The town of Westfield is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging infrastructure, earning two Bronze and two Silver Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications.

EVAL is a U.S.-Department-of-Energy-funded national workplace charging certification program that provides recognition and technical assistance to organizations supporting the adoption of clean transportation.

Expanding Free Public Charging

In partnership with Volta Industries, Inc., Westfield has installed six public EV charging stations at prime locations—including Trader Joe’s, the North Avenue train station, Baron’s Drugstore, and the Post Office. Best of all, these installations and their ongoing maintenance come at no cost to the town. Volta covers all expenses, from setup to electricity usage, thanks to innovative advertising on the chargers’ digital displays. Charging is completely free for users – standard parking fees do apply.

Building for a Greener Future

Westfield is proactively paving the way for a clean transportation revolution. The town encourages all new buildings to include a 220-240 volt, 40-amp outlet on a dedicated circuit in their parking lots, making it easy to add Level 2 charging stations in the future.

Promoting Active Transportation

To further support sustainable mobility, Westfield has installed two bike repair stations and new bike racks downtown. These additions encourage cycling for commuting and recreation, especially during the annual Tour de Westfield event.

Electrifying the Town Fleet

In 2024, Westfield received a grant from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to introduce a state-of-the-art Chevy Blazer EV police patrol vehicle. This addition demonstrates the town’s commitment to fleet electrification and innovation in public service.

Empowering Residents to Go Electric

Westfield’s Green Team makes it easy for residents to transition to EVs by sharing guidance and resources on the town website. Residents can learn about the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new EVs and the ChargeUp NJ program, which provides up to $4,000 for eligible zero-emission vehicles. The town also hosts an annual Drive Electric event with the New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association (NJEVA), giving residents opportunities to learn about and test drive EVs.

Driving Sustainability and Economic Growth

Westfield’s EV initiatives are part of a broader commitment to sustainability and economic vitality. By providing easy access to charging, Westfield is:

We are pleased to celebrate Westfield’s EVAL certification achievements and encourage other communities to follow their lead. EZ Ride is here to help—email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, Opt. 6 to learn more.

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The global auto industry is at a turning point, with the U.S. and China leading two distinct markets. Traditional automakers face tough choices, as they cannot afford to simultaneously invest in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and fossil-fuel models. As a result, they must focus their resources and make strategic bets. Here are some recent highlights shaping the future of EV adoption:

Toyota, in partnership with Idemitsu Kosan, is set to introduce groundbreaking solid-state battery technology by 2027. These batteries promise up to 745 miles of range on a single charge and can recharge in 10 minutes or less. With an expected lifespan of 8,000 to 10,000 charge cycles—far exceeding current lithium-ion batteries—this innovation could transform the EV landscape.

Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving division, will begin building Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr vehicles equipped with autonomous technology at a new Arizona facility this year, in partnership with Magna.

Meanwhile, Rivian is investing $120 million in a new supplier park near its Illinois plant as it prepares to launch a smaller, more affordable SUV next year.

Walmart has announced plans to build its own EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide by 2030. This expansion will add to the nearly 1,300 fast-charging stations already available at more than 280 U.S. facilities. With about 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club—many in suburban and rural areas lacking public charging—these sites are well-positioned to improve charging access and support EV growth.

These developments highlight the accelerating momentum behind EV adoption and the industry’s commitment to a cleaner, more accessible transportation future.

May 2025 is “Older Americans Month,” and this year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging” which means ditching outdated ideas and recognizing that many seniors are active, vibrant, and ready to stay engaged in their communities. But to stay engaged, they need one crucial thing, independence, which starts with walking and driving safely.

That’s where EZ Ride comes in.

Helping your loved ones walk and drive safely isn’t always easy, but it is essential. And we’re here to make it simpler, safer, and fun. Our mission is to empower older adults, caregivers, and families with tools and tips to stay mobile and independent, without sacrificing safety.

Here’s How We Help:

EZ Ride offers FREE Senior Pedestrian and Driving Safety presentations at senior centers in Bergen, Monmouth, Essex, Passaic, and Union Counties—and we’d love to visit your community next.

Our engaging, interactive 45-minute sessions are packed with valuable tips:

We bring our presentation to life with video clips from a popular senior sitcom and a street-crossing demonstration, adding a few laughs and prizes along the way. We conclude with a Q&A session that encourages everyone to talk and learn together. We’ll work around your schedule, ensuring no conflicts with lunch or Bingo!

According to Adrianna Svornic of the Garfield Senior Center, “This presentation is great for seniors. The talk was very informative, and the seniors really seemed to enjoy it.”

Why does this matter more than ever?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2013 and 2022, the number of Americans 65+ grew by 20 percent. In 2022, seniors made up 19 percent of all traffic fatalities—a devastating 8,572 lives lost, the highest since 1975. We’re not okay with that—and we know you aren’t either.

