New Jersey is swiftly moving away from diesel.
State environmental officials announced nearly $32 million in grants to fund electric school buses and expand public EV infrastructure across the state, marking one of New Jersey’s largest single investments to date in zero-emission transportation.
More than $18 million will support the purchase of 53 electric school buses and 41 fast chargers, while another $13.6 million will fund dozens of new public charging stations near town centers, apartment buildings, retail corridors, and transit hubs statewide.
New Jersey’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions comes at the hands of transportation. Replacing diesel school buses with electric models is two-fold: it speeds up the reduction of pollution while directly improving air quality for children.
According to EV Info, the electric school bus funding is spread across the entire state, with an emphasis on communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Grants were awarded to school districts and bus contractors in counties ranging from Bergen and Essex to Camden and Union.
Electric buses eliminate tailpipe emissions, reduce noise around schools, and lower long-term fuel and maintenance costs for school districts.
The charging grants will install 82 charging stations with 136 fast-charging ports in 16 counties, adding to a growing network of fast chargers. Once complete, NJ will house over 2,000 fast chargers. Funding comes from regional climate initiatives and environmental mitigation settlements.
The investment aligns with New Jersey’s broader zero-emission vehicle strategy released late last year. The plan calls for expanded charging access, updates to the state’s grid, and continued incentives to speed up EV adoption.
New Jersey’s latest move signals a sharp strategy for reducing emissions statewide, and it’s led by electric school buses and a wealth of fast chargers.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.