Oregon reopens EV rebate programme

The state of Oregon has reopened its rebate programme for new and used EV purchases. In the last two years, the programme has had to be halted due to 'overwhelming' demand in the state.

Since May 22, there have been two Clean Vehicle Rebates available from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). First, there’s the Standard Rebate. This is income-agnostic and open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies. It provides a rebate of $2,500 for the purchase of a new BEV or PHEV from a list of eligible vehicles.

Then, there’s the Charge Ahead Rebate. It’s split into two, depending on the age of the vehicle being purchased. For used vehicles, the rebate is up to $5000, while for new vehicles, it’s up to $7500. Again, the vehicle purchased needs to be from the state’s eligible vehicle list, which in this case differs from that of the standard rebate programme. Additionally: the Charge Ahead Rebate is income-capped, meaning it’s only available to low- and moderate-income households earning less than 400 per cent of the federal poverty guideline. In practice, that means it’s open to single person households with an income of under $62,600; two person households earning less than $84,600; four person households earning under $128,600, and so on.

Compare this to similar rebate initiatives in the US, and you’ll see that Oregon’s rebate programme limits support for higher-income residents. For example, the New York Drive Clean Rebate and the Colorado EV Tax Credit both have no income limit, and provide up to either $2000 or $5000 respectively for new EVs. Meanwhile, in California, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is available to single filers with incomes of under $135000 or joint filers with under $200,000.

In both 2023 and 2024, Oregon had to halt its rebate programme due to sheer demand – with last year’s programme ending after just two months. This year, the state hopes it will be able to keep the rebate running for longer thanks to additional federal funding of $31m from the CERTA grant initiative. The DEQ has said it will announce any closure dates at least 30 days in advance, and will give applicants six months or less from the date of purchase to apply for the rebate.

In the months and years to come, state EV rebate programmes could be a critical lifeline for the health of the industry in the US. Many people who purchase EVs are reliant on a combination of state rebates and federal tax credits to make them affordable. But, President Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ which proposes sweeping tax and spending cuts could endanger this. Passed by House Representatives last month, it would repeal the $7,500 federal tax credit for new electric vehicles and the $4000 incentive for used EVs if it becomes law. It remains to be seen whether this comes to pass.

oregon.gov