Let’s work together to keep our seniors moving, safe, and independent.

Please reach out to us at (201) 939-4242, Option 3, or [email protected] to schedule a Senior Pedestrian and Driving Safety presentation with our team.

 

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At EZ Ride, we’re always looking for ways to make transportation easier, more flexible, and more convenient for you.

We’re pleased to introduce Flex-Ride – a new option for EZRyde4Life members that puts the power of scheduling your return trip right in your hands. After completing your initial ride, you’ll receive a text message and or a phone call that the ride has been set up with pickup and drop off locations. When you’re ready to head back, just reply with #1 to redeem your ride —no need to call our office. You’ll instantly receive real-time details about your driver and vehicle, right on your phone.

No calls, no waiting, no hassles.

Why Use Flex-Ride?

“I’ve been using Flex-Ride on Sundays for months now—to get to church, attend events, or visit family. It’s incredibly convenient because I can request my rides exactly when I’m ready. It’s easy to use and gives me control over my ride. I also appreciate that there’s no extra charge for having the option. And, I get all the details about the driver, the vehicle, and the arrival time right on my phone,” shared Raghu EZRyde4Life member from Montclair.

For more information about EZRyde4Life and Flex-Rides, call us at (201) 939-4242 Option 4 or visit www.ezride.org.

We are pleased to announce that EZ Ride has once again been selected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to operate the Liberty State Park weekend shuttle. The free shuttle service will relaunch on April 26 and run through November 15, 2025.

Last summer, the Liberty State Park shuttle served over 4,000 riders in just three months, offering visitors a convenient and stress-free way to explore the park without the hassle of parking.

The shuttle has become an essential link for families, tourists, and residents connecting them to popular destinations such as the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the 9/11 Memorial, Liberty Science Center, and the scenic waterfront walkways.

The shuttle operates on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing reliable transportation between key destinations throughout the park. With the “park once, explore more” approach, visitors can enjoy greater flexibility and help reduce congestion, all while enhancing their overall experience at one of New Jersey’s most iconic destinations.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Liberty State Park this spring! For schedules and a route map, please visit our website.

Come ride with us and make the most of your Liberty State Park visit!

If you are interested in setting up a shuttle service or need information, contact Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242 Ext. 131 or email [email protected].

Madison Borough has long been a trailblazer in building EV infrastructure. Several years ago, it installed five dual-port Level II public chargers. Today, that number has doubled to 10, and the Borough is now installing two public DC fast chargers. In 2023, the NJDEP recognized Madison as one of eight “Destination Electric” towns in New Jersey.

In October 2024, the Borough’s Sustainable Advisory Council partnered with EZ Ride to earn three Gold and two Platinum Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications. This certification—awarded by FORTH Mobility and the U.S. Department of Energy—honors organizations that lead the way in EV adoption through policies, investments in charging infrastructure, fleet transitions, and public education.

For the past four years, Madison has hosted one of New Jersey’s premier EV events: the annual EV Expo. The event features 20–30 vehicles from dealers and owners, cutting-edge EVs from Princeton and Rutgers, and a variety of attractions. The Borough also maintains a comprehensive “EV Information Hub” on its website, offering details on EV purchases, incentives, and charging.

Madison tracks local EV ownership and, since 2019, has aligned its goals with the state’s EV targets. The Borough offers financial incentives for municipal employees who purchase EVs and recently extended support to all residents for home charger installation.

Madison’s own fleet reflects its commitment to electrification, with five hybrid police vehicles and three Chevy Bolt EVs used for inspections and parking patrols. In 2024, the Borough began using a Mean Green Zero-Turn electric mower and is now preparing to purchase an electric shuttle bus to serve its senior population.

This year, Madison will be honored with the EV City of the Year Award by the Electric Vehicle Association.

“We are proud that five Borough buildings received Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications in 2024. This achievement reflects Madison’s ongoing commitment to clean transportation and sustainability. We are especially grateful to EZ Ride for their invaluable partnership and support, which helped us reach this milestone and secure national EVAL certification through FORTH Mobility and the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Mayor Robert H. Conley.

Ready to start your EV journey?

Email us at [email protected], call (201) 939-4242 Option 6, or listen to an informative webinar.

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Global electric vehicle (EV) adoption reached new heights in 2024, with sales surging to 17.1 million units—a 25% increase over 2023. Regional trends reveal a shifting landscape:

New Jersey exemplifies regional progress, surpassing 208,000 EV registrations by December 2024—more than double its 2022 total—with a 14.4% EV market share, outpacing the national average of 10.2%.

Key Developments Shaping the Transition

As Victor Hugo’s adage reminds us, no force can halt an idea whose time has come. With charging networks expanding, prices falling, and innovation accelerating, the EV revolution is charging ahead—unevenly but irreversibly.

