Program Overview
The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (OCVRP) offers rebates to qualified Oregon residents, businesses, nonprofits and government agencies who purchase or lease eligible zero-emission vehicles. It is not a tax credit. DEQ designed the Program to reduce vehicle emissions by encouraging the purchase or lease of electric vehicles instead of gas vehicles. There are two (2) rebates offered through OCVRP: Standard Rebate and Charge Ahead Rebate.
Rebate availability is dependent on program funding at the time of vehicle purchase or lease. Due to overwhelming demand and limited funding, rebates will be suspended as of May 1, 2023. Any vehicles purchased or leased on or after May 1, 2023, will not be eligible for a rebate or be eligible to apply once the program reopens. Once funding is available again, the program will announce its reopening.
The Standard Rebate
The Standard Rebate provides up to $2,500 toward the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles.
- Oregon Residents can apply for the Standard Rebate at point of sale at a participating dealership or apply post-purchase using the online application.
- Oregon business, nonprofits and government agencies can only apply post-purchase. Standard Rebates for businesses, nonprofits and government agencies are not offered at point of sale. To apply after taking possession of the vehicle, please complete the post-purchase rebate application.
The Charge Ahead Rebate
The Charge Ahead Rebate provides low- to moderate-income households and low-income service providers a $5,000 rebate toward the purchase or lease of eligible new or used zero-emission vehicles. To see if you meet the income requirements for your area, please use the Income Eligibility Calculator.
- Oregon Residents are now able to have the Charge Ahead Rebate applied at point of sale at a participating dealership for new vehicles or can apply for a Charge Ahead Rebate post-purchase using the paper application form. Low-income service providers can only apply for Charge Ahead through the rebate paper application form.
- Please note: To apply the Charge Ahead rebate at the point of sale, applicants must qualify by being enrolled in an income qualifying program or by having their income verified to ensure it meets the Charge Ahead requirements and receive a Charge Ahead Prequalification Voucher. Applicants apply for prequalification using the online Charge Ahead Prequalification application form.
- The Charge Ahead Rebate can be combined with the Standard Rebate for a total of up to $7,500 when an eligible Applicant purchases or leases a new vehicle that qualifies for a rebate under both programs.
| WHO QUALIFIES? | STANDARD REBATE | CHARGE AHEAD REBATE |
|---|---|---|
| ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS | Oregon residents, businesses, nonprofits & government agencies | Oregon residents, low-income service providers |
| QUALIFYING VEHICLES | New battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle | New or used battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles |
| REBATE AMOUNT | $750 for zero-emission motorcycles $1,500 for battery under 10 kWh $2,500 for battery 10 kWh or more |
$5,000 |
| INCOME REQUIREMENT | No income requirement | Up to 400% of the federal poverty guideline |
Program Goals
The Program is designed to encourage adoption of zero-emission vehicles, reduce vehicle emissions and air pollution from gas vehicles, and advance progress toward the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
The Program supports Oregon’s EV strategy. Learn more by visiting goelectric.oregon.gov.
Program Background
On August 18, 2017, Governor Kate Brown signed House Bill 2017, which, among many other transportation investments, established a program to provide rebates to Oregonians who purchase or lease eligible zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). The Program was designed by the Oregon Legislature to encourage higher adoption of ZEVs, reduce air pollution and advance progress toward the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.
In December 2018, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began issuing Standard Rebates. In 2019, DEQ selected the Center for Sustainability (CSE) via a competitive DEQ grant solicitation to administer and implement the Program. CSE began issuing Standard and Charge Ahead rebates in 2020. Participation in the program has steadily grown since its inception. Rebate availability is dependent on program funding at the time of vehicle purchase or lease.
Funding for the Program is generated from a tax imposed on car dealers for “the privilege of engaging in the business of selling taxable motor vehicles at retail in this state.” DEQ receives 45% of this tax or at least $12 million per year for the program. The program does not have a sunset date.