New Jersey City University (NJCU) installed a five-charger Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging station on campus with support from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G). The EV charging station is for employees and students that own or lease battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles for commuting to and from campus.

The EV charging station utilizes the Hydra access control system developed by Liberty Access Technologies and includes demand response and load management features. PSE&G provided the university with the chargers and Hydra system free of charge. The utility owns the charging system and collects EV data to analyze the impact and electrical demand. NJCU received funding from the NJ Electric Vehicle Workplace Charging Grant for installation costs and is responsible for electricity costs.

The chargers are available to enrolled participants at no cost for electricity, and parking at the five dedicated EV spots is also free until Dec. 31. Standard parking rates and/or fees will apply beginning Jan. 1, 2018, although NJCU is considering offering a discounted parking rate after Dec. 31.

To use the chargers, participants must obtain an authorization code from Fleet Management to enter into the EV charger keypad. Alternatively, the Liberty Hydra App allows registered users to manage EV charging on their smartphones instead of using the on-site EV charger keypad.

NJCU Fleet Management will oversee and manage the charging stations. This includes registration and enrollment. In addition, the parking department will receive copies of all registered users along with detailed EV data reports on usage. 

NJCU Fleet Management, with the assistance of the Public Safety and Parking departments, hosted a Ride & Drive and EV awareness event sponsored by Nissan on campus. The event, held on July 25, featured five Nissan Leafs. NJCU later arranged an on-site demonstration of the new Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle.  

New Jersey City University, under the leadership of Facilities & Construction Management, plans to install additional EV charging stations for fleet usage. In addition, NJCU plans to replace some gasoline vehicles with electric vehicles. These EVs will be beneficial for security patrol and mail deliveries. EV purchases will depend on capital budget approvals and/or possible grants and discounted programs from manufacturers.

Patrick M. Bartole, CAFM, is the automotive fleet manager for New Jersey City University.