How to Save $7,000 on Your Home EV Charger in New Jersey

• JCP&L’s EV Driven program offers up to $7,000 in incentives for home EV charger installation.
• EVs cost one-third the price of gasoline per mile, providing major savings.
• New Jersey has 1,738 public EV charging outlets across 788 locations.

The electric vehicle (EV) industry stands at a crossroads, with tremendous potential ahead—but it’s not without its obstacles. Here at Electrify News, we’ve been right in the middle of this evolving scene, seeing both the opportunities and the hurdles firsthand. One thing has become abundantly clear: the industry’s over-reliance on sustainability messaging is holding back broader EV adoption. We need to rethink how we position EVs to the mainstream consumer, and it starts by moving beyond the tired narrative of “saving the planet.”

Don’t get me wrong, sustainability is crucial. Reducing emissions and cutting down on our reliance on fossil fuels are important long-term goals. But most consumers aren’t thinking about that when they’re deciding what car to buy. They’re focused on practical benefits that improve their daily lives. That’s where EVs have a real opportunity to shine, and where the focus should be.

Take Jersey Central Power & Light’s (JCP&L) EV Driven program, for instance. It’s one of the few programs that makes EV ownership easier by addressing a pain point that mainstream consumers care about: the cost and convenience of charging.

The program offers up to $7,000 in incentives to prepare homes for EV charging stations, covering everything from electrical upgrades to utility improvements like new poles and transformers. This program makes it easier and cheaper for consumers to fuel their cars at home, which is a practical benefit anyone can appreciate.

Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy New Jersey, hit the nail on the head when he said, “New Jersey is a top-five state nationally for electric vehicle sales, and we are excited to make it easier for JCP&L customers to prepare their properties for at-home EV charging.” This focus on ease and practicality is exactly what the industry needs more of—because if it’s not easy for the average consumer, it’s not happening.

What today’s consumers care about is saving money, convenience, and enjoying their vehicle. EVs cost as little as one-third the price of gasoline per mile, and with ranges between 80 and 516 miles, today’s models can handle most commutes with ease. Add in the ability to charge at home and avoid gas stations entirely, and you’ve got a compelling argument for everyday buyers.

When it comes to the “fun factor,” EVs deliver a driving experience that’s far superior to many traditional gas-only cars. With instant torque, smooth acceleration, and high-tech interiors, your daily commute turns from a chore into something you actually enjoy.

Meanwhile, New Jersey’s strong EV infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with over 1,738 publicly accessible charging outlets across 788 locations, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This growing network provides more options for charging, whether you’re at home, on a road trip, or simply on the go, making it even easier to live with an EV.

The industry’s message needs to reflect this practicality and excitement. Talking about mandates and sustainability goals is a sure way to alienate potential buyers who aren’t already sold on the green agenda. Instead, we should be showcasing how EV charging stations are convenient, how EV chargers can be installed at home with ease, and how owning an EV actually saves you money over time. The focus should be on the cost of ownership, the ease of charging, and the undeniable fun of driving an electric vehicle.

As the state continues to push for higher EV adoption through programs like JCP&L’s EV Driven, and with plans to make 100% of new car sales electric by 2045, it’s crucial that we get the messaging right. We need to emphasize the everyday benefits that make EVs relevant to the lives of mainstream consumers. The industry can either continue preaching to the choir with sustainability narratives, or it can start speaking the language of practicality and excitement that today’s buyers respond to.

IMAGES: ANDERSEN EV, ELECTRIFY EXPO, CORY HEWITT

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