NJTPA Update Blog

February 2018

NJTPA Guidebook Helps Municipalities Prepare for Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Posted: 2/14/2018 12:00:00 AM

The NJTPA has developed a guidebook to help municipalities prepare for and encourage increased use of alternative fuel vehicles. Use of the vehicles, particularly electric cars, is expected to grow dramatically in coming years. Along with vehicles powered by natural gas, biodiesel and other fuels, electric vehicles help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, improving the environment and public health, while providing economic benefits.

To develop the guidebook, the NJTPA worked with three pilot communities — Montclair Township in Essex County, the Town of Secaucus in Hudson County and Woodbridge Township in Middlesex County — to develop local readiness plans. These plans help develop an understanding of the alternative fuel vehicle market in each community; identify stakeholders; identify barriers to increased alternative fuel vehicle usage; and develop action plans to help support alternative fuel vehicle market growth.

The guidebook highlights best practices, offers insights into the different types of alternative fuels and includes recommendations for advancing alternative fuel vehicle usage. Among the issues municipalities face, are the need to accommodate electric charging stations on public streets and encourage their installation in new private development, including parking garages in apartment buildings.

The guidebook contains information on zoning and parking regulations; permitting and inspection; stakeholder engagement; and targeted education and outreach.

As of December 2017, 13,194 all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles have been purchased in the NJTPA region, with a large portion located in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth and Morris counties. There are nearly 200 electric vehicle charging stations in the NJTPA region.

The NJTPA supports regional deployment of alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure in both the consumer and fleet markets. Increased use of alternative fuel vehicles supports domestic industries and promotes improved air quality and environmental sustainability.

The guidebook, pilot community reports and a final report are available on the Alternative Fuel Vehicles page.
[February 14, 2018]