This past summer, Oregon got a big boost in its efforts to achieve a greener future when the state surpassed 100,000 registered electric vehicles. Oregon DEQ celebrated the major milestone with the Oregon Departments of Transportation and Energy and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry at a media event on Nov. 18.
Directors from each agency and the president and CEO of OMSI spoke about the state’s progress to electrify transportation and reduce air pollution from transportation, which accounts for about 35% of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Other event attendees included State Senator Janeen Sollman, a representative from Sen. Aaron L. Woods’ office and members of Portland electrification nonprofit Forth.
Oregon crossed the 100,000 registered electric cars, SUVs and light trucks threshold in July 2024, according to DMV registration data. As of August 2024, there are about 102,400 registered EVs throughout the state. That number includes both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
DEQ Director Leah Feldon discussed the impact of the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on the state’s transition to electric vehicles. The rebates greatly assist when purchasing or leasing EVs, especially for low- and moderate-income households, which are often disproportionately affected by poor air quality.
“It’s clear. People in Oregon are making the transition to electric vehicles. As of early November, DEQ has distributed more than 33,000 rebates across the state, which adds up to over $99 million. That means more than one-third of the 100,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars, pickup trucks and SUVs registered here have received an Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate,” said Feldon. “It’s important to note that more than $30 million of that rebate funding has been distributed to low- and moderate-income households.”
Since 2018, DEQ has offered its Standard Rebate for those buying or leasing new eligible electric vehicles, and its Charge Ahead Rebate for low- and moderate-income households buying or leasing new or used eligible electric vehicles. In some cases, the two rebates can be combined to receive up to $7,500 back. The program will open again in early spring 2025.
ODOT director Kris Strickler emphasized his agency’s work to close gaps in Oregon’s public EV charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas of the state.
“ODOT is funding a reliable and accessible public EV charging network that meets drivers where they are, whether that’s at work, school or out exploring our state,” said Strickler. “A robust public charging network gives folks the confidence they need to make an EV their next vehicle.”
Strickler touted ODOT’s Community Charging Rebates Program, which funds Level 2 charging station projects at multifamily homes, workplaces and publicly accessible parking areas. The rebate program funded a public EV charging station project at OMSI in 2024.
“……more than one-third of the 100,000 battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars, pickup trucks and SUVs registered here have received an Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate.”
DEQ Director Leah feldon
As of November 2024, the rebates program has distributed $4.2 million to nearly 190 charging station projects in 27 Oregon counties. Over 75% of those projects are in rural or underserved communities.
ODOT also manages federal grant programs that fund repairs and upgrades to broken public EV charging stations, and new public EV fast charging stations along Oregon’s major roads. The agency’s latest data shows that by 2050, Oregon is on track to reduce transportation emissions by about 60%.
Transportation accounts for the largest share of energy use in Oregon. In fact, according to the recently released 2024 Biennial Energy Report, that sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon, at over a third. However, ODOE works to help increase the use of renewable, cleaner alternatives to petroleum-based fuels and supports the transition to electric technologies and implements policies that decrease carbon emissions.
“We’re able to celebrate today’s 100,000 EV milestone thanks to the ongoing coordination with our fellow state agencies, including ODOT and DEQ,” said ODOE Director, Janine Benner. “We also appreciate the partnership with local organizations, including Forth and the Oregon EV Association, which help to make EVs more affordable and accessible to all Oregon drivers.”
OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham highlighted the museum’s goal of reducing its environmental impact through increasing its facilities’ energy efficiency and decreasing waste and emissions. She discussed the immediate impact of having the electric vehicle chargers, supported through ODOT’s Community Charging Rebates Program, in the parking lot. Graham noted that since their installation in July, the new station has saved the equivalent of 12 barrels of oil or more than 500 gallons of fuel.
DEQ continues its various efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. The agency has received $30.5 million for Charge Ahead Rebates through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and looks forward to reopening the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program in early spring of 2025. The extra funds will allow DEQ to help even more low- and moderate-income households purchase or lease electric vehicles. DEQ also offers various grant and incentive programs to support the transition to electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
DEQ thanks its agency partners, community organizations, air quality advocates and all those who work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve Oregon’s beautiful environment and improve public health.
By Susan C. Mills, Oregon DEQ public affairs specialist