Drive the Future: Maximizing NJ EV Incentives at Kia of Riverdale

Upgrading your daily drive has never been more rewarding. At Kia of Riverdale, our team wants to give drivers an accessible way to step into all-electric driving. Whether you navigate the local streets of Pompton Plains, commute daily from Wayne, or take weekend excursions to the scenic Paterson Great Falls, moving to an electric vehicle brings real, measurable benefits — fewer tailpipe emissions, lower maintenance costs, and a thrilling driving experience from the very first mile.

For residents in Fairfield, Franklin Lakes, and beyond, New Jersey’s state and utility programs can meaningfully reduce the cost of going electric. This guide breaks down every available NJ EV incentive so you can understand exactly what you may qualify for before visiting Kia of Riverdale.

Important: New Jersey’s Charge Up NJ rebate program is funded on a fiscal-year basis and has periodically paused when funds are fully allocated. Always verify current availability at chargeup.njcleanenergy.com before purchase. Our team is also happy to confirm current program status when you visit or call.

Charge Up NJ Rebate — Up to $4,000 at the Point of Sale

The State of New Jersey offers a direct tool to lower your upfront cost: the Charge Up NJ Instant Rebate. Unlike a federal tax credit, this incentive is deducted directly from the price of the vehicle at the dealership at the time of purchase or lease — no waiting until tax season.

Key eligibility requirements for the FY2026 program:

• Vehicle MSRP must be $55,000 or below at time of transaction.
• Must be purchased or leased at a participating New Jersey dealership.
• Buyer must remain a New Jersey resident for at least two years after the vehicle transaction date.
• Only fully battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are eligible — plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) do not qualify for this rebate.
• Income-qualified buyers must pre-qualify for the Charge Up+ tier before the vehicle transaction.

Because New Jersey’s sales tax rate is 6.625% and now applies to electric vehicles (effective July 1, 2025), the $1,500 base rebate effectively offsets a significant portion of that tax obligation on qualifying vehicles. Buyers who qualify for the Charge Up+ tier at $4,000 can reduce their out-of-pocket cost substantially further. Visit chargeup.njcleanenergy.com to check current funding availability and, if income-qualified, to pre-apply for Charge Up+ before your visit.

Home Charging Incentives — Wake Up to a Full Charge

One of the most practical shifts when switching to an electric vehicle is how you “refuel.” Rather than stopping at a gas station, most EV owners charge at home overnight and wake up to a full battery every morning. For homeowners in Bergen and Passaic counties, New Jersey and local utilities offer financial support to make that setup even more affordable.

The combination of the state charger rebate and available utility credits means most homeowners in Pompton Plains and Wayne can offset a large share of the cost of setting up home charging. Utility credits through PSE&G and JCP&L are subject to independent provider approval and funding availability — contact your utility directly to confirm current program status before installation.

NJ Green Pass: Save on Every Toll Commute

Commuting into the city from North Jersey takes time and money. EV ownership helps with both. New Jersey’s Green Pass discount program rewards drivers of qualifying electric vehicles with a 10% discount on off-peak tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway — applied automatically through your NJ E-ZPass account.

To qualify, your vehicle must meet the California Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard and achieve at least 45 MPG equivalent — criteria that all battery-electric vehicles, including the Kia EV6, Kia EV9, and Kia Niro EV, comfortably meet. Enrollment requires a New Jersey NJ E-ZPass account and proof of vehicle registration. Note that NY or PA E-ZPass accounts do not qualify for NJ Green Pass savings.

Off-peak hours (when the discount applies): all times except Monday–Friday 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m., and all weekend hours. For the typical North Jersey commuter traveling outside peak windows, this discount adds up to meaningful annual savings. Contact NJ E-ZPass at 888-288-6865 to enroll after purchase.

Your Combined NJ EV Savings at a Glance

When you stack all available programs, the financial case for going electric in New Jersey is substantial. Here’s a summary of what income-qualified buyers could access at maximum benefit:

*Maximum figures assume income qualification for Charge Up+ tier, full utility credit approval, and all programs funded at time of purchase. Not all buyers will qualify for all tiers. See disclaimer below for full details.

Eligible Kia EVs at Kia of Riverdale

The Charge Up NJ rebate applies to fully battery-electric vehicles only — plug-in hybrids do not qualify. At Kia of Riverdale, our BEV lineup eligible for the state rebate (subject to MSRP cap) includes:

*Subject to program funding availability at time of purchase. †Kia EV9 higher trims may exceed the $55,000 MSRP cap and would not qualify. Confirm eligibility with our team before purchase.

Kia of Riverdale also carries a full lineup of Kia hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles — including the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid, Kia Sorento Hybrid, Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, and Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid — which may qualify for separate federal tax credit programs and the NJ Green Pass toll discount. Ask our team about current incentive eligibility for each model.

Make the Move with Kia of Riverdale

Securing these savings is only part of the journey. At Kia of Riverdale, we strive to foster a supportive environment for every driver exploring electrification in Pompton Plains, Paterson, and across the region. Our finance center is dedicated to providing flexible financing options across a wide range of budgets, with a straightforward and transparent purchasing process from start to finish.

Long after you drive off the lot, our service center remains your one-stop shop for all maintenance needs. Paired with Kia’s industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, you can make the move to electric driving with complete confidence.