Electricity Laws and Incentives in Oregon

The list below contains summaries of all Oregon laws and incentives related to electricity.

State Incentives

Alternative Fuel Loans

The Oregon Department of Energy administers the Small-Scale Local Energy Loan Program which offers low-interest loans for qualifying projects. Eligible alternative fuel projects include fuel production facilities, dedicated feedstock production, fueling infrastructure, and fleet vehicles. Loan recipients must complete a loan application and pay a loan application fee. For more information, see the Energy Loan Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 470.060 through 470.080)

Clean School Bus Grants

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality must use funds awarded to Oregon through the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust and deposited in the Clean Diesel Engine Fund, to award grants to owners and operators of at least 450 school buses powered by diesel engines. Eligible vehicles include buses that have at least three years of remaining useful life. Grants will be available for 30%, up to $50,000, for the purchase of a new bus or up to 100% of the cost to retrofit a school bus with emissions-reducing parts or technology that reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by at least 85%. Any money not expended under this Clean Diesel Engine Fund will fund grants for the reduction of diesel engine emissions as matching funds under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program. For more information, see the VW Settlement website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.795-468A.807)

Community Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grant

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) administers the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, which offers grants to tribal entities, local governments, port and irrigation districts, and consumer-owned utilities to plan and develop community renewable energy and energy resilience projects. Eligible projects include publicly accessible EV chargers. Grant amounts vary and may cover up to 100% of total project costs. Half of program funds must be awarded to low-income, underserved, or rural communities. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. For more information, see the ODOE Community Renewable Energy Grant Program website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rebates

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) offers a rebate for the purchase and installation of qualifying EV chargers to businesses; multifamily housing (MFH); and state, local, and tribal government entities for the purchase and installation of qualifying EV chargers. Rebates amounts are $8,000 per level 2 charger or up to 80% of project costs. Seventy percent of the project funds are reserved for projects located within rural or disadvantaged communities. Rebates are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including funding availability, eligibility, and how to apply, see the ODOT Community Charging Rebates Program website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate

The Charge Ahead Rebate Program offers low- and medium-income Oregon residents a rebate of up to $5,000 for new or pre-owned EVs purchased between May 22, 2025, and December 4, 2025, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Residents who purchased a new EV may combine this rebate with the Clean Vehicle Rebate to receive a maximum rebate of $7,500. Qualifying residents are considered households with income levels that do not exceed 400% of the federal poverty line. For more information, including funding availability, see the Charge Ahead Rebate Program and Go Electric Oregon websites.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468.442 and 468.446)

Oregon's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program required the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to submit an annually updated EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to their FHWA Division Office, describing how the state intended to distribute NEVI funds and their physical and cybersecurity strategies, and including a Community Engagement Outcomes Report. The submitted plans must address updated NEVI Guidance.

For more information about Oregon’s NEVI planning process, see the ODOT Oregon’s Five-year EV Charging Infrastructure Roadmap website.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and Zero Emission Vehicle Rebates

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates to Oregon residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle (EV), including a PHEV, electric motorcycle, or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). EVs and FCEVs purchased between May 22, 2025, and September 8, 2025, with a battery capacity greater than 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh), are eligible for a rebate of $2,500. EVs and FCEVs with a battery capacity of less than 10 kWh are eligible for a rebate of $1,500.

Electric motorcycles are eligible for a rebate of $750. EVs may not have an MSRP of more than $50,000, and eligible FCEVs may not have an MSRP of more than $60,000. For more information, including funding availability, see the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program and Go Electric Oregon websites.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468.442 - 468.444 and Temporary Administrative Order DEQ 19-2021)

Pollution Control Equipment Exemption

Dedicated original equipment manufacturer natural gas vehicles and all-electric vehicles are not required to be equipped with a certified pollution control system.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 815.300)

Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grants

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program to support the development of charging and fueling infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. Eligible applicants include public agencies, businesses, and Tribal governments. Grants reimburse a portion of eligible project costs for the design and installation of direct-current fast chargers and Level 2 chargers. Priority is given to projects in locations disproportionately affected by poor air quality. For more information, see the DEQ Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program website.

