Oregon Zero Emissions Rebate for Electric Cars

The more technology changes the way Americans live, work and travel, the more states like Oregon adapt policies to technological changes. Such is the case with the introduction of electric vehicles. Oregon joins other states in offering zero emissions rebate for those who own and operate electric vehicles.

In October 2017, Oregon’s Governor, Kate Brown, signed into law, HB 2017, which grants rebates for certain types of electric vehicles. This includes plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and others that qualify as zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs). Sufficient funding for these rebates will not be collected until January 2018. It is expected that by summer 2018, funding should be available for Oregon rebates.

Rogue Valley Clean Cities Commission Supports ZEVS

Initiatives set forth by the Rogue Valley Clean Cities Commission include the goal of “Clean Air and Water in the Rogue Valley via Alternate Fuel.”

Through the Oregon Zero Emissions Rebate program and Rogue Valley Clean Cities Commission initiatives, residents and businesses will enjoy greater improvements in air quality across the state and Southern Oregon.

Zero Emission Electric Vehicles

Since the introduction of electric cars more than 100 years ago, the introduction the first electric car built in 1895 by Thomas Parker and soaring gasoline prices in the late 1960s and early 1970s, consumers have sought options that would reduce the cost of fuel.

Another factor that encouraged buyers to consider electric vehicles was a new beginning for this automotive technology that increased mileage and replaced the original nickel metal hydride battery (NYCAD) with the more popular lithium batteries. These changes made the sale of electric cars more affordable for the average consumer.

Oregon Rules for Zero Emissions Rebates

With the increased interest and popularity of electric cars, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality began to develop electric vehicle rebate rules. The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission plans to consider proposed rules to coincide with the implementation of the program in spring of 2018. This will follow public notice and opportunities for public comment on these rules.

The rules include:
Date when purchases of qualifying vehicles will be eligible for zero emissions rebate. Rebate amount. Amount of additional rebate available for qualifying low- and moderate-income households that purchase or lease a qualifying vehicle.

The amount of this rebate may be combined with a conventional rebate.

Oregon Adopts California Regulations for ZEV Program
California’s LEV III and ZEV 2.0 regulations form the template upon which Oregon based its rules for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation sources such as electric vehicles.

Note that beginning in 2018, electric vehicles purchased in Oregon are eligible to submit an initial Phase I application for an Oregon rebate, covered under the Oregon DEQ EV Rebate and Charge Ahead Rebate program. For more information attend the public hearing in Medford, on February 28^th at 1pm at DEQ at 221 Stewart Ave.

The initial Phase I application is not a guarantee purchasers of electric vehicles will receive a rebate. This is due to the fact that the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) hasn’t, as yet, adopted final and complete Oregon rebate program requirements.

If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us via email at https://roguevalleycleancities.org or phone at: (541) 621-4853. We look forward to your inquiries.