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NJ Invests $32 Million in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. -million-in-electric-vehicle-infrastructure.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 21:37 GMT by NJ.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES

TRENTON, NJ - February 5th, 2026 - New Jersey is doubling down on its commitment to a sustainable future with the disbursement of $32 million in grants dedicated to bolstering electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The funding, stemming from the state's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, represents a significant leap forward in the adoption of electric school buses and the expansion of public EV charging stations across the Garden State. Announced earlier this week, the initiative will directly impact 17 school districts and 12 municipalities, positioning New Jersey as a leader in clean transportation.

The $32 million investment is strategically divided, with $23.9 million earmarked for the purchase of 48 new electric school buses, and $8.1 million allocated to the installation of 38 public charging stations. This dual approach addresses two critical components of the EV ecosystem: providing clean and safe transportation for students, and alleviating range anxiety for EV drivers by expanding access to readily available charging options.

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette hailed the grants as "a huge win for New Jersey's children, communities, and environment." The Commissioner emphasized the direct impact on air quality, particularly in school zones, highlighting the benefits for vulnerable populations exposed to harmful emissions from traditional diesel buses. The transition to electric school buses isn't simply about environmental concerns; it's about public health, especially for children who are more susceptible to respiratory issues.

The program prioritizes projects within disadvantaged communities, reflecting a commitment to environmental justice. By focusing resources on areas disproportionately affected by pollution, New Jersey aims to ensure that the benefits of clean transportation are equitably distributed. This targeted approach addresses historical inequities and promotes a healthier environment for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status. The selection criteria for grant awards demonstrably favored proposals demonstrating a clear benefit to underserved populations.

The school districts set to receive funding include Bayonne, Elizabeth, Franklin Township, Irvington, Jersey City, Lakewood, Montclair, Newark, Paterson, Perth Amboy, Plainfield, Sayreville, Trenton and Vineland. These districts are now poised to modernize their fleets, reducing their carbon footprint and offering students a quieter, cleaner ride to and from school. The sheer scale of this implementation--nearly 50 new electric buses--will have a demonstrable effect on local air quality.

On the municipal front, Bloomfield, Camden, East Windsor, Harrison, Jersey City, Kearny, Linden, Montclair, Newark, Orange, Piscataway, and Trenton will all benefit from the installation of new public charging stations. This expansion of charging infrastructure is crucial for fostering wider EV adoption, as convenient and accessible charging options are essential for overcoming consumer hesitancy. The addition of 38 stations will significantly contribute to closing the charging gap, particularly in urban and suburban areas.

Transportation Commissioner Eileen Sheehan underscored the long-term vision behind the investment, stating that it "will help us meet our clean transportation goals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a healthier environment for all New Jerseyans." She further connected this initiative to Governor Phil Murphy's broader ambition of achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2050. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program is a cornerstone of this ambitious plan, demonstrating a proactive approach to climate change mitigation.

Beyond the immediate environmental and health benefits, the program is expected to stimulate economic growth. The manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of electric buses and charging stations will create new jobs and attract investment in the clean energy sector. New Jersey is actively positioning itself as a hub for EV technology and innovation.

Looking ahead, the state plans to continue expanding the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, exploring opportunities for public-private partnerships and leveraging federal funding opportunities. The long-term goal is to create a comprehensive and accessible EV charging network that supports a fully electric transportation system. Pilot programs exploring vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, where electric buses can feed energy back into the grid during peak demand, are also under consideration. This would further optimize the use of renewable energy and enhance grid resilience.