Drive Electric NJ Program Overview
The Drive Electric New Jersey (DENJ) initiative, spearheaded by the New Jersey Clean Cities Coalition, is a collaborative effort to transition the state from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). Through education, infrastructure development, and accessibility, DENJ addresses key barriers to EV adoption, empowering communities to embrace sustainable transportation. The program aligns with the national Drive Electric USA initiative and involves diverse stakeholders, including government officials, fleet managers, utility providers, and local EV advocates. DENJ’s comprehensive approach includes promoting public awareness, engaging key partners, and expanding EV charging infrastructure to accelerate New Jersey’s progress toward cleaner, more sustainable mobility.
As of 2025, New Jersey boasts over 250,000 EVs on its roads, supported by a growing network of public and private charging stations. The state aims to deploy 330,000 EVs as part of its ambitious clean energy goals, including achieving 100% EV sales for light-duty vehicles by 2035. The DENJ initiative is pivotal in reaching these targets by amplifying educational outreach, enhancing dealership engagement, and advancing equity-focused charging infrastructure in underserved communities.
Chapters
New chapters are taking root across New Jersey, creating more opportunities for communities to connect, learn, and lead the way in electric vehicle adoption. These local groups are hubs for collaboration, education, and action—bringing together drivers, businesses, and advocates who share a vision for cleaner transportation. We invite you to explore these chapters, get involved in upcoming initiatives, and help us accelerate the transition to a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
Camden County Air Quality
The Camden County Air Quality Committee (CCAQ) Fleet Transition and Fueling Infrastructure Pillar recognizes that (1) mobile sources of emissions, specifically cars, trucks, and buses are a primary contributor to poor air quality in South Jersey, and (2) transitioning county, municipal, school and large corporate fleets to zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) will help improve ambient air quality in the region and (3) ZEVs are proven to be extensively more cost efficient over vehicle lifecycles. Therefore, CCAQ will aid County, municipal, and corporate fleets in the transition to ZEVS.
Funding Support
New Jersey offers various funding opportunities to support electric vehicle (EV) adoption and infrastructure development. Programs like Charge Up New Jersey provide direct incentives for residents to purchase or lease EVs, including rebates for in-home Level 2 chargers. The Clean Fleet EV Incentive Program targets state and local governments, schools, and nonprofits, offering grants for EV acquisitions and charging stations scaled by population served. These initiatives ensure that individuals and organizations can transition to electric mobility with financial ease while advancing the state’s clean energy goals.
For larger vehicles, programs such as the MHD Electrification Grants and NJ ZIP (Zero Emission Vehicle Incentive Program) incentivize the purchase of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles, with additional bonuses for businesses in environmental justice areas. Coupled with comprehensive charging infrastructure initiatives like It Pay$ to Plug In, New Jersey’s funding landscape is structured to support all EV stakeholders, from individuals to fleet operators, accelerating the shift to a more sustainable transportation future.
Legislative Programs
New Jersey’s forward-thinking policies and legislative support have established a strong foundation for adopting electric vehicles (EVs) statewide. These efforts include robust funding programs, incentives, and regulatory frameworks to encourage EV use and infrastructure development. The NJ EV Program Support graphic illustrates these initiatives, highlighting their critical role in accelerating the transition to sustainable transportation and achieving the state’s ambitious clean energy goals.
Get Involved
Join us in driving the electric vehicle revolution! There are many ways to participate in our initiative, from attending EV showcases and Ride & Drive events to collaborating with us on outreach and education. Suppose your organization is hosting a Drive Electric Week or Earth Day event. In that case, we’d love to help amplify your efforts by featuring your event in our newsletter, website, and social media platforms. Together, we can build momentum for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future in New Jersey!
