Here at Frank’s GMC in Lyndhurst, we’ve been family-owned and serving our community for over 90 years. We’ve seen a lot of changes in the automotive industry, but nothing is quite as exciting as the electric revolution! With the arrival of powerhouse vehicles like the GMC HUMMER EV and the first-ever Sierra EV, we know many drivers in Bergen County and across Northern New Jersey are making the switch to electric.
One of the most common questions our team gets on the showroom floor is: “Where am I going to charge this thing?” The good news? Northern New Jersey is one of the most EV-friendly regions in the country. Range anxiety is a thing of the past. Here is your local guide to keeping your GMC EV charged and ready for the road.
Understanding Your Charging Options
Before hitting the local chargers, it helps to understand the three levels of EV charging:
- Level 1 (120-Volt): This uses a standard household outlet. It’s slow (about 3–5 miles of range per hour) but works in a pinch or for overnight trickle charging.
- Level 2 (240-Volt): The gold standard for daily charging. You can have a licensed electrician install a Level 2 charger at your home, or you can find them at local offices, hotels, and parking garages. They provide roughly 15–50 miles of range per hour.
- DC Fast Charging: When you are on the go and need a quick boost, DC Fast Chargers are your best friend. These public stations can get your battery from 20% to 80% in roughly 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the station’s output and your vehicle’s capability.
Top Charging Hubs in Northern NJ
Whether you are running errands, commuting, or taking a weekend road trip out of state, there are plenty of reliable public charging stations right in our backyard.
1. Retail & Entertainment Hubs
Why wait in the car when you can shop or grab a bite? Northern NJ malls are heavily equipped with Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers (primarily through networks like Electrify America and EVgo).
- Westfield Garden State Plaza (Paramus): A massive hub with fast-charging options. Plug in, grab some food, and by the time you’re done, your HUMMER EV or Sierra EV will be ready to roll.
- The Mall at Short Hills (Short Hills): Premium shopping paired with premium charging stations located right in the parking decks.
- Willowbrook Mall (Wayne): Conveniently located right off Routes 46, 80, and 23 with easily accessible EV charging spots.
2. The NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway
Taking a road trip or commuting? The rest stops along New Jersey’s major highways are highly equipped for DC Fast Charging.
- Vince Lombardi Service Area (NJ Turnpike): Just a short drive from our Lyndhurst dealership, this service area offers high-speed charging, making it a great stop if you’re heading toward the city or upstate New York.
- Thomas Edison Service Area (NJ Turnpike): Heading south? Stop here for an ultra-fast charge and a coffee break.
- Brookdale South Service Area (Garden State Parkway): A convenient fast-charging oasis right in Essex County.
3. Local Municipal Lots & Supermarkets
Many towns around Lyndhurst, Rutherford, and Nutley have begun installing Level 2 ChargePoint stations in their municipal parking lots. Additionally, keep an eye out at local grocery stores—chains like Whole Foods and select ShopRite locations frequently feature EVgo or EV Connect fast chargers right in the lot.
Your Best Tool: The myGMC App
You don’t need to memorize charger locations to stay powered up. The myGMC mobile app is seamlessly integrated with your vehicle and takes the guesswork out of charging.
- Route Planning: The app will calculate your route and automatically suggest the best charging stops along the way based on your current battery level.
- Ultium Charge 360: GM’s charging network integrates with major public charging providers (like EVgo, Electrify America, and ChargePoint). You can locate chargers, check if they are currently available, and even pay for your session directly through the myGMC app.
Ready to Go Electric?
At Frank’s GMC, we pride ourselves on giving you a transparent, family-friendly buying experience without the typical high-pressure sales tactics. If you have been on the fence about going electric because you were worried about charging, rest assured that Northern New Jersey has the infrastructure to keep you moving.
Come visit us at 325 Orient Way in Lyndhurst, NJ to learn more about the incredible capabilities of the GMC EV lineup. Let’s get you behind the wheel!
