Case Study: Publicly Accessible Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Bedminster Township, Somerset County

Opportunity/Challenges
The “It Pay$ to Plug In” program provides grants to businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, multi family residences, and educational institutions to offset the cost of purchasing electric vehicle charging stations. The program is designed to expand New Jersey’s growing network of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, allowing residents, businesses, and government agencies to purchase and drive electric vehicles without worrying about a place to charge. Vehicle electrification will also reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change impacts.

Partners
DEP and the Raritan Headwaters Association.

Action
The Raritan Headwaters Association purchased and installed a Level 2 EV charging station at Fairview Farm, 2121 Larger Cross Rd, Bedminster in 2019. They were reimbursed $6,000 through the “It Pay$ to Plug in” grant program. This covered 60% of the cost. The rest was covered by a private donation. They chose to install a ChargePoint pole mounted dual port system by their barn complex to give users easy access and the opportunity to explore the Raritan Headwaters Association campus and trail systems while their vehicle is charging. The charger is free for public use. The Raritan Headwaters Association is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects water in our rivers, our streams, and our homes. Their vision is that everyone within their reach has access to safe, clean water that is swimmable, fishable, and above all, drinkable.

Funding/Resources
The reimbursement program reduces the cost of purchasing and maintaining Level 1, Level 2 and Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging stations at qualifying locations including public, workplace, and multi-unit dwellings. Public and private entities may participate in the program.  For Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, both publicly accessible chargers and restricted use chargers are eligible. For DC Fast Chargers, only publicly accessible chargers that are open 24/7 year round are eligible.

Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, and as part of a competitive process for DC Fast Chargers. Eligible costs include the costs of the charging stations, associated delivery and activation fees, warranty, maintenance agreement and network subscription for up to five years, and a leasing contract (if necessary). The following are not eligible costs: make-ready, installation, purchase or rental of real estate, other capital costs (e.g., construction of buildings, parking facilities, etc.) or general maintenance (i.e., maintenance other than of the charging equipment). Upon completion of work in accordance with the eligibility criteria and grant agreement requirements, DEP will reimburse each applicant for eligible costs, up to a maximum of: • Level 1: $750 per Level 1 charging port; • Level 2: $4,000 per Level 2 charging port. Reimbursement amounts for DC Fast Chargers range from $75,000 – $200,000 per location based on the power level of the chargers and whether they are located on government or private property.

For more information on how to apply for a grant from It Pay$ to Plug In, go to  DEP| Drive Green NJ | It Pays to Plug In

To be notified about competitive solicitations for DC Fast Chargers, sign up for the Stop The Soot mailing list at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NJDEP/subscriber/new?topic_id=NJDEP_195

For information about utility incentives for EV charging, visit https://njdepwptest.net/wp-content/uploads/drivegreen/ippi/utilitysummary.pdf

If you have questions about this program, send an email to Drivegreen@njdepwptest.net.

Results and Benefits
Owners of electric cars can now use the charging station at the Raritan Headwaters Association headquarters while hiking or doing other activities at their farm. EVs dramatically reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality for everyone. EVs are a key part of any efforts to reduce emissions and boost economic activity.