How New York and New Jersey focus on subsidy and infrastructure to make electric vehicles commonplace in their states.
What California may get the most attention for promoting of electric vehicles and alternative energy sources, New York and New Jersey are not far behind. Local governments in both states have ramped up incentives and infrastructure investment to ensure a bright future for these vehicles.
Beyond the federal subsidies that are available for all new electric car purchases in the United States, New York and New Jersey have upped the ante by including their own refunds and subsidies. State Governor Anthony Cuomo said that electric car sales in the state had increased 74% ever since New York launched a $2,000 benefit for new electric car sales. Combined with Federal incentives, New Yorkers can purchase brand new electric cars much more affordably than before.
In addition, state lawmakers have also been working with smaller local governments to improve electric charging infrastructure. New Jersey has approved legislation that would create statewide electric car charging infrastructure supporting over 300,000 vehicles.
Investment in infrastructure is just the beginning. While this program is only approved until 2025, New Jersey state government officials believe that this policy can be expanded to 3 million vehicles by 2035.
Finally, both of these states have private companies getting involved in this effort. PSE&G, a local electric utility company has partnered with EVgo to provide new charging stations at rest stops situated on the New Jersey Turnpike. These sites include two fast chargers that are completely free of charge to Nissan Leaf and BMW drivers enrolled in the program.
Together both of these states are doing more than simple subsidies for electric vehicles; they are also investing in the infrastructure and publicly available support for these cars. With enough continued support, New Jersey and New York could dethrone California as the state that is most friendly to electric vehicles and sustainable energy.