Raritan NJ
9-10-2025 12:47pm

Powering Ahead for Somerset County

(For Immediate Release – Somerset County, NJ): Powering Ahead for Somerset County, the 12-month study funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Subregional Studies Program, will focus on reducing emissions, identifying electric vehicle (EV) charging corridors, and determining which county-owned properties can support the installation of EV charging stations for public and county-owned vehicles. This effort positions Somerset County as a leader in sustainable transportation.

“The Board of County Commissioners is committed to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our residents,” said Commissioner Sara Sooy, liaison to the NJTPA Board of Trustees. “With more people making the switch to electric vehicles, this study will ensure we have the infrastructure and planning in place to support them. By reducing pollution, improving air quality, and creating convenient charging options, we’re not only helping current families, commuters, and businesses, but also laying the groundwork for future generations to thrive in a greener community.”

In 2023, Somerset County became the first county in New Jersey to deploy electric vehicles for public transportation. To further create an eco-friendlier future for residents, Somerset County will continue to transition its fleet of gas and diesel-powered vehicles to alternative carbon-neutral fuels like electricity. This gradual switch will also advance the environmental outcomes established in the 2018 Somerset County EV Readiness Plan and the 2021Somerset County Climate Change Resolution.

The new study will also work to identify and designate alternative fueling locations along major roadways to install future charging stations, electric vehicle service equipment (ESVE), and other infrastructure for alternative fueling.

To further support the study, the Somerset County Department of Engineering & Planning has created a dedicated webpage that will keep residents updated on public outreach initiatives. The events, which are intended to solicit feedback and suggestions from residents, municipalities, and local businesses, will include community pop-ups, public meetings, focus groups, online surveys, mapping exercises, an equity analysis for underserved communities, and workforce development and training for building an EVSE maintenance workforce.

Upcoming Public Event Dates:

Public Zoom Meeting

  • Thursday, September 18, 2025, 6-8 p.m. To learn more about registration, visit bit.ly/46kemUh

Public Pop-Up Events

Residents are encouraged to reach out with any questions or comments regarding the project by contacting evstudy@co.somerset.nj.us.

To learn more about Somerset County, register for free email alerts at somersetcountynj.gov/subscribe or follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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