New Jersey has reached a significant milepost by surpassing 200,000 electric vehicle registrations, demonstrating increasing consumer confidence in these vehicles and the availability of charging infrastructure, the state announced today.

Nearly 208,000 battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or EVs, are now registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, more than double the number of EVs registered in the state just two years ago.

Transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and move the state to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future has been a core priority for the Murphy Administration, which has implemented some of the nation’s most progressive programs to incentivize purchases of EVs and ensure the availability of charging infrastructure to help consumers overcome “range anxiety.”

In 2016, there were 10,911 EVs registered in the state. This grew to 91,515 by the end of 2022. As of the most recent reporting available, the number of EVs in September of this year was 207,268, a doubling since 2022 that has resulted from strong policies, increasing consumer demand, vehicle availability and choice, and expansion of charging infrastructure.

As of June 30, Lakewood had the fifth-most electric vehicles on the road, with 1,746 vehicles registered, trailing Princeton, Monroe, Edison and Livingston. Princeton, which is also one of the wealthiest municipalities in the state, had the most, with 3,141 electric vehicles. For comparison, Lakewood has 56,498 “light duty vehicles” registered with the state.

Although Lakewood does have the fourth-most residents in the state, over half of those are below the age of 18.

The increase in electric vehicle sales comes despite the recent phase out of the Electric Vehicle Tax Exemption. Until now EV buyers in the state were exempted from paying the state’s sales tax but now have to pay a 3.3% sales tax. Starting July 1, 2025, all electric vehicles sold will be subject to New Jersey’s sales tax of 6.625%.

Manufacturers are currently offering 57 EV models to consumers in New Jersey.

The number of charging ports in the state has increased exponentially in the last few years, due in large part to New Jersey incentive programs such as It Pay$ to Plug In, EV Tourism, and the Multi-Unit Dwelling EV Charger Incentive Programs.

For comparison, in 2016, there were just 150 charging ports in the state. There are now more than 4,000 publicly accessible charging ports and thousands more are expected to be funded and come online over the next year.

Earlier this year, in response to an “Ask The Mayor” question submitted through TLS, Mayor Ray Coles said Lakewood Township will soon be installing electric vehicle charging stations in Township parking lots in the “near future.”

There are currently 16 charging ports in Lakewood.