New Jersey Surpasses 250k Electric Vehicle Registrations Amid Climate Week Milestone

State EV registrations increased 15% since December 2024 as infrastructure expands and incentive programs continue to support clean transportation.

New Jersey has officially exceeded 250,000 registered electric vehicles (EVs), marking a major milestone in the state’s transition toward cleaner transportation during this year’s Climate Week observance.

As of September 2025, more than 254,444 EVs are registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, representing a 15% increase since December 2024. This accelerated growth aligns with a broader state effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand zero-emission vehicle adoption across sectors.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the transportation sector remains the state's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Cars and trucks contribute approximately 21% of manmade emissions that lead to the formation of ground-level ozone or "smog" during the warmer months.

“By continuing to expand charging infrastructure and cater to consumer preferences by incentivizing electric vehicle purchases, we will reduce the impact of cumulative transportation emissions on our climate for future generations. We will also grow a healthy market that increases consumer choice for cleaner and more affordable vehicles and creates good-paying jobs," said Governor Murphy.

EV Growth Tied to Infrastructure and Incentives

The rising number of EVs on New Jersey roads is supported by a growing network of over 1,700 publicly accessible fast-charging ports and more than 3,300 Level 2 charging ports. State programs continue to add several hundred new chargers annually to meet growing demand.

This progress is largely backed by state-administered incentive programs and infrastructure investments aimed at easing the transition to EVs for both consumers and fleet operators:

• Sales and Use Tax Exemption: Zero-emission vehicles—whether new, used, leased, or purchased—are currently exempt from sales and use tax. This exemption is set to begin phasing out on October 1, 2024.

• It Pay$ to Plug In: This grant program offsets the cost of purchasing and installing EV charging stations for businesses, municipalities, and multi-unit dwellings.

• Partnership to Plug In: A statewide collaboration focused on rapidly expanding EV infrastructure, particularly in underserved and high-traffic areas.

• Destination Electric: A regional campaign aimed at showing drivers how EVs can be integrated into everyday life without inconvenience.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles Remain a Focus

While medium- and heavy-duty vehicles account for only 4% of all vehicles on New Jersey roads, they are responsible for nearly 25% of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these emissions remains a key focus of the state’s long-term clean transportation strategy.

The growth in EV registrations indicates not only increased consumer confidence in the reliability and practicality of electric vehicles, but also the effectiveness of statewide efforts to reduce emissions in the most polluting sector.

For more information on New Jersey’s electric vehicle programs and incentives, visit https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen.