The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum across the U.S., and New Jersey is at the forefront of this green shift. If you’re considering car rental New Jersey or purchasing an electric car in New Jersey, you’re in luck. The state offers a host of incentives, rebates, and infrastructure to make your transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future easier. Whether you’re a first-time EV driver or a seasoned roadster, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about electric vehicles in the Garden State.
What Are Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles, commonly referred to as EVs, are cars that run on electric power instead of traditional gasoline. There are two main types of EVs:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These vehicles are powered entirely by electricity and must be plugged in to recharge.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): These vehicles combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine, offering the option to charge the battery or use gas when necessary.
EVs are gaining popularity for their environmental benefits, low running costs, and quieter performance. If you’re considering renting or buying an EV in New Jersey, the state has created the perfect environment for this transition with numerous rebates, incentives, and charging infrastructure.
How Many EVs Are There in New Jersey?
New Jersey is making significant strides in the EV adoption race. As of December 2022, there are 91,515 electric vehicle registrations in the state, which include both BEVs and PHEVs. This number represents 8% of all new car sales, a considerable increase from only 338 EVs on the road a decade ago.
New Jersey ranks among the top 10 states for EV registrations per 1,000 people, with figures jumping from 2.58 EV registrations per 1,000 people in 2018 to 9.80 per 1,000 in 2022. The state also accounts for 3.26% of all electric vehicles registered in the U.S., reflecting its growing commitment to EV adoption.
This surge is largely driven by the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Program, which began in 2004. This program has significantly boosted EV ownership by offering benefits like state sales tax exemptions.
Incentives for Electric Cars in New Jersey
One of the biggest reasons to switch to an EV in New Jersey is the wide array of rebates and incentives available to buyers and renters. These perks help reduce the upfront costs of electric vehicles, making them more accessible to a broader range of people. Some of the key incentives in New Jersey include:
- Charge Up New Jersey Program: Offers up to $4,000 in rebates for the purchase or lease of a new all-electric vehicle.
- EV Charger Incentive: If you purchase an eligible EV charger for your home, you could receive up to $250 as a rebate. This can also be combined with other utility incentives to help reduce installation costs.
- Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Tax Exemption: New or used all-electric vehicles in weight classes one to eight are exempt from the 6.6% state sales tax, saving you a substantial amount when buying, leasing, or renting an EV.
- EZ Pass Green Pass Discount: EV drivers are eligible for 10% off-peak toll discounts on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike with an EZ Pass account.
- HOV Lane Access: EVs are allowed to use High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of the number of passengers in the car, providing faster routes during peak hours.
- New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP): Small businesses and institutions can receive vouchers for purchasing zero-emission medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.
These incentives make it a smart financial decision to drive or rent an electric car in New Jersey, especially with rising gas prices and increasing environmental concerns.
EV Charging Network in New Jersey
One of the most important considerations when driving an electric car is access to charging stations. Fortunately, New Jersey has a rapidly expanding EV charging network, with nearly 1,000 charging stations already in place. In fact, the state is planning to add 240 more charging ports, ensuring that you can easily find a charging station whether you’re at home, work, or on the go.
Charging stations in New Jersey offer a variety of Level 2 chargers, which are commonly found at public locations like shopping centers, workplaces, and service areas along highways. Many of these stations even offer free charging.
For those in a hurry, DC Fast chargers are also available at certain locations. These chargers provide a much quicker charge but may be slightly more expensive compared to Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. While charging at home is usually more affordable, public chargers offer the flexibility you need when you’re out on the road.
As a bonus, some automakers offer free charging or charging credits at certain stations when you buy or lease an electric vehicle, helping to further reduce your costs.
Renting an EV in New Jersey
If you’re not ready to commit to owning an electric vehicle but want to experience the benefits of driving one, renting an EV is a great option. Hertz is one of the many car rental companies offering electric vehicle rentals in New Jersey. With a variety of electric car rental options, you can choose a model that fits your needs, whether it’s a sleek sedan or a roomy SUV.
Renting an EV is a great way to familiarize yourself with the vehicle and its features. It’s especially ideal for first-time EV drivers who want to understand the driving experience without making a long-term commitment.
Why Choose an EV in New Jersey?
The benefits of owning or renting an electric vehicle in New Jersey extend beyond incentives and rebates. Here are a few other reasons why EVs are an excellent choice in the Garden State:
- Environmental Impact: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them an environmentally friendly choice that reduces your carbon footprint.
- Lower Operating Costs: Charging an electric car is typically cheaper than refueling a traditional gas-powered vehicle, saving you money in the long run.
- Maintenance Savings: EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, which means lower maintenance costs over time.
- Government Initiatives: New Jersey is committed to achieving zero-emission transportation by 2035, and the state continues to improve its EV infrastructure and incentives to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Conclusion
New Jersey is leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicles, offering a wide range of incentives, rebates, and charging infrastructure to make it easy for residents and visitors to embrace the electric future. Whether you’re considering renting an EV from Drive Pro Fleet, purchasing one, or simply curious about the benefits of electric car ownership, the state has made the process accessible and rewarding.
With the growing EV network, financial incentives like Charge Up New Jersey, and the state’s commitment to a greener future, there’s no better time to step into the world of electric vehicles in New Jersey. So, whether you’re ready to buy or just want to try an EV for the first time, New Jersey is the perfect place to drive toward a more sustainable tomorrow.
