Transportation (Electric Vehicles)

S 2749 requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority to install at least one hydrogen refueling station at every service area on their respective toll roads (Turnpike/Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway) within two years of the law taking effect. The bill mandates that these authorities recover installation and operating costs from motorists who use the stations, based on their individual usage. It directly affects toll road users and the two transportation authorities responsible for implementing the stations. The law defines hydrogen refueling stations as facilities providing hydrogen fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which produce only water vapor as emissions and refuel similarly to gasoline vehicles.

This bill requires owners of low-speed electric bicycles and scooters in New Jersey to obtain insurance coverage and register the vehicles with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). It directly affects anyone who owns or operates these devices, replacing current law that did not require registration or insurance. Key mechanisms include: (1) mandating insurance similar to motor vehicles, (2) creating an MVC registration system with a fee, (3) requiring completion of an online safety training module before registration, and (4) establishing labeling standards for manufacturers. The bill also updates definitions and clarifies that these vehicles must follow bicycle traffic rules where applicable.

This bill requires all public transit bus operators in New Jersey (including state agencies like NJ Transit and local municipalities) to purchase only electric-powered buses for new fleet replacements. Starting in 2030, at least 25% of new buses must be electric, increasing to 100% by 2035. Public entities must begin transition planning in 2025, including staff training, facility retrofits, and reporting on costs and service impacts. The bill also appropriates $82 million annually to support this transition.