Statewide, OR—The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has launched an online prequalification application for the Oregon Clean Vehicle Charge Ahead Rebate . The process allows participants to get pre-approved prior to purchasing or leasing an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. They may receive a Charge Ahead voucher which can be applied at point of sale or lease at any participating dealership. Online prequalification for the purchase or lease of used eligible vehicles will debut in the future.

Previously, only the Standard Rebate , which offers up to $2,500 and is available to all Oregon residents regardless of income, could be applied at participating dealerships. With the addition of the $5,000 Charge Ahead Rebate prequalified voucher, participants can now stack them to save up to $7,500 when purchasing or leasing a new vehicle at point of sale or lease. DEQ provides a map and list of Oregon dealerships active in the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program.

“DEQ recognizes it can be hard to get the money together upfront to purchase or lease an electric vehicle, especially if you are in a low- to middle-income household,” said Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program Coordinator Erica Timm. “Being able to prequalify participants means more people can take their approved Charge Ahead voucher to a participating dealership and immediately get that amount, plus the Standard Rebate, taken off the price of a new vehicle.”

Nearly 65% of Charge Ahead Rebate applicants purchase or lease new electric vehicles and combine it with the Standard Rebate to receive the best results.

Recently, DEQ announced it will temporarily suspend the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program as of May 1, 2023, due to oversubscription and diminishing funds. If you buy or lease an eligible battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or zero-emission motorcycle before May 1, you still have six months to apply for a rebate . DEQ has created an Available Rebate Funding web page so applicants can see how much money is left for 2023. Once funds are depleted, eligible applications will go on a waiting list, to be paid once DEQ receives its next allotment in early 2024.

Electric vehicles purchased or leased after April 30, 2023, will not receive state rebates, but can still qualify for federal tax credits . They will not be placed on a waiting list for rebates at a later time.

The Charge Ahead online prequalification application may take two to three weeks to be assessed and for the voucher to be mailed. Interested parties may still apply for a Charge Ahead prequalification voucher during Program suspension. That way, they are ready to purchase or lease once it reopens.

To qualify for the Charge Ahead Rebate, Oregon residents must provide documentation showing household income is 400% of the federal poverty guideline. Applicants can use DEQ’s Income Eligibility Calculator to determine if they are eligible. Those who shop for an eligible used electric vehicle or use a non-participating dealership may still apply for the Charge Ahead Rebate with a paper application through the mail after purchase or lease.

Visit the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program Charge Ahead Prequalification web page for more information and to apply. If you have any questions about the process, please contact cleancars@deq.oregon.gov.

About The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality protects human health and the environment by controlling air and water pollution, reducing the impacts of manufactured products and cleaning up contaminated properties. DEQ engages the public in decision-making and helps communities solve problems in ways that are economically and environmentally sustainable.

Media Contact:
Susan C. Mills, DEQ public affairs specialist, Susan.Mills@deq.oregon.gov, 503-956-9648

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