An EV is any car, truck, bus, or commercial vehicle that is partially or completely powered by a high-capacity battery that can be charged from an external source. These include all-electric vehicles, also called battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and plugable hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These vehicles can charge their batteries by drawing electricity directly from the grid and other off-board electrical power sources. In contrast, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are fueled with liquid fuels, like gasoline, but use small batteries to recapture energy otherwise lost during braking (ultimately boosting fuel economy). PHEVs can use off-board electricity for power, which classifies them as EVs, but can also use liquid fuels and operate similar to HEVs if necessary. Please visit the U.S. DOE’s EV information page for more information.

The total cost of ownership for electric vehicles is similar to or lower than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. While EVs have a higher upfront cost as compared to ICE counterparts, the lower fuel and maintenance costs often result in a lower total cost of ownership (Argonne National Laboratory). In addition to the long-term savings, there are state and federal incentives to help offset the upfront cost for vehicles and charging stations.

EVs mitigate climate change. The average electric vehicle charged on New Jersey's electricity grid generates 2440 lbs CO2e per year, as compared to 11,435 lbs CO2e for the average gasoline vehicle (Alternative Fuels Data Center). In other words, EVs charging in New Jersey generate less than 1/4th the emissions of gasoline vehicles. In addition, EVs require less oil. Full EVs do not require any oil changes. Hybrids require fewer oil changes.

There is an ever-expanding list of places to charge EVs. Some prospective EV owners worry about finding places to charge their vehicles while away from home, a phenomenon known as "range anxiety." However, public EV charging options are growing every day. EV charging maps, such as the U.S. DOE’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle EV Charging Station Finder and PlugShare allow consumers to see the availability of public EV charging in their area.

The range of an all-electric vehicle is much longer than most people would drive without a break. EV ranges run from 250 to over 500 miles, depending upon battery capacity, and driving style. This gives a range of 4 to 8 hours of driving time. With the recommendation to stop for a break every 2 hours, this should give ample opportunity to recharge well before remaining drive time becomes an issue. There are apps available to plan routes to take advantage of charging stations at optimal locations along the way.

Roadside charging services are growing. Roadside service companies, as well as some EV retailers, provide the same sort of refuel service for EVs that they provide for conventional vehicles. Just as with gasoline, they will provide enough of a charge to drive to the closest EV charging station. This service may be limited in some areas, but coverage is growing.

EVs are safe. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has found equivalent if not superior safety for EVs versus conventional vehicles.

EVs come in a variety of sizes and models. There are a variety of models available today, from small hatchbacks to pickups to heavy-duty trucks. The U.S. DOE’s Alternative Fuel Vehicle AFV Vehicle Search shows the range of vehicles available.

The Borough passed ordinance 28-508 Electric Vehicle Supply/Service Equipment (EVSE) and Make-Ready Parking Spaces in 2021. This ordinance covers both the requirements for EVSE inclusion in new commercial and multi-family dwellings, and the permitting requirements for all such installations. The ordinance is intended to facilitate the installation of EVSEs and ensures that no unnecessary obstacles.