NJ To Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations At Six State Parks, Forests
It was officially announced today (September 27th) that six state parks in New Jersey are among the latest recipients of funding to install electric vehicle charging infrastructures.
Back in March, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities awarded more than $1 million in grants which included $45,000 to the New Jersey State Park Service for 10 Level 2 charging stations at parks and forests across the state. Later in the year, BPU announced another round of awards, which included $150,000 for two DC fast chargers that will be installed at Liberty State Park in Hudson County.
“The availability of EV chargers at scenic and recreational destinations throughout the state encourages residents and out-of-state travelers to choose New Jersey to charge up and unwind at any of our many destination points, whether it’s a park, down the shore, or at a historic site,” Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said in a press release. “We’re pleased to offer this new amenity and are excited to see park visitors charge their vehicles while enjoying their day outdoors.”
The Department of Environmental Protection has prioritized which properties to receive the chargers based on electrical feasibility, parking lot layout and structure, and the number of daily and overnight visitors. Two charging stations are in place and operational at Round Valley Reservoir (Hunterdon County). Other properties scheduled to receive two Level 2 charging stations include Cheesequake State Park (Middlesex), High Point State Park (Sussex), Wawayanda State Park (Sussex and Passaic), and Wharton State Forest – Batsto Village (Burlington).
The charging stations were made possible with funding assistance from the BPU as part of its Electric Vehicle Tourism grant program, which provides funding for chargers at tourist locations across the state.
“During the last two years, the Board has taken substantial steps to build out its electric vehicle incentive program and a robust electric vehicle charging network,” said BPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso in a press release. “Our EV Tourism program is helping ease range anxiety for residents and visitors alike to the many wonderful attractions our state offers like our State Parks. All of our EV incentive programs are aimed directly at reducing the 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey that come from vehicles.”
A timeline for the installation and operation of the 10 Level 2 charging stations and the two fast chargers will be announced at a later date.
For more information on electric vehicles, visit www.drivergreen.nj.gov.
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