What Charge Up Does and Who It's For

New Jersey's Charge Up program is a state rebate that reduces the cost of installing a home or workplace electric vehicle charging station. The program reimburses you for part of the equipment and installation costs after you buy and install a charger yourself. It is not a loan — you pay upfront, then submit documentation to receive money back from the state.

The program is open to New Jersey residents and businesses that own or lease a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). You must install the charger in New Jersey, and the charger must meet specific safety and performance standards set by the state.

Charge Up is run by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and administered through a third-party contractor. The program has a set annual budget, and rebates are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out for that year.

Key Takeaways

  • Charge Up reimburses you for the cost of a Level 2 home or workplace charger and its installation, up to a maximum amount that varies by charger type and location.
  • You must purchase and install the charger yourself, then submit receipts and proof of installation to the BPU contractor to receive your rebate.
  • The charger must be installed at your primary residence, a second home in New Jersey, or a workplace, and must meet state-approved equipment standards.
  • Funding is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so the program may close once the annual budget is exhausted.
  • The rebate process typically takes several weeks to months from submission to payment, depending on how quickly you gather and submit all required documents.

Rebate Amounts and Charger Types Covered

Charge Up covers Level 2 chargers only — the standard home and workplace charging equipment that plugs into a 240-volt outlet. The program does not cover DC fast chargers or basic 120-volt chargers. Level 2 chargers are the most common choice for home use because they charge a typical electric vehicle fully overnight.

The rebate amount depends on where you install the charger. For a charger at your primary residence, the rebate covers up to a set percentage of the equipment and installation cost, with a maximum dollar amount. For a second home or workplace charger, the rebate may be lower or have different terms. The exact amounts change based on program funding and state policy, so you should check the current program details on the BPU website or through the program administrator before you purchase equipment.

The rebate covers both the charger hardware itself and the cost of professional installation, including any electrical work needed to support the new circuit. You cannot use the rebate for chargers you already own or have already installed — the charger must be new and purchased after you enroll in the program.

How to Enroll and Submit Your Rebate Request

The first step is to enroll in Charge Up before you buy your charger. You will need to create an account through the program's online portal, which is managed by the BPU's contractor. During enrollment, you will provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) to confirm you own or lease an may be able to access electric vehicle, your New Jersey address, and details about where you plan to install the charger.

After enrollment is confirmed, you can purchase your Level 2 charger and hire a licensed electrician to install it. Keep all receipts from both the charger purchase and the installation work — you will need these to prove what you spent. The charger must be installed by a professional; DIY installation does not may have access to for the rebate.

Once installation is complete, you submit your rebate request through the same online portal. You will upload photos of the installed charger, copies of your receipts, proof of installation (often a signed work order from the electrician), and confirmation that the charger is operational. The program administrator reviews your submission to verify that the charger meets state standards and that all costs are reasonable.

Charger Equipment Standards and Safety Requirements

Not every Level 2 charger on the market qualifies for Charge Up. The charger must be UL-certified (Underwriters Laboratories), which means it has passed safety testing and meets electrical codes. It must also be networked or "smart" — capable of communicating with the grid or a network operator — or meet other technical specifications set by the BPU.

The charger must be installed by a licensed electrician in New Jersey and must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all local building codes. The electrician is responsible for ensuring the installation is safe and legal; if the installation does not meet code, the rebate will be denied. Before you hire an electrician, confirm that they understand Charge Up requirements and have experience with EV charger installations.

Some charger models are pre-approved by the program, which can speed up the review process. You can check the list of approved chargers on the program website or ask the program administrator which models currently may have access to.

Timeline and Payment Process

The timeline from enrollment to payment varies. Enrollment itself is usually quick — often approved within a few days if your information is complete and your vehicle is confirmed as may be able to access. However, the full rebate process depends on how quickly you install the charger and submit your documentation.

After you submit your rebate request, the program administrator reviews your process, photos, and receipts. This review typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be longer if the program is processing a high volume of requests or if your submission is missing information. If there are questions about your installation or costs, the administrator will contact you to clarify.

Once your rebate is approved, the payment is issued by check or direct deposit, depending on the program's current payment method. You should receive payment within a few weeks of approval. If your submission is denied, the program will explain why and may give you the chance to resubmit with corrected information.

What Happens If the Program Runs Out of Funding

Charge Up has a fixed annual budget. Once that budget is spent, the program stops accepting new enrollments until the next funding year. This means that if you enroll late in the year, there is a risk that the program will close before you can submit your rebate request.

If the program closes while your rebate is pending, your process will be processed using available funds, but you may not receive payment until the next funding cycle. If you enroll after the program closes, you will be placed on a waitlist and can enroll again when funding becomes available.

To avoid delays, enroll early in the year and complete your installation as soon as possible after enrollment. You can check the program's current status and remaining budget on the BPU website or by contacting the program administrator directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Charge Up if I lease my electric vehicle?

Yes. The program is open to both owners and lessees of may be able to access battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. You will need to provide your lease agreement or registration as proof of vehicle ownership or lease status during enrollment.

What if I already installed a charger before enrolling in Charge Up?

You cannot receive a rebate for a charger that was installed before you enrolled in the program. Charge Up only covers new chargers purchased and installed after your enrollment is confirmed. If you installed a charger before learning about the program, you are not may be able to access for that installation.

Can I install a charger at my workplace instead of my home?

Yes, but the rebate amount may be different. Charge Up covers chargers at your primary residence, a second home in New Jersey, and workplaces. Check the current program details to see the rebate amount for workplace installations, as it may be lower than the residential rebate.

What if my charger stops working after I receive the rebate?

The rebate is a one-time payment for the purchase and installation of the charger. If the charger fails or needs repair after you receive your rebate, that is your responsibility as the owner. The program does not cover repairs or replacements.

Do I need a specific type of electrical panel or home setup to may have access to?

There are no specific home requirements to enroll in Charge Up, but your home's electrical system must be capable of supporting a Level 2 charger. Your electrician will assess your panel and wiring during the installation process. If your home needs significant electrical upgrades, those costs are included in the installation price and are may be able to access for the rebate.