NJ Launches $20 Million Grant Programs for Electric School Buses and EV Charging Stations

Funding coincides with National Drive Electric Month and continues state push for cleaner transportation

In recognition of National Drive Electric Month (Sept. 12–Oct. 12), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced the availability of $20 million in grants to accelerate the state’s transition to clean transportation. The funding will support both the purchase of electric school buses and the expansion of public charging stations near housing and transit hubs.

“By making this funding available, we further our commitment to lowering emissions and powering our public transportation with clean vehicles,” said 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.”

The initiative includes:

• $10 million for the Electric School Bus Grant Program, aimed at replacing diesel-powered buses with battery-electric models.

• $10 million for the EV Charging Grant Program, designed to expand the state’s charging network in high-demand areas such as multi-unit dwellings and transit stations.

Electric School Bus Program

Diesel buses, long criticized for producing harmful emissions that disproportionately affect children, will be phased out through targeted grants. School districts and private school bus contractors working with districts may apply for funding.

• Grants will provide up to $350,000 per bus and charging station for projects serving overburdened districts, and up to $320,000 per bus and station elsewhere.

• Applications are due September 26, 2025.

• To date, NJDEP has awarded $55 million for 169 electric school buses statewide.

• Select projects will pilot vehicle-to-building technology, allowing buses to serve as backup power sources.

Grantees will also have access to free technical support through the New Jersey Fleet Advisor program, which offers personalized fleet electrification plans, infrastructure assessments, and cost projections.

“The Sierra Club is pleased to see New Jersey continue to be a national leader when it comes to electric vehicle infrastructure and electrifying our school bus fleets,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, Director of the Sierra Club’s New Jersey chapter. “These historic investments are not only an investment in our children’s future, but in our clean air, in cleaner communities, and in reducing our carbon footprint overall. We thank Governor Murphy and the NJDEP for its commitment to making clean transportation more accessible for all across the state.”

EV Charging Grant Program

As part of NJDEP’s ongoing It Pay$ to Plug In initiative, this competitive grant program will award up to $100,000 per fast charging port installed in qualifying locations.

• Applications are due October 25, 2025.

• As of July 2025, New Jersey has over 1,700 fast charging ports (growing at a rate of 540 per year) and over 3,300 Level 2 charging ports (growing at 682 per year).

• Since inception, the program has funded 60 fast charging ports and 1,705 Level 2 ports, totaling $11 million in incentives.

Broader EV Efforts

New Jersey has already invested over half a billion dollars in clean transportation projects, ranging from passenger EV incentives to electrified port equipment and public e-mobility initiatives. The state now has nearly 250,000 registered electric vehicles, representing 14 percent of new registrations.

Funding for these programs comes from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ Clean Energy Fund, proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), federal investments, and environmental litigation settlements.

Officials emphasized that expanding access to electric buses and charging stations supports both public health and climate goals, while making EV adoption more practical for families and businesses statewide.

More details and applications are available at dep.nj.gov/stopthesoot/electric-school-bus-program/ and dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/dcfcsolicitation/.