New Jersey State Parks will start getting electric vehicle charging stations, NJ-DEP says
For some on the fence about getting an electric vehicle now or in the future, one of their concerns is there are not many electric vehicles charging stations in New Jersey, including here in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
It's not only the amount but another concern along those lines is their location and how long your vehicle would need to be parked there to charge back up again in a public location.
According to an AAA-Mid-Atlantic Poll, 60 percent of people are concerned with higher purchase prices, 60 percent are concerned about not having enough places to charge, 58 percent are concerned about running out of charge when driving, 55 percent are concerned that it's unsuitable for long-distance traveling, 55-percent are concerned about the high cost of battery repair or replacement, and 31-percent are concerned about being unable to install a charging station where they live.
Still, it remains a goal among certain state officials to have gas-powered vehicles go away and have drivers transition over to electric vehicles somewhere between the years 2035 and 2050.
NJ-DEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette explained in September of 2021 that we need to embrace solar and wind energy and reduce carbon emissions to better protect our climate and environment.
"We also have to transition our transportation sector...our trains, our busses, our cars...all account for more than 40 percent of all climate emissions," LaTourette previously told Townsquare Media News. "The biggest thing any one family can do is consider buying an electric vehicle instead of a gas-powered one and our hope is that we, through incentives and regulatory reform, will transition to an all-electric car future by the year 2035."
Part of the reason for the push is because of reports like the one that came out in October of 2021 from Environment New Jersey/NJPIRG Law & Policy Center and Frontier Group, looking at the air quality in New Jersey for the year 2020 which showed several important notes including that we had about 7 weeks of unhealthy air, according to their findings.
Then there is New Jersey U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone who this week came up with a stock market type of approach to try and lower gas prices but also make the ultimate push for electric vehicles by the year 2050.
Electric vehicles are an expense as well, so, you ultimately have to decide whether it's the right option for you and your family, and your living and work situation.
There are many things to think about when it comes to the future pursuit of electric vehicles.
While you ponder, there is some news when it comes to charging them up.
On Tuesday, the NJ-DEP and Commissioner Shawn LaTourette announced that various state parks are getting funding to install electric vehicle charging stations.
The funding is coming from a couple of different sources, according to the DEP, including the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the BPU, stemming from large grants that started to be doled out in March of this year.
So far, two chargers were put in at Liberty State Park in Hudson County with plans from the BPU to put them in more than 60 tourist spots across the state, a plan put into play by the BPU in 2021.
The newly announced NJ-DEP plan is to put chargers in parking lots at these state parks and right now, there are ones in place and ready to charge at Round Valley Reservoir in Hunterdon County with plans to install Level 2 charging stations as well in Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County, High Point State Park in Sussex County, Wawayanda State Park in Sussex and Passaic Counties, as well as Wharton State Forest - Batso Village in Burlington County, according to the NJ-DEP.
“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 LaTourette said in a written statement on Tuesday. “We’re pleased to offer this new amenity and are excited to see park visitors charge their vehicles while enjoying their day outdoors.”
“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,” BPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso said in a written statement issued by the NJ-DEP. “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.”
This week also happens to be recognized as "National Drive Electric Week" according to AAA-Mid-Atlantic, which says the electric vehicle market in the U.S. is growing pretty well.
"The electric vehicle market size in the United States is currently more than $24 billion and is projected to reach more than $137 billion by 2028."
“With higher gas prices this year, we are certainly seeing a lot of interest in electric vehicles,” Bob Kazmierczak, Director of Approved Auto Repairs, AAA Club Alliance, said in a written statement. “There are some basic things to consider before deciding whether to purchase an EV, from daily driving habits to charging plan to the cost of ownership. Drivers should also review all tax refunds and incentives to make sure their purchase would qualify.”
Again though, there are a lot of concerns that many people have about buying an Electric Vehicle.
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