Emerald Valley Electric Vehicle Association Save Money with EVs

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Emerald Valley Electric Vehicle Association

Save Money with Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles Can Save You Money

Many people develop an interest in electric vehicles because of environmental concerns, while others are intrigued by the superior performance of electric motors over internal combustion engines. However, the combination of lower operating costs, falling purchase prices, and government incentives is becoming an important reason that many individuals, families, and business make the switch to EVs.

$2,500 State of Oregon Standard Rebate for New EVs

IMPORTANT: For 2025, this program was only open for vehicles purchased between May 22 and September 8. Vehicles purchased outside of that date range are not eligible for the Standard Rebate, but qualifying individuals may still be able to take advantage of the Charge Ahead rebate (described below) after September 8.

Details on this program are at the OR Department of Environmental Quality website.

The Standard Rebate is $2,500 for new EVs or $1,500 for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle MSRP must be less than $50,000 to qualify. Be sure to check the list of eligible vehicles to make sure your intended vehicle qualifies.

We will provide an updates when rebates are open for 2026.

$7,500 State of Oregon Charge Ahead Rebate for New EVs

$5,000 State of Oregon Charge Ahead Rebate for Used EVs

IMPORTANT: Vehicles are only eligible for this program if bought between May 22 and December 4, 2025. Purchasers have 6 months to file for the rebate for vehicles purchased within that time period if not applied ta the point of purchase.

Details on this program are at the OR Department of Environmental Quality website.

The Charge Ahead rebate program also has an MSRP cap, so any vehicle must be $50,000 or less. In addition, this program is directed at low- and moderate-income households, so there is a maximum income eligibility threshold. Be sure to check the list of eligible vehicles.

This program is also expected to be available again sometime in 2026.

$1,000/year* Lower Operating Costs

EVs are much cheaper to fuel are far simpler and less expensive to maintain than comparable internal combustion vehicles.

There is no engine oil and thus no oil changes. There are no spark plugs, fan belts, air filters, timing belts, head gaskets, or cylinder heads. Regenerative braking does most of the work stopping a car, so brakes last much longer.

In addition, household electric costs in the Pacific Northwest are relatively inexpensive, making it much cheaper to fuel your vehicle than to buy gas, particularly if you charge at home.

Tires do wear 15-20% faster because of the increased weight of the vehicle and the high torque from electric motors (that also make EVs much zippier to drive). Also, it is worth comparing insurance rates which are sometimes more expensive for EVs depending on what car(s) you are comparing them to.

The federal Alternative Fuels Data Center provides a cost calculator allowing comparison not only of fuel cost, but also maintenance cost for EV's and conventionally-fueled vehicles.

Alternative Fuels Data Center Vehicle Cost Calculator

* Comparing Hyundai Kona FWD and Hyundai Kona EV using the cost calculator and an assumption of 12,000 miles driven per year. Actual savings will vary depending on the cars compared and use patterns.

Federal Tax Credit for New and Used EVs

Unfortunately, these federal tax credits were discontinued as of September 30, 2025. Fortunately, the sales prices for new EVs are close enough to the price of conventional cars that lower costs for fuel and maintenance quickly make up the difference. Used EVs are often very competitively priced!