Bill > S2098

This bill amends existing New Jersey law to allow certain manufacturers of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), defined as vehicles certified as such by California standards and not including less environmentally friendly hybrid types, to sell their vehicles directly to consumers, bypassing traditional dealerships. To qualify, these ZEV manufacturers must have been licensed as motor vehicle franchisors before January 1, 2014, and can operate no more than four retail locations in the state. Crucially, these manufacturers are also required to establish and operate at least one service facility in New Jersey equipped to handle the specific needs of ZEVs, though they are not mandated to have a separate retail location for servicing. The bill also introduces a reporting requirement for all ZEV manufacturers and dealers to the Division of Taxation regarding the number of ZEVs sold and exempted from sales tax annually. This legislation aims to facilitate the direct sale and servicing of ZEVs, potentially encouraging their adoption by removing some traditional dealership requirements for these specific manufacturers.