifying its public fleets with Statute 48:25-3, a rule that requires public fleets to adopt EVs by the end of 2025 and sets reporting requirements. You should also see more electric buses on the roads with Statute 27:1B-22 setting acquisition requirements for public transit buses and grants for electric school buses.
For consumers, zero-emission vehicles are generally seen in a positive light, considering the more than 140,000 EVs on the roads. However, unpredictable funding availability for Charge Up incentives and an ongoing effort to phase out the EV sales tax exemption are sending mixed messages.
Electric Vehicle Charging Basics in New Jersey
New Jersey has outlined a statewide charging plan in Statute 48:25-3 that establishes targets for developing a public EV charging infrastructure. This New Jersey EV law calls for the creation of 400 DC Fast Charging stations and 1,000 Level 2 charging stations by the end of 2025.
The state has adopted extensive make-ready requirements to ensure new construction projects can meet the growing demand for EV charging. These requirements apply to multifamily EV charging and require new developments to have 5% of parking spaces with EV charging and 15% of spaces equipped for the future installation of EV chargers. If you live in a multifamily unit, you can use the state’s Right to Charge law to install an EV charger.
Similar make-ready requirements exist for new non-residential development projects, and you’ll continue to see more EV charging stations appear thanks to the state’s Energy Master Plan supporting the creation of incentives for EV charging.
New Jersey EV Law and Its Impact on the EV Industry
Adopting the Advanced Clean Cars Act II made New Jersey one of the 12 states with EV mandates. The combined efforts of these states to set gradual targets for EV adoption are prompting automakers to emphasize battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in their lineups. In the future, we could see lower MSRPs and other incentives from the EV industry in an effort to meet these targets.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection also passed a rule stipulating that EVs must retain at least 70% of their battery capacity for the first ten years or 150,000 miles. This rule will go into effect in 2026 and will likely encourage innovations from manufacturers.
Learn More About New Jersey EV Laws
The Alternative Fuels Data Center has a comprehensive list of laws and incentives that apply to EVs in New Jersey. You can also learn more about the Charge Up incentives on the program’s official website or check the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Drive Green website for additional resources on electrification programs.
New Jersey City EV Ordinances
New Jersey is giving cities and townships the authority to oversee electrification at the local level with guidelines for approving charging projects and model ordinances municipalities can use to implement make-ready requirements.
Overall, most cities are implementing make-ready requirements that align with the statewide measure, but some cities are going further by focusing on public EV charging. For instance, Jersey City is currently in the process of deploying public EV charging stations as part of the city’s sustainability agenda. The city’s municipal code also includes provisions for offering free EV charging and regulating charging rates.
Important Upcoming New Jersey EV Laws
There is an ongoing project to phase out the sales tax exemption on EV purchases in New Jersey, which could be a setback for meeting the state’s electrification goals.
Another proposed New Jersey EV law could introduce a $250 annual registration fee for EV owners to contribute to the state’s transportation trust fund. Businesses could also qualify for tax breaks for deploying EV charging stations or adopting electric fleets if Bill S210 is adopted.
Do You Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger in New Jersey?
The answer is yes. You’ll have to apply for a permit to install a home EV charger since this process requires electrical work.
A licensed electrician can plan an electrification project that meets all the local electrical and building requirements and apply for the necessary permits on your behalf.
For more information to determine if your EV charger installation will need a permit, read Do I Need a Permit to Install an EV Charger At Home?
What Do I Need to Know About Charging My EV in New Jersey?
New Jersey is actively developing its charging infrastructure, but with only 1,200 public EV charging stations, the current charging network is relatively limited.
At-home charging will likely be your best option, and you can offset the cost of this project by taking advantage of a $250 rebate available through the state’s Charge Up program, in addition to exploring incentives offered by utility providers.
Plan Your At-Home EV Charging Project With Qmerit
New Jersey is in the process of phasing out new ICE vehicle sales and going fully electric, encouraging manufacturers to boost EV efficiency and actively developing a strong EV charging infrastructure.
Now is an ideal time to consider an EV purchase since the sales tax exemption could soon be phased out, and you can take advantage of different state and utility incentives to help cover the cost of at-home EV charging, and Qmerit can help.
About Qmerit
Qmerit is the most trusted EV charger installation partner recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, businesses, utilities, and homeowners alike.
With over 450,000 EV charging installation projects, we’re the largest and most experienced network of EV charging station installers in the country and are ranked #1 in customer satisfaction across North America!
Join us in our mission to transform our planet to a more sustainable, energy-resilient, electric-powered future. Contact us today to learn more about EV adoption and at-home charging in New Jersey or complete our online EV assessment to receive a custom quote for more information.
