Oregon Electric Car Rebate: What To Know
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If you live in Oregon it should be no surprise that the state actively tries to encourage residents to make green choices and tends to favor policies that are geared toward a more eco-friendly environment.
So it makes sense that Oregon would join other progressive states like California in offering a rebate program for the drivers of electric vehicles. However, since this is being done on a state-by-state basis, you should also know that Oregon’s program is a little different from the ones elsewhere.
After all, most state policies are at least a little customized to the state they’re passed in, and this one is no different.
If you are considering getting an electric vehicle and live in Oregon, or already have one and want to know if you qualify for Oregon’s electric car rebate, you’re in the right place.
We’re going to talk about what the rebate actually is, how you get it, and the three different kinds of rebates Oregon is currently offering.
Let’s dive in.
Not A Tax Rebate
The first thing you need to know about Oregon’s rebate is that it’s not a tax rebate. In other words, you don’t have to wait for tax season to apply for this rebate, and in fact, you shouldn’t because there’s a limited amount of time between when you buy or lease your electric vehicle and when you can apply.
Instead, this is a straight cash rebate that will be paid to eligible Oregon citizens when approved, not on their tax bills.
Basically, you can apply year-round, and when your application is approved is when you’ll get the relevant rebate. But, you need to know how to qualify before you can make that happen. That’s where the different levels of the rebate come in.
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What Are The Different Levels Of The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program?
There are three levels to the Oregon electric car rebate, and knowing which one is which is important for applicants because you might not be approved if you apply for the wrong version of the Oregon electric car rebate.
Here’s what you need to know.
Standard Rebate
The standard rebate is usually going to be the one most consumers use. This version of the Oregon electric car rebate doesn’t have an income limit or requirement, so people of all income levels are eligible under this requirement.
The standard rebate is also available to more than just citizens. Businesses and non-profit organizations that choose to upgrade their company vehicles or a part of their fleet may also be eligible for the standard Oregon electric car rebate.
However, the standard rebate is only used for vehicles with a base MSRP under $50,000, which does limit your options slightly. Most vehicles will come under this number, but if you’re looking for a luxury vehicle or are buying at the highest possible trim level you might not qualify.
The last big requirement is that you have to apply for your rebate within 6 months of buying or leasing the vehicle. Yes, leasing is an option, you don’t have to permanently own your electric vehicle to qualify.
Businesses and non-profits are limited to 10 rebates per calendar year. All vehicles that receive the rebate must be registered in Oregon for at least 24 months after the rebate is received.
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How Much Do You Get Under The Standard Rebate
The next question most people ask is how much they’ll get from the standard rebate. This rebate depends on the kind of vehicle you have, as well as its price and other eligibility requirements.
If you’re driving an electric motorcycle, you’ll get a $750 rebate.
For a vehicle with a battery under 10 kWh (kilowatt-hours), your rebate is $1,500.
And for a vehicle with a battery of 10 kWh or more, the rebate is $2,500.
Why such different rebates? Well, a few reasons. One: the relative cost of each vehicle, with more powerful batteries, typically driving the price up. Another is the relative benefit of each vehicle, with larger batteries usually meaning more carbon not being released, compared to a similar gas-powered vehicle.
Charge Ahead Rebate
The charge ahead rebate is a slightly different version of the Oregon electric car rebate, and this version is only available to residents, businesses can’t take advantage of this version.
Like the standard rebate, the MSRP of qualifying vehicles must be $50,000 or under.
New and used vehicles qualify, but only if the starting MSRP qualified. Vehicles that are being sold used for $50k or less may not qualify if their original price was over $50k.
This version of the rebate is also income dependent. You only qualify for the rebate if your income is 400% or less than the federal poverty level for your area. That means you’ll need to look up your local poverty level and do some math to see if you qualify.
This rebate is also a flat amount, regardless of what kind of vehicle is receiving the rebate.
If your vehicle was purchased or leased before January 1st, 2022, the rebate is $2,500. However, for vehicles purchased or leased since January 1st, 2022, the rebate increases to $5,000.
Like the standard rebate, all applications for the charge-ahead version of the Oregon electric car rebate must be received within six months of purchase or lease.
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Standard And Charge Ahead Rebate
Lastly, the standard and charge ahead rebate is an alternative version available to non-profits and individuals in Oregon. However, there are a few additional qualifications compared with the standard rebate.
For one thing, this version is only available to non-profits that are low-to-moderate-income service providers. That means your mission must work with low and moderate-income residents, as opposed to non-profits that maybe work with that demographic but aren’t targeted at specifically helping low and moderate-income individuals.
You are additionally required to keep the vehicle registered in Oregon for at least 24 months after receiving the rebate. This requirement applies to all three versions of the rebate.
For individuals, the same 400% of the federal poverty limit as the charge ahead rebate applies.
Additionally, vehicles cannot be purchased from an individual. All qualifying vehicles must be purchased from a registered dealer.
This is the largest version of the rebate though, which a total rebate of $4,000 for vehicles with a battery under 10 kWh, and $5,000 for vehicles with a battery that contains 10 or more kWh.
Where To Apply
For residents and businesses looking to get the standard rebate, you can apply online.
For anyone trying to apply for the Charge Ahead or Standard & Charge Ahead rebates, you’ll need to mail your completed application to the Center for Sustainable Energy, Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, 3980 Sherman Street, Suite 170, San Diego, CA 92110.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Electric Car Rebate
Q: What is Oregon’s EV tax rebate?
A: Oregon’s EV tax rebate is a financial incentive offered by the state to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). Eligible buyers can receive a tax credit when purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle. Visit the PGE and PGN websites for more information.
Q: How much can I save with this rebate?
A: The rebate amount can vary, but typically, qualified buyers can receive up to $2,500 for battery electric vehicles and $1,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles (battery under 10 kWh). Or up to up to $7,500 in federal tax credit.
Q: Who is eligible for the EV tax rebate in Oregon?
A: Both residents and businesses in Oregon who purchase or lease a new qualifying electric vehicle are eligible for the tax credit. However, there are income requirements to qualify for certain rebates (generally Oregonians with low- to moderate-income).
Q: Is there a tax credit for installing EV chargers in Oregon?
A: Yes, Oregon offers tax credits for individuals and businesses that install electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For instance, the program Central Electric Co-op provides rebates for installing a home EV charger. Some requirements are imposed regarding the capacity and safety standards of the charging station.
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