According to the Vision Zero Action Plan for West Orange, New Jersey, children under the age of 19 are disproportionately affected by severe traffic incidents. While they account for 23 percent of all crashes, they represent 47 percent of the most severe incidents. This alarming statistic highlights the vulnerability of younger individuals in traffic-related accidents and underscores the importance of targeted safety measures to protect them.

West Orange Township recognized this critical issue and took proactive steps to improve safety. Partnering with EZ Ride, community members conducted walkability audits at Redwood School, Kelly School, St. Cloud School, and West Orange High School. These audits identified major safety concerns, including inadequate pedestrian lighting, missing or outdated pedestrian signals, lack of bike lanes and sidewalks, poor crosswalk visibility, insufficient school zone signs, and hazardous sidewalk conditions.

Turning Audits into Action

The findings from these audits guided the township’s safety improvements. In April 2021, West Orange installed permanent bike lanes along both sides of Woodland Avenue from Pleasant Valley Way to Redwood School. Additionally, faded crosswalks were restriped with high-visibility continental designs to enhance pedestrian safety.

The township sought additional funding and was awarded a $966,000 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2024. These funds will be used to enhance pedestrian safety along Gregory Avenue (CR 571) and Lowell Avenue with new sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, LED stop signs, and flashing beacons.

Further demonstrating its commitment to pedestrian and cyclist safety, West Orange updated its 2013 Complete Streets resolution to a more comprehensive Complete and Green Streets ordinance in February 2025, incorporating sustainability and safety checklists into future infrastructure projects.

A Commitment to Safer Communities

“Investing in safer routes to schools doesn’t just protect students—it benefits the entire community. Safer streets encourage walking and biking, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance overall quality of life. Using walk/bike audits and School Travel Plans created by EZ Ride, West Orange is working to transform all school zones into safer, healthier, and more accessible spaces for our residents,” said Mayor Susan McCartney.

By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety, West Orange is setting a powerful example for communities everywhere. Creating safe routes to school is not just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in our children’s future.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in working with EZ Ride to conduct a walk and bike audit and develop a School Travel Plan, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 (option 3). Safe Routes to School activities can help your community take an essential step toward safer streets for students and all residents.

Learn more about EZ Ride’s School Travel Plans at Safe Routes NJ.

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Hackensack Meridian Health at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) has been awarded the Gold EVAL (Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership) Certification, recognizing their outstanding commitment to sustainable transportation.

EVAL certification is the national mark of excellence in workplace transportation, recognizing organizations that lead the way in clean commuting solutions. EVAL certification offers high-profile recognition to employers that promote smart mobility options for their employees.

“We are thrilled to receive the EVAL Gold certification,” says Annamarie Cutronea, VP of Support Service Operations at JSUMC. “Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for our patients, staff, and visitors. This certification underscores our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable future.”

With the EV market expected to reach 350 million vehicles by 2030, preparing your

workplace to offer convenient charging boosts team satisfaction and solves a major EV

adoption challenge: accessibility. Becoming EV-ready is a valuable benefit for both

employees and the company.

Hospitals and medical centers are increasingly becoming early adopters of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. Their ample parking facilities, robust electrical infrastructure, and the longer average stay times of employees and patients make Level 1 or 2 chargers an ideal and cost-effective solution. Given that vehicle pollution is a significant public health concern, reducing vehicle emissions directly contributes to preventative healthcare.

Integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure is not only a practical step toward sustainability for healthcare facilities, but also a valuable component of enhancing patient care, boosting employee retention, fostering community engagement, and reducing fleet costs.

Does your hospital or healthcare facility offer EV charging? Contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6, to learn how to become EVAL certified and gain national recognition for your efforts!

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At EZ Ride, we believe that knowledge is power. That’s why we’re pleased to announce our upcoming pilot community air quality monitoring program in Northern New Jersey. This initiative, in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), will provide real-time data on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), empowering communities to take charge of their own well-being.

Why Air Quality Matters

Air pollution, though invisible, significantly impacts our health. PM2.5, which includes particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even premature death. Environmental Justice communities are often disproportionately affected by poor air quality.

Our Pilot Program

In the coming months, we’ll be launching a voluntary air quality monitoring pilot program that will:

  1. Provide real-time PM2.5 data
  2. Enable communities to take preventive action
  3. Help protect public health

Empowering Local Leaders

With access to real-time air quality data, communities can drive meaningful change. For example:

Join Us in Creating Healthier Communities

To participate in our air quality monitoring program, all you need to provide is:

Let’s work together to create healthier communities. Contact us at [email protected] or 201-939-4242, option 3, to get involved. Together, we can make a difference in the air we breathe and the communities we call home.