Cost &
Savings
“It’s a way to protect the environment and it’s cost effective. It’s the right choice to make.”
Electric Vehicle Cost and Savings in Oregon
Choosing to drive electric can save you time, money and guilt because it’s a clean, affordable way to get around. Though the initial cost of an electric car is often higher, the lifetime costs are much lower. Plus, with used and leased options the cost end up being very similar to traditional gas-powered vehicles. Discover the ins and outs of savings, rebates, cost comparisons, average charging prices and beyond.
Electric Vehicle Rebates in Oregon
Ways to Save on an Electric Car
State Rebates: The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program
EV rebate programs help offset the cost of buying a new electric vehicle in addition to or sometimes instead of federal tax credit. The programs also help increase the number of EV owners by incentivizing them with savings that aren’t available with traditional cars.
The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offers a cash rebate (not tax) for Oregon drivers who purchase or lease electric vehicles. There are two routes: Standard and Charge Ahead. If applicable, folks can stack both the Standard and Charge Ahead rebates for even more savings.
Learn more about how the EV rebate program works.
Federal Tax Credit for Evs
Federal EV rebates typically come in the form of a tax credit that’s available with the purchase of qualified Plug-In electric vehicles (PEVs). The minimum credit amount is $2,500 and can go all the way up to $7,500 based on the car’s traction battery capacity and the gross weight rating.
Specific requirements apply such as:
- The credit applies to vehicles purchased after December 21, 2009.
- Vehicle battery must have at least 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of capacity
- Vehicle must be a plug-in
- Vehicle must have a gross weight rating of up to 14,000 pounds and meet specified emission standards
| Oregon Rebates | Federal Tax Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Rebate | Charge Ahead Rebate | |||
| Program Eligibility | Oregon Residents (*focusing on residents, not including businesses verbiage) Required Income Level | Anyone purchasing a qualified electric vehicle | ||
| Vehicle Eligibility | New electric vehicles under $50,000 | New or used electric vehicles under $50,000 | *Ask your car dealer | |
| Need help finding a qualifying electric vehicle? Use our rebate dealership finder and rebate eligibility list. | ||||
| Rebate Amount | $750 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $5,000 | $2,500 - $7,500 | |
| How to Apply |
1. Talk to an eligible dealership 2. Apply online at everebate.oregon.gov 3. Mail your application packet to: Center for Sustainable Energy: Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program 3980 Sherman Street, Suite 170, San Diego, CA 92110 |
Learn how to apply here | ||
|
Save Even More! Save up to $12,500 towards the purchase or lease of an eligible electric vehicle by combining the Standard and Charge Ahead Rebates as well as the Federal Tax Credit! |
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See What You Can Save with Oregon Rebates
Rebates
Utility companies across the state offer solid savings based on your EV’s charger and charging installation setup. For anyone living in an apartment or rental property, you don’t have to install your own charger to own an EV or get the perks from it. You can benefit from state rebates and federal tax credits in other ways.
Utility Rebates Available Across Oregon:
Oregon has a handful of local utility charger rebates that you can talk about with your electricity provider. Not sure exactly who to chat to? Use the utility finder tool to identify your electricity provider and find your savings opportunities.
Utility |
Charger Rebates |
Vehicle Rebates |
|---|---|---|
| Central Electric Co-op | $150 - $450 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | $50 per electric vehicle |
| Central Lincoln Pud | $250 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| City of Ashland | -- | $1,500 rebate for registering a qualified new or used electric vehicle |
| Columbia River Pud | $250 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| Consumers Power, Inc | $50 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| Emerald Pud | -- | $100 reward for registering an electric vehicle |
| Eugene Water & Electric Board | $500 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| Midstate Electric Cooperative | -- | $100 incentive for submitting a survey as an electric vehicle owner |
| Northern Wasco Country Pud | $250 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| Portland General Electric | $500 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| Springfield Utility Board | $500 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
| Tillamook Pud | $250 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger | -- |
$150 - $450 rebate for purchasing and installing a Level 2 EV charger
$50 per electric vehicle
--
$100 incentive for submitting a survey as an electric vehicle owner
The Cost of Owning
an Electric Car
As with gas powered vehicles, there are various aspects to consider before purchasing an EV. We’ve curated important information and tools to help you learn more about all the costs so you can make an informed decision based on what works best for you. Check out a few of our go-to resources:
Lower Cost in of EV Lifetimes
Compare the general costs and prices of electric vehicle models and use the vehicle cost calculator to determine what numbers you’re looking at. There may be higher upfronts, but with lower maintenance costs, state and federal rebates, and used or lease options, EVs are more than worth it.
Electric Car Maintenance Costs
Lower Maintenance Cost Than Traditional Cars
EV maintenance costs are lower than that of traditional vehicles because they have much simpler parts. You won’t have to pay for tune-ups, oil changes, spark plugs, drive belts, cooling system flushes, and beyond. There’s no fuel pump, no radiator, no engine gaskets that can leak. The most you’ll have to do is go in for brake checks every couple of years and keep your tires full. Check out more detailed information in this EV Maintenance Guide.
Fueling Costs
Electric Is Cheaper Than Traditional Fuel
Fueling costs vary depending on where you’re charging and what your charging capabilities are. Overall, the cost of electricity is more stable than that of gasoline though it is subject to rise over time. Electric fuel is clean to produce and clean to consume, making it better for our wallets and the planet. Discover the true cost of powering an EV
At-Home Charging (if applicable)
RESOURCES
Charging on the Go
RESOURCES
