Business
Blink Charging Awarded $7 Million to Implement New Ride Share Service in New Jersey for Underserved Communities
Experienced ride share service provider receives grant to develop electric ride share program aimed at disadvantaged neighborhoods Miami Beach, FL, April 13,
About this update from Blink Charging Co.
[{"type":"text","content":"Experienced ride share service provider receives grant to develop electric ride share program aimed at disadvantaged neighborhoods Miami Beach, FL, April 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK) (“Blink” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer, owner, operator and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, and parent company to Blink Mobility LLC, an all-electric car-sharing service company, today announced the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), have awarded Blink $7 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, to bring electric ride-sharing to New Jersey communities that lack access to reliable transportation. The award is part of the overall $70 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceed awards aimed to help reduce the upfront costs of electric trucks, buses, and equipment in underserved neighborhoods. “Bringing an electric ride share program to New Jersey makes great sense and will be a benefit to the low- to moderate-income communities that may lack access to traditional public transportation. We are excited to have been selected and share our expertise and experience in the electric ride share space,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blink Charging. “Electric ride share services make a positive impact for residents in underserved areas by reducing harmful greenhouse gas pollutants that come from gas fueled vehicles.” Blink currently owns and operates Blink Mobility that provides electric ride share services in underserved communities in Los Angeles with 100 EVs and 200 chargers in 40 locations. The ride share service has become the largest 100% EV car-sharing company in California. In 2022, Blink Mobility’s vehicle fleet grew by approximately 70% while the average utilization rate nearly doubled in comparison to 2021 and total trips increased nearly 37% over the same period. In response to the car-sharing service’s popularity, an additional 300 street-side EV charging stations at 60 new locations are planned to be completed in Los Angeles by the end of 2023. New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, announced the award as part of his comprehensive approach to mitigate the effects o...