GIGAWATTS ON TAP: Hoboken to Receive Funding for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

(ABOVE: Dramatization)

The City of Hoboken has announced it will receive a $70,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to purchase, install and maintain up to 14 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the Mile Square City—including City-owned garages and public locations.

The grant for the electric vehicle charging stations through Pay$ to Plug In – New Jersey’s Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program.  These stations are anticipated to be installed in City parking garages (including Garage B and Midtown Garage) on Washington Street in front of City Hall, and in parking lots at the Public Works Garage and Hoboken Fire Headquarters locations later this year—with details for public use to be announced in the coming months.

“We want to make it easier for residents to own electric vehicles, which help reduce air pollution and emissions from traditional cars and improve our local environment,” said Mayor Bhalla. “This award for electric charging stations is the latest example of Hoboken’s commitment to pursuing green initiatives as a part of our Climate Action Plan, and I thank Governor Murphy and the State DEP for their partnership.”

This announcement comes on the heels of Hoboken announcing a commitment to renewable resources for its municipal operations in an effort do its part in mitigating the impact of climate change. The Public Works Garage and Hoboken Fire Headquarters charging stations will allow the City to phase electric vehicles into its municipal fleet.

Of course Hoboken has a vested interest in combating climate change, with 79% of the city falling within the FEMA flood zone. The town was devastated in 2012’s Superstorm Sandy, while routine heavy rainfall still creates serious flooding in various locations throughout Hoboken.

As part of the plan to consume renewable resources, 28% of Hoboken’s clean, renewable electricity for municipal operations will be generated within New Jersey by wind and solar energy, while 72% will be supplied by wind energy generated out of State.

Of course electric cars still need roads (no matter what you may have seen in the movies). Hoboken’s main thoroughfare, Washington Street, will hopefully see its redesign completed by the time these innovative new charging stations are installed.

Then you’ll just need to find a place to a park your electric car…

Also a dramatization…

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