New Jersey announces $20 million in funds for electric buses and charging infrastructure
Specifically, the Electric School Bus Grant Program will provide $10 million in grants to school districts and bus service contractors in an effort to replace old diesel buses with electric buses. The other $10 million comes from the DEP’s EV Charging Grant Program and will be issued to install charging stations near multi-unit housing and transit stations.
The school bus grant program is planned to provide up to $350,000 per school bus and charging station in the case of “overburdened school districts,” while the others will receive up to $320,000.
Meanwhile, the charging grant is set up to award up to $100,000 “for each publicly accessible fast charging port located near multi-unit dwellings or transit stations.” The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection writes that it has issued $11 million for 60 fast charging ports and 1,705 Level 2 charging ports throughout the state so far.
So far, New Jersey’s bus funds have awarded more than $55 million for the purchase of a total of 169 school buses, with the latest fleet ordered in April of this year. Further funding is also planned to be made available to “‘eco-hub’ projects that will pilot vehicle-to-building technology at selected schools throughout the state.”
“By making this funding available, we further our commitment to lowering emissions and powering our public transportation with clean vehicles,” commented Governor Phil Murphy. “These electric buses are long-term investments in the health and safety of New Jersey’s children. We are also dedicated to building out our charging infrastructure as more drivers go green.”
Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette added: “Through these grant programs, we are taking significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint, improve air quality, and promote the use of electric vehicles across New Jersey.”
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