If you are considering an EV purchase in Oregon, we’ve got good news and bad news.

The good news: Oregon has EV incentive programs that can increase your savings when buying a new (or even a used) EV, especially when combined with savings from the Federal EV Tax Credit.

The bad news? Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (OCVRP) is temporarily closed for lack of funding.

While the main Oregon EV incentive program remains temporarily stalled out, you still have opportunities to save money when buying an EV in the state. Since one of your options involves waiting for funding to return to the OCVRP, let’s talk through what the program can do for you when it restarts. Then, we’ll talk about where to find an EV for a great price even without state-level incentives.

Before we get started: we’d like to point out that this article is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for financial, legal, accounting, or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your own legal and financial advisors before making transactional decisions.

What is the Oregon EV Rebate Program?

Oregon has joined the movement to promote clean energy in the auto industry. The state hopes to ban all sales of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035, and the Oregon rebate program is an effort to accelerate the switch from gas to electric.

It’s important to note that Oregon’s EV rebate program is NOT a tax credit and doesn’t apply towards your state taxes. The Oregon electric vehicle rebate is a state-funded resource for residents that can either be received at the dealership as a discount or later as a check by filling out the proper application.

What is the Oregon EV Charge Ahead Rebate?

The Oregon EV Charge Ahead Rebate gives moderate- and low-income households the opportunity to receive a larger rebate and an earlier place in line. These households can prequalify to receive a $5,000 rebate for either a new or used EV as a part of the Charge Ahead Rebate program.

This rebate applies to eligible battery electric vehicles (BEV) or plug-in hybrids only.

What is the Oregon EV Standard Rebate?

The standard rebate for all income levels is up to $2,500 for a new electric vehicle (unfortunately, this version of the rebate does not apply for used vehicles). Low- and moderate-income applicants can get this amount on top of their Charge Ahead rebate (a total of up to $7,500 in rebate money—but again, this only applies to new vehicles).

The battery size of the electric vehicle affects the rebate amount:

  • $2,500 for battery electric vehicles (BEV) or plug-in hybrids with a battery pack over 10 kWh
  • $1,500 for battery electric vehicles (BEV) or plug-in hybrids with a battery pack under 10 kWh
  • $750 for zero-emissions motorcycles

You can view the current list of eligible EVs on the state rebate website for both programs here.

When Can I Get the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate?

As of 3/8/2024, the official Oregon government website states that funds for the program may renew early this Spring (2024). We actually hope to hear some news of the program reopening this month (March 2024).

In anticipation of reopening the program, the state currently allows consumers in low- and moderate-income brackets to fill out a pre-qualification application. This application would allow you to walk into a dealership with advanced approval for the program.

How Do I Get Oregon’s EV Rebate in 2024?

To receive the Oregon EV Rebate, you’ll need to purchase (or lease) the electric vehicle from a qualified dealership (you can view the current map of qualified dealers here) or original manufacturer and register that vehicle in the state of Oregon.

To qualify for the Standard Rebate:

  • You must be a resident of Oregon. Businesses, non-profits, or government agencies operating in the state may also apply.
  • You must submit an application for the rebate within 6 months of the purchase or lease date of the EV

Note: we’ve already mentioned this, but at the time this article was written, vehicles purchased after May 1, 2023 are not eligible for the rebate, and no new applications for the standard rebate are available until more funding is added to the program. However, this situation could change any day, so be sure to check the state’s rebate website for any new information.

To qualify for the Charge Ahead Rebate:

  • You must be a resident of Oregon
  • You must have a gross annual household income at or below the maximums found on the Charge Ahead Eligibility Chart. The qualification depends on the number of residents who live in each household and their combined income.

If you are eligible for the pre-qualification voucher according to your income, you can visit the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program’s Charge Ahead website and follow the prompts to submit your application for a voucher in advance of your purchase.

In order to complete the application (which needs to be done in one setting; there are no options to save and continue), you will need:

  • Your current Oregon Driver’s License
  • Proof of current enrollment in a public assistance program (documentation of the applicant’s participation in the program is required)

OR

Current Oregon State Tax information showing your Adjusted Gross Income for yourself and any other household members over the age of 18 (Form OR-40, line 7).

Which Vehicles Qualify for Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate?

For an EV to qualify for Oregon’s Clean Vehicle rebate, it must be a battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Vehicle requirements for the Standard Rebate:

  • Purchased new from an authorized dealership
  • Has a base MSRP of less than $50,000
  • Is a battery-powered electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, or a zero-emissions motorcycle

Vehicle requirements for the Charge Ahead Rebate:

  • Purchased new or used from an authorized dealership
  • Has a base MSRP of less than $50,000
  • Is a battery-powered electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle

Vehicle requirements for the combined Standard and Charge Ahead Rebate:

  • Purchased new from an authorized dealership
  • Has a base MSRP of less than $50,000
  • Is a battery-powered electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle

You can view OCVRP’s current list of eligible electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on their website. Please note that this list is subject to change upon each review of the program by the state.

Where Else Can I Save Money on a Used EV?

Even if you can’t take advantage of Oregon’s EV program right now, you can still find a great deal on an EV. Used EVs are listed every day on Find My Electric, and many of them qualify for the Federal Used Clean Vehicle Credit.

From every trim and color of used Model 3s to each model year of the Mustang Mach-E, you can find it all here without ads for gas-powered cars cluttering up your search. Check our extensive used EV listings today and get ready to bring the EV revolution into your own driveway!

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate FAQ

Does Oregon have a tax credit for EVs?

The short answer is no, there is no Oregon EV Tax Credit (despite the headlines you might see on the internet). However, the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate will save you quite a bit during a funding cycle and amounts just as much of a discount—if not more—than the tax savings would.

Is Funding Available for the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program?

As of 3/8/2024, the Oregon EV rebate is suspended and the program is still waiting for funding renewal. Visit Oregon.gov’s funding availability page to check on the current status of funds in the program.

How Long Do I Have to Keep My EV to Get the Oregon EV Rebate?

You have to register and retain your EV registration in Oregon for at least 24 months to keep the Oregon EV rebate money.

Can I Get the Oregon EV Rebate for a Lease?

Yes, you can get the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate for a lease, provided that the electric vehicle meets eligibility requirements and the lease term is at least 24 months.

Can Businesses Get the Oregon EV Rebate?

Yes, you can get a rebate as a business, non-profit, or government agency while funding is available. These entities are limited to 10 EV rebates per year.

Does the Tesla Model Y Qualify for the Oregon EV Rebate?

As of the last publishing date of Oregon’s EV rebate list, the Model Y does qualify for the OCVRP rebate, providing a $2,500 rebate for Standard Rebate eligible households and up to $7,500 for Charge Ahead eligible households (see discussion above for household qualifications).

Which Vehicles are Eligible for the Oregon EV Rebate?

OCVRP maintains a current list of eligible electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on their website.

Can I Get the Oregon EV Rebate for a Private Sale?

No, the state does not currently allow privately sold EVs to be eligible for the rebate.