Duke Farms Unveils New Jersey’s First Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Station Powered by Electricity From On-Site Solar, Demonstrating Leadership in the Transition to Clean Transportation

Duke Farms, a center of the Doris Duke Foundation, is proud to open the state's first electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in Somerset County powered by electricity from an on-site solar energy system. Located along the busy Route 206 corridor, this facility will serve Duke Farms visitors and the local community while also supporting EV drivers passing through the area. The project will not only help Duke Farms reduce its carbon footprint, but also contribute to the clean energy and climate goals of the state.

"The new EV charging station, powered by our on-site solar array, demonstrates our commitment to sustainability leadership. By investing in this critical infrastructure and pursuing innovative public-private partnerships, we are accelerating the transition to clean transportation,” said Margaret Waldock, executive director of Duke Farms. “We hope this project will encourage others to take bold steps towards emission-free mobility as well. The climate crisis demands urgent action, and Duke Farms is proud to help lead the way to support creative, transformative solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future."

This station is one of the first in New Jersey to combine powerful utility incentives from PSE&G with grant funding from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. Solar panels on-site will supply 100% of the electricity needed for the chargers.

Peg Hanna, Director of the NJDEP Division of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring shares excitement regarding the charger. “The DEP commends Duke Farms on the opening of this fast-charger station, which is a natural fit for a place that has long stood for environmental stewardship and sustainability. In addition to being ideally situated within the Route 206 corridor, the location for this station provides amenities such as restrooms and a café amid a beautiful natural setting. Projects such as this bring us one step closer to achieving Governor Murphy’s bold, nation-leading clean energy goals that will lead to a healthier, sustainable and more resilient future for New Jersey.”

PSE&G Renewables and Energy Solutions Vice President Karen Reif explains, "As we inaugurate Duke Farms' charging facility, PSE&G reaffirms our commitment to sustainable energy solutions, spanning from transmission and energy efficiency to resilient grid infrastructure. Together, we are driving the state and its communities towards a cleaner and electrified future, one that resonates with our vision for a greener tomorrow."

EVs are critical to reducing transportation emissions, which make up the largest source of greenhouse gases in New Jersey. Widespread public charging availability is essential for driving consumer adoption of EVs as the state attempts to meet its bold goals of 400 fast chargers for electric vehicles, 1000 level 2 chargers by 2025, and 2 million light duty plug in electric vehicles by 2035. As the first high-speed public charging site in the area, this station will help eliminate range anxiety (and charging anxiety) concerns, cited as among the biggest barriers to widespread EV adoption.

“By coupling the EV chargers with on-site solar, the project also demonstrates the important link between renewable energy and electric transportation, both of which are key pillars of the clean energy transition”, said Jon Wagar, Deputy Executive Director of Operations. “This project advances Duke Farms' mission of restoring the natural environment and investing in sustainability innovation by transitioning to zero emission energy sources. As a representation of nationwide development changes, the strategies demonstrated at the center serve as a proof of concept for more practical learning, enabling other organizations and municipalities to take steps towards becoming carbon-negative and nature-positive.”

With convenient amenities and a prime location in the New York City to Philadelphia travel corridors, the new charging station will benefit Duke Farms visitors, nearby residents, and all New Jersey EV drivers. Duke Farms applauds the state for its leadership in supporting this infrastructure and accelerating the transition to emission-free transportation.


About Duke Farms, a Center of the Doris Duke Foundation
Duke Farms is a 2,700 acre center for environmental stewardship in Hillsborough, NJ, that restores the natural environment, invests in sustainability innovation while offering visitors free inclusive and accessible resources for finding their place in nature.


About the Doris Duke Foundation
The Doris Duke Foundation supports the well-being of people and the planet for a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We operate five national programs — in the performing arts, the environment, medical research, child and family well-being and mutual understanding between communities — as well as Duke Farms and Shangri La, two centers that directly serve the public. Visit www.dorisduke.org to learn more.