Laws and Regulations

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Space Regulation

An individual is not allowed to park a motor vehicle within any parking space specifically designated for public parking and fueling of AFVs unless the motor vehicle is an AFV. Eligible AFVs must also be in the process of fueling or charging to park in the space. A person found responsible for a violation is subject to traffic violation penalties.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 811.587)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition (AFV) and Fuel Use Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2025, all new light-duty state agency fleet vehicle purchases or leases must be all-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to the maximum extent possible. If purchasing or leasing these vehicles is not feasible, state agencies may purchase or lease light-duty AFVs or qualifying low-emission vehicles. Each state agency must develop and report a greenhouse gas reduction baseline and annual reduction targets to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Reports to DAS must include the number of purchases or leases of ZEVs, AFVs, and AFV conversions and the quantity of each type of alternative fuel used annually by state agency fleets.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 267.030 and 283.327)

Clean Transportation Fuel Standards

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the Oregon Clean Fuels Program (Program), which requires fuel producers and importers to register, keep records of, and report the volumes and carbon intensities of the fuels they provide in Oregon. Phase 2 of the Program, implemented in 2016, requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels.

In 2022, a new goal was implemented to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels by 20% below 2015 levels by 2030, and 37% below 2015 levels by 2035. The DEQ continues to update rule-making to achieve this goal. For more information, see the DEQ Oregon Clean Fuels Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.266, Oregon Administrative Rules 340-253, and Permanent Administrative Order DEQ 17-2022)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Authorization at State Parks

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department allows the installation and use of state-owned public EV chargers at parking spaces on state park property. EV charger installations may be paid for through the Parks and Recreation Transportation Electrification Fund.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.357)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Building Standards for New Construction

Twenty percent of parking spaces at all newly constructed commercial buildings, multifamily residences with five or more units, and mixed-use developments must have the electrical capacity to support Level 2 EV chargers. New residential construction must be able to support the installation of one Level 2 EV chargers.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 455.417)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Certification

EV chargers that are funded or authorized by an Oregon state agency must be installed by a licensed contractor that holds either an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification or equivalent training program certification. This requirement does not apply to EV chargers installed at single-family dwellings, townhouses, or multifamily housing with four or fewer residential units. Additional requirements apply.

The Oregon Electrical and Elevator Board may audit EVITP to ensure that it includes the most current national electrical codes and best practices for the installation of EV chargers.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statues 283.410 and 479.947)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Policies for Rental Properties

The owner of a lot in a planned community or unit in a condominium may apply to install EV chargers for their personal use in a parking space subject to the exclusive use of the owner. The homeowners association (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the EV charger installation and use, must disclose the existence of the EV charger and related responsibilities to a prospective buyer, and must ensure that the infrastructure meets insurance and safety requirements. EV chargers installed under these regulations are considered to be the personal property of the lot or unit owner with which the EV charger is associated, unless the owner and HOA have negotiated a different outcome. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 90.462)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Rate Regulations

Regulated electric utilities must provide customers with a choice of flat rate or time of use electricity rates specific to EV owners. Investor-owned utilities may own and operate EV charging equipment using its own funds or petition the Oregon Public Utilities Commission for rate recovery.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.005 and Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Order No. 12-013, 2012)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Policies for Associations

The owner of a lot in a planned community or unit in a condominium may apply to install EV charging stations for their personal use in a parking space subject to the exclusive use of the owner. The homeowners association (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the EV charging station installation and use, must disclose the existence of the EV charging station and related responsibilities to a prospective buyer, and must ensure that the infrastructure meets insurance and safety requirements. EV charging stations installed under these regulations are considered to be the personal property of the lot or unit owner with which the EV charging station is associated, unless the owner and HOA have negotiated a different outcome. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 94.762 and 100.627)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging in Planned Communities and Condominiums

The owner of a lot in a planned community or a unit in a condominium may install an EV charging station for personal use in parking space subject to the owner’s exclusive use. Homeowners associations (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days or provide a written statement of reasonable conditions within that period.

Owners are responsible for all costs associated with installation, operation, maintenance, and removal of the EV charging station. They must ensure compliance with applicable building, electrical, fire, and safety codes, as well as insurance requirements, and disclose the existence and responsibilities associated with the EV charging station to prospective buyers.

EV charging stations installed under this provision are considered the personal property of the lot or unit owner unless a different arrangement is agreed upon between the owner and the HOA.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 94.762 and 100.627)

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Vehicle Efficiency Fees

All-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $115 or a per-mile road use fee of $0.02 per mile through the OReGo program. Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles must pay an annual fee in the following amounts:

Vehicle Efficiency	Annual Fee
Vehicles with a rating of 0-19 miles per gallon (mpg)	$20
Vehicles with a rating of 20-39 mpg	$25
Vehicles with a rating of 40 mpg or greater	$35

These fees are in addition to standard registration fees. Drivers with EVs or vehicles with ratings over 40 mpg are exempt from additional registration fees if they enroll in the OReGo program. For more information, including how to apply, visit the OReGo program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 803.420-803.422)

Establishment of Recognition Programs for Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must provide Governor’s Awards for automobile dealerships to encourage sales of EVs. ODOE must also provide Governor’s Awards for businesses and organizations that support EV adoption through installing charging infrastructure and using EVs in their fleets. More information, including nomination forms, can be found on the Go Electric Oregon website.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of MHD ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).

