Program Overview
The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (OCVRP) offers rebates for Oregon drivers who purchase or lease electric vehicles. Unlike tax credits, OCVRP offers a rebate at the point of sale or after purchase for eligible electric vehicles. How to apply.
This initiative, overseen by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), aims to reduce vehicle emissions and promote the adoption of electric vehicles across the state.
Please note that due to high demand and limited funding, OCVRP will be open for a short time in 2024. Vehicles must be purchased or leased from 4/3/2024 to 6/3/2024, to be eligible for a rebate. Applicants have six months from their date of purchase or lease to apply.
The Standard Rebate
The Standard Rebate provides up to $2,500 toward the purchase or lease of a new, eligible vehicle.
- All Oregon residents, businesses, nonprofits & government agencies are eligible to receive a Standard Rebate. There are no income requirements for the Standard Rebate.
- Oregon residents can apply for the Standard Rebate at the point of sale at a participating dealership or apply post-purchase using the online application.
- Businesses, nonprofits and government agencies cannot receive a rebate at the point of sale and can only apply post-purchase using the online application.
The Charge Ahead Rebate
The Charge Ahead Rebate provides low- to moderate-income households and low-income service providers up to $7,500 toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new vehicle and $5,000 for a used eligible vehicle. To see if you meet the income requirements for your area, please use the Income Eligibility Calculator.
- Oregon residents can apply for the Charge Ahead Rebate for new or used vehicles at the point of sale at a participating dealership, or you can apply post-purchase using the online application.
- To apply the Charge Ahead rebate at the point of sale, applicants must provide the dealer with a Charge Ahead prequalification voucher. Applicants can qualify for a Charge Ahead Rebate by being enrolled in an income qualifying program or by having their income verified to ensure it meets the Charge Ahead rebate requirements. Applicants can apply for a prequalification voucher through the online Charge Ahead Prequalification application.
- Low-income service providers can only apply for Charge Ahead post-purchase through the online application
| 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 vehicles that have a base manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $50,000 or less and that are on the eligible vehicle list. | New or used battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles that have a base manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $50,000 or less and that are on the eligible vehicle list. |
| REBATE AMOUNT | $2,500 off a vehicle with a battery capacity of 10 kWh or more $1,500 off a vehicle with a battery capacity under 10 kWh $750 off a zero-emission motorcycles |
$7,500 for battery 10 kWh or more $6,500 for battery under 10 kWh $5,000 for used vehicles |
| 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.