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EV Rebates 2026

Proposed rule

Rulemaking contact: Erica Timm, 503-863-4839

This rulemaking proposes rule amendments that update and clarify requirements for both the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (light duty electric vehicles) and our ZERO Fleet Rebate Program (medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles). Below is a brief overview of the two programs and the focus of the rulemaking: 

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program  

The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is a rebate program to incent the adoption of zero emission passenger cars and light-duty trucks. It contains two elements. The first is the Standard Rebate, which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of eligible new, zero-emission vehicles. The second is the Charge Ahead Rebate, which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of qualifying new or used, zero-emission vehicles if the purchaser or lessee is from a low- or moderate-income household. To be eligible for the Charge Ahead Rebate, an applicant must be from a household with an income of less than 400% of the federal poverty guideline. 

ZERO Fleet Rebate Program  

The ZERO Fleet Rebate Program is a new incentive to support the adoption of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles across the state. The program is available to eligible businesses, non-profit organizations, and public agencies operating in Oregon. Rebates are available for qualifying zero emission vehicles ranging from Class 2b through Class 8. Rebate amounts vary based on the vehicle's weight class, with higher incentives available for larger vehicle categories to reflect their greater potential for emissions reductions. 

Rulemaking Focus 

The focus of this rulemaking is adjusting program rules for financial sustainability and clarity. This includes:  

  • OCVRP: considering adjustments to current Standard and Charge Ahead Rebate levels, limiting the number of rebates an individual can receive, clarifying definitions, and updating citations and program processes.  
  • ZERO Fleets: adding eligibility details for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, clarifying rebate award decision making process, and ensuring healthy price competition when spending public dollars.

​DEQ is convening an advisory committee to review the technical issues and fiscal impacts related to the proposed rules. In convening this committee, DEQ has appointed members that reflect the range of entities that are both directly and indirectly affected by proposed changes to the rules.

​Meeting 2: Dec. 1, 2025


Public involvement

DEQ invites the public to submit comments on the proposed rules. The comment period closes at 4 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2026.
For more information, see the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which includes the notice and proposed rules.
 

Public hearing 1

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
Start time: 1 p.m. (PST)
Join via Teams
Meeting ID: 277 640 586 168 37
Join by phone: +1 503-446-4951
Phone conference ID: 331 472 841#

Public hearing 2

Date: Monday, Feb. 23, 2026
Start time: 6 p.m. (PST)
Join via Teams
Meeting ID: 279 204 235 830 1
Join by phone: +1 503-446-4951
Phone conference ID: 580 378 843#

Sign up for email or text updates on this rulemaking via GovDelivery.

EQC action

DEQ plans on presenting the proposed rules to the Environmental Quality Commission, including any modifications made in response to public comments, for a decision at its May 14-15, 2026 meeting