In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.

For more information, see the MHD ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement

Oregon has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV (zero tailpipe emission) production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2025, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission (zero tailpipe emission) trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in Oregon. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Clean Vehicles website.

(Reference Oregon Administration Rules 340)

Public Electric Utility Cost Recovery Authorization

A public electric utility may seek cost recovery from retail electricity consumers for transportation electrification infrastructure.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.357)

Public Utility Definition

A corporation, company, partnership, individual or association of individuals that supplies electricity for use in motor vehicles is not defined as a public utility.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statues 757.005)

State Agency Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Installation

State agencies may install publicly accessible EV chargers on their premises or contract with a vendor to do so. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will establish criteria to determine the appropriate number of locations for EV chargers at each agency. A state agency may establish and adjust a uniform price for charging, provided that the price recovers, to the extent practicable, the cost of operating the EV charger and does not exceed 110% of the average market price for the use of public EV chargers. DAS reported to the Legislative Assembly on the number, cost, and utilization of EV chargers installed by state agencies in February 2019, February 2021, and February 2023.

DAS must add electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity for employee and public visitor parking lots, develop contracts to procure and install charging infrastructure, and incorporate EV charging as a tenant improvement for state-leased buildings.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 276.255)

State Emissions Reductions and Reporting Requirements

Oregon will pursue transportation electrification as part of greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of at least 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Select state agencies must report actions to reduce emissions annually. The Oregon Department of Transportation published a report on statewide transportation electrification infrastructure analysis with updates in August 2022. Additional requirements apply.

(Reference Executive Order 20-04, 2020)

Transportation Electrification Acceleration Programs

The Oregon Public Utility Commission must direct electric utilities to file applications for programs to accelerate transportation electrification. Eligible programs include investments in or customer rebates for electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Among other criteria, programs must stimulate innovation, competition, and customer choice in EV chargers and EV charging.

Additionally, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must engage with publicly and investor-owned utilities on how to improve transportation electrification plans and increase EV adoption in their service territories. ODOE must also provide the utilities with technical assistance on how to accommodate increased electric system loads from EVs.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statues 757.357)

Volkswagen (VW) Settlement Allocation

The Department Environmental Quality (DEQ), with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), and Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, engaged stakeholders and received public comments to inform the development of a plan to leverage up to 15% of the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust to support vehicle electrification. The plan includes the development and maintenance of electric vehicle chargers, with a focus on rural and low-income communities.

ODOT, with ODOE, DEQ, the Public Utility Commission, and local governments, must develop proposals for future 30-month investment periods of Electrify America’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Investment Plan. More information can be found on the Go Electric Oregon website.

(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)

Voluntary Road Usage Charge Program

Oregon’s voluntary per mile road usage charge (RUC) program allows eligible passenger vehicles to pay a metered per mile charge set at five percent of the per gallon license tax instead of relying solely on fuel taxes. Applicants must equip a selected mileage collection method, with ODOT providing multiple options (including at least one non location method) with open system standards, security, tamper resistance, auditability, and privacy protections. EVs and vehicles rated 40+ mpg that enroll are exempt from additional registration fees. Out-of-state travel and travel on private roads are exempt and if participants pay fuel taxes, then that amount is reconciled with the RUC payment. Personally identifiable information is confidential and location/daily metered use records must be destroyed within 30 days after the relevant processing. The Oregon Department of Transportation must include penalties for certified service provider violations. For more information, see ODOT’s OReGO: Oregon’s Road Usage Charge Program website.

(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 319.883 to 319.946)

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support

Oregon joined California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle (EV) charger and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.

In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:

Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.

For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.

Zero-Emission Buses Support

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Public Utility Commission (PUC), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the Department of Education, was directed to develop tools and provide assistance for school districts considering zero-emission (zero tailpipe emission) bus options when replacing school buses.

ODOT, with ODOE, PUC, and DEQ, developed tools and best practices to help transit agencies when making decisions about using zero-emission buses in transit fleets. ODOT also worked with transit agencies, ODOE, DEQ, and the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division to access the environmental, public health, and financial benefits of an accelerated implementation of to zero-emission buses. For more information, see ODOE’s Guide to School Bus Electrification and the ODOT Transit Fleet Electrification website.