May 7, 2024
New Jersey Electric Vehicle & EV Charging Statistics
6 Min. Read
With a statewide measure to phase out new ICE vehicle sales by 2035 and strong incentives to support electric vehicle (EV) purchases, New Jersey is on a successful path to electrification.
As the state develops a charging infrastructure that can support this bold vision for the future, EV owners will have increasing access to public EV charging stations in New Jersey. However, rolling out this charging infrastructure is an ongoing process.
Let’s take a closer look at the state of EV adoption in New Jersey and what you can expect when it comes to charging on the road and at home.
New Jersey Electric Vehicle, EV Charging Statistics
As of June 2023, there were over 123,000 registrations for battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) in New Jersey. This number reflects the positive impact of incentives designed to lower the upfront purchase price of EVs.
For example, New Jersey residents taking advantage of the state’s Charge Up incentive to save on an EV purchase or lease can save over $3,000 on an EV purchase, on average, and more than $800 when purchasing a PHEV with this program. This is in addition to available federal funding and incentives.
With approximately 1,200 public EV charging stations throughout the state, New Jersey has a somewhat limited charging infrastructure but given the size of the state, it is still relatively robust. Most of these stations have been financed through the state’s It Pay$ to Plug program, illustrating the importance of issuing grants to support electrification.
With over $22 million in NEVI funding awarded to the state for 2024, you will see more EV charging stations in New Jersey in the near future. The state also plans to add over 200 stations to electrify its main highways and has distributed a combined $12 million in grants to fund EV charging projects at tourist destinations, for non-profit fleets, and at multifamily properties.
Electric Vehicle Charging Costs in New Jersey
Charging costs can vary based on where and how you charge, but you can typically maximize savings by charging at home or taking advantage of free public charging.
Public EV Charging Costs in New Jersey
Pricing varies from one charging network to another, and charging levels can also impact charging costs. For instance, the city of Hoboken is currently partnering with two EV charging operators as part of its Climate Action plan. The first operator offers free Level 2 charging and charges $0.49 per kWh for DC Fast Charging, while the second operator uses an hourly model that translates to paying $1 per hour of Level 2 charging and $3 per hour when idling.
Costs are higher in Camden County, where you will pay as much as $2.50 for an hour of Level 2 charging.
How Much Does At-Home EV Charging Cost in New Jersey?
With an average residential rate of $0.1759 per kWh, charging at home tends to be significantly more affordable than public charging but can cost slightly more compared to what EV drivers pay in other states.
However, it’s possible to offset the cost of at-home EV charging by taking advantage of New Jersey’s deregulated energy market to compare energy rates and switch to a more affordable utility provider.
Most utilities have also implemented Time-of-Use (TOU) programs with lower rates or bill credits for charging your EV during off-peak hours. For instance, you can earn a bill credit of $0.105 per kWh with PSE&G and $0.02 per kWh with Jersey Central Power & Light.
How Much Does Installing an At-Home EV Charger Cost in New Jersey?
Installing a Level 2 at-home charger typically costs between $800 and $2,000 once you factor in the cost of high-quality materials and skilled labor, but keep in mind that any necessary electrical updates or more complex installation needs can increase the cost of your EV charger installation.
As a New Jersey resident, you can save up to $250 by taking advantage of the EV charger rebate available through the Charge Up program; you may also qualify for additional savings through your utility provider. For instance, PSE&G offers a rebate of up to $1,500 on your EV charging installation project, while Atlantic City Electric covers 50% of the cost of electrical upgrades to make your home EV-ready with a limit of $1,000.
If you apply for the $250 Charge Up rebate and quality for the full $1,500 rebate from PSE&G, you might be able to offset the entire cost of your home electrification project—or at least reduce it significantly
Are there any Free Public Electric Car Charging Stations in New Jersey?
You can find a few free EV charging stations in New Jersey, but access to free public charging remains limited and shouldn’t be your primary charging strategy.
Jersey City is one of the best places for EV owners in New Jersey, with over 50 free charging locations. Newark is next best, with around 40 free locations, and Atlantic City is another standout option, with close to 30 free charging stations.
Where Can You Find EV Charging Stations in New Jersey?
You’re more likely to find EV charging stations in major cities since charger distribution reflects EV ownership trends. Statewide grants are also actively supporting the development of charging along Alternative Fuel Corridors and at popular tourist landmarks, and you should soon find more EV charging options in these areas.
This map will help you locate EV charging stations in New Jersey.
How Much Electricity Is Needed to Charge an Electric Vehicle Every Day in New Jersey?
The amount of electricity or amps needed to charge an EV varies depending on your driving habits and the performance of your vehicle. On average, EVs have a range of three to four miles per kWh, which means you would need approximately 25 to 33 kWh to drive 100 miles.
As a New Jersey resident, you will likely consume less electricity compared to EV drivers in other parts of the country due to traffic congestion. Slowing down and stopping regularly allows your EV battery to recharge thanks to regenerative braking, a factor that can extend your driving range and reduce your energy consumption.
Exploring Other Electrification Technologies in New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the best states for investing in residential solar, thanks to sales and property tax exemptions. You should also think about battery storage to store the renewable energy you produce or charge up when your utility provider is offering a low TOU rate.
Combining at-home EV charging with solar energy and battery storage gives you more control over charging costs and eliminates your dependence on the power grid. Plus, given that only 8% of the electricity produced in New Jersey comes from renewable sources, investing in residential solar is an effective way of reducing the environmental impact of electrification.
EV Charging in New Jersey Made Easy with Qmerit
New Jersey is currently the sixth state with the most EVs, and EV adoption will continue to grow as the state enforces its mandate to phase out new ICE vehicle sales by 2035 and supports EV purchases and leases with incentives.
However, finding EV charging stations in New Jersey can be somewhat challenging, and the state still has a long way to go when it comes to building a charging infrastructure that can support its electrification goals. Meanwhile, at-home charging remains the best option for most EV owners, and it pays to leverage solar incentives to invest in solar EV charging.
As the largest network of certified EV charger installers in North America, Qmerit is the most trusted EV charger installation partner recommended by automakers, EV charger manufacturers, utilities, businesses, and homeowners alike.
But don’t just take our word for it. Rated #1 in customer satisfaction, Qmerit’s experienced network of certified electricians has installed more than 450,000 EV charging stations in homes and businesses across the U.S. and Canada!
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