Are you considering buying an electric vehicle in New Jersey but have questions about costs, charging needs or available incentives? As a long-time EV owner and New Jersey resident myself, I‘ve compiled this comprehensive guide so you can determine if an EV is right for your driving needs.
I‘ll provide detailed insights into New Jersey‘s booming electric vehicle landscape – from the state‘s growing charging infrastructure to financial incentives that lower EV ownership costs. You‘ll also learn exactly what to expect when it comes to EV pricing, charging expenses, maintenance, and more if you make the switch to electric.
Let‘s explore why New Jersey is rapidly becoming one of America‘s most electric vehicle-friendly states and how you can join the EV movement!
Charging Up Across New Jersey
Offering drivers accessible and reliable charging is critical for electric vehicle adoption. That‘s why New Jersey has invested heavily in incentive programs, partnerships, and policy initiatives aimed at accelerating charging infrastructure growth.
The results have been electric! As of January 2023, New Jersey boasted over 3,200 public charging ports at hotels, retail centers, downtowns, parks, and along major travel corridors. That includes over 1,100 fast charging ports capable of providing 80% charge to most EVs in just 30 minutes.
To put New Jersey‘s progress in perspective, the state now has 33 public charging ports registered per 1,000 EVs. That‘s good for 6th nationally and well above the country‘s average of 26 ports per 1,000 EVs.
Leading private charging networks are also expanding quickly across the state. For example, Electrify America plans to install 32 new charging stations in New Jersey over the next two years. And thanks to policy changes, Tesla Superchargers will soon open to all electric vehicle brands, not just Teslas.
Check out the table below highlighting some of New Jersey‘s most EV-friendly cities based on the number of available public charging ports:
| City | Charging Ports |
|---|---|
| Trenton | 208 |
| Atlantic City | 129 |
| Newark | 83 |
| Jersey City | 57 |
| Princeton | 56 |
This infrastructure growth is just the start. Under New Jersey‘s EV Law, the state is aiming for 330,000 registered EVs by 2025 and 2 million EVs by 2035. Hitting these ambitious targets will require a continued focus on dramatically expanding charging capabilities.
Charging Made Simple
As an EV owner myself, I know just how easy charging an electric vehicle can be. Most drivers take advantage of convenient overnight Level 2 charging at home using a 240V outlet. This provides full charge by the next morning.
Many workplaces now offer Level 2 charging as an employee benefit as well. And New Jersey‘s growing network of DC Fast Chargers positioned at key public locations provide battery boosts in 20-30 minutes while on the go.
Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint make locating over 3,000 public charging ports around the state quick and hassle free. I just plug in my destination and charging needs, and the app maps out compatible stations along my route!
Owning an EV in New Jersey By the Numbers
Still have questions about the costs associated with electric vehicle ownership in New Jersey?
Here I‘ll break down purchase prices, charging expenses, and maintenance costs while also explaining the incentives that can save you thousands over the life of an EV.
Upfront Purchase and Leasing Costs
It‘s true – most electric vehicles still come with higher sticker prices than comparable gas vehicles. Entry-level EVs like the Nissan Leaf start around $28,000, while luxury models like the Lucid Air can surpass $170,000!
However, prices continue to fall as technology improves and more automakers enter the EV space. The average cost for an electric SUV today is around $56,000 before incentives according to Kelley Blue Book. Plus, electric vehicles qualify for federal tax credits up to $7,500 which helps overcome the initial price premium.
In New Jersey, residents who buy or lease are also eligible for strong state purchase incentives that reduce EV costs even further:
| Rebate | Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Up to $4,000 | For EVs with MSRP under $45,000 |
| $2,000 | For EVs with MSRP $45,001 to $55,000 |
These savings create great lease deals and can chop $6,000+ off new EV purchases in New Jersey.
Check out the chart below comparing 5-year cost of ownership averages for common EV models versus their gasoline counterparts. The lower operating costs help EVs recapture their higher sticker prices over time.
Home and Public Charging Expenses
One major factor that influences overall ownership costs is how much drivers pay to charge their vehicle’s battery. Based on New Jersey‘s 2022 average residential electricity rate of $0.164 per kWh, I put together this handy chart showing public and at-home charging estimates for popular EV models:
| EV Model | Battery Size | At-Home Cost per Full Charge | Public Cost per Full Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 55 kWh | $9.02 | $11.88 |
| Tesla Model S | 100 kWh | $16.40 | $21.12 |
| Nissan Leaf | 39 kWh | $6.40 | $8.32 |
With gas prices still averaging over $3 per gallon in New Jersey, charging with electricity continues to save EV drivers hundreds per year fueling their vehicles. Most EV owners charge overnight at home to take advantage of lower electricity rates or free public charging when available.
I‘ll also note that New Jersey‘s utility companies offer incentives that lower the upfront costs of purchasing Level 2 home charging equipment. So conveniently fueling your EV is affordable.
Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Another area where EVs shine compared to gas vehicles is lower maintenance costs. Without oil changes, engine repairs, tune-ups or complex transmissions to service, keeping an electric vehicle on the road is hassle-free!
Industry experts predict EV owners save $6,000-$10,000 over the lifetime of their car compared to gas equivalents when factoring in fuel and maintenance savings. I can personally attest to encountering fewer maintenance issues and expenses over 6 years of EV ownership.
Between New Jersey‘s purchase incentives, cheap home charging rates, and minimal upkeep requirements, going electric can put thousands of dollars back in your pocket in the long run.
Additional EV Incentives for New Jersey Drivers
On top of purchase rebates and charging infrastructure investments, New Jersey offers EV owners other unique incentives that enhance the electric vehicle experience.
For example, the state provides a full sales and use tax exemption on new EV purchases or leases. This means saving an extra 6.625% off MSRP out the door versus gasoline cars. Leasing is common among EV owners, so combined with purchase rebates, New Jersey residents score fantastic lease deals.
The state also issues grants covering 50-100% of home charging installation costs through utility provider programs. And multi-unit apartment building owners can tap into EV charging grants to install convenient charging access for tenants.
I fully utilized New Jersey‘s suite of electric vehicle incentives to lower my out-of-pocket costs. I encourage all drivers considering an EV to determine their potential savings as well!
Going Electric Supports a Sustainable New Jersey
Beyond financial incentives, New Jersey offers intrinsic benefits that come with driving electric. As a resident passionate about sustainability, I‘m proud that plug-in vehicles represent a critical component of New Jersey‘s plan to combat climate change and transform transportation:
- Transportation produces New Jersey‘s largest share of greenhouse gas emissions at 46%
- The state aims to register 2 million EVs by 2035 to reduce emissions
- New Jersey wants 100% clean energy economy-wide by 2050
By purchasing or leasing an EV model rather than a new gas vehicle, individuals support necessary progress toward these goals and breathe cleaner air locally.
Driving an innovative, eco-friendly electric car also sets a sustainability example for communities. I‘ve had neighbors, friends, and family make the EV switch after checking out mine or going for a test ride. I encourage all New Jersey drivers to consider joining the movement as well!
Experience Driving Electric in New Jersey
I hope this guide gave you valuable insights into the incentives available and realistic costs associated with transitioning to an electric vehicle in New Jersey. With ample charging infrastructure across the state, affordable electricity rates and thousands in potential savings, now is a great time to go electric.
Please feel free to reach out with any other questions about making the exciting switch to an EV in New Jersey. I‘m happy to provide additional guidance as an experienced owner. Accelerating adoption today helps ensure our transportation future stays emissions-free for all to enjoy.
