Oregon’s electric vehicle rebate program to reopen May 22 with expanded funding

Oregon – The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has announced the reopening of its popular Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, set to resume on Thursday, May 22. This year, the program is expected to remain open longer than in previous years thanks to additional funding from a \$31 million Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action (CERTA) grant awarded last summer.

The program offers two types of rebates for eligible electric vehicle purchases and leases:

Standard Rebate: Available to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, this rebate provides up to \$2,500 for a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new zero-emission motorcycle from DEQ’s Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicle List.

Charge Ahead Rebate: Designed for low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit service providers, this rebate includes:

-$5,000 for an eligible used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
-Up to \$7,500 for a new qualifying vehicle, selected from the Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List.

Applicants may only apply for one rebate and can check income eligibility for the Charge Ahead Rebate through DEQ’s website. Prequalification is also available, allowing eligible applicants to receive a voucher for use at participating dealerships.

“The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is enormously popular,” said Rachel Sakata, DEQ’s Air Quality Transportation Section Manager. “By helping to offset the cost of an electric vehicle, it continues to be one of the best ways many individuals and families can gain access to cleaner transportation and improve air quality across the state.”

The program is funded through at least \$12 million annually from the state’s Vehicle Privilege Tax, with the CERTA grant specifically boosting access for low-income households. DEQ will monitor disbursements closely and will give at least 30 days’ notice before suspending the program if funds run out.

Only vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 22 will be eligible for rebates.