As of June 9th, the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate program is officially active with refreshed funding. Don’t wait—state funds are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis!
If you have been waiting for the perfect moment to upgrade your ride to an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), your wait is officially over. The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program officially reopened on June 9th, bringing back millions of dollars in state funding to help local drivers transition to eco-friendly transportation.
Because vehicles purchased or leased during the program’s recent suspension period were completely ineligible for state incentives, this reopening marks a massive opportunity for Oregon drivers to lock in substantial savings. At Kiefer Kia, we are fully prepared to help you find a qualifying vehicle, navigate the state requirements, and maximize your savings. Learn how you can claim up to $7,500 in cash back on your next vehicle purchase or lease below.
Managed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program was established to reduce state-wide vehicle emissions by making electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids more financially accessible. It is critical to note that this program offers a cash rebate, not a tax credit. This means you do not have to wait until you file your annual tax returns to see the financial benefits—the cash goes right back into your pocket, or in some cases, can be applied directly at the time of purchase.
To keep the program focused on accessible, everyday transportation, the state enforces a strict price cap: eligible vehicles must have an original base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of under $50,000. Options and accessories added to specific trims do not invalidate the base MSRP eligibility, but the vehicle line’s base model must sit under this threshold.
The state offers two distinct pathways for these savings: the Standard Rebate and the Charge Ahead Rebate. Because these two options cannot be combined, understanding how each works is essential to planning your purchase.
| Program Feature | Standard Rebate Track | Charge Ahead Rebate Track |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Rebate | Up to $2,500 | Up to $7,500 |
| Income Restrictions? | None (Open to all Oregon residents) | Yes (Household income under 400% of Federal Poverty Level) |
| Vehicle Market | New Vehicles Only | New OR Used Vehicles ($5,000 max for used) |
| Base MSRP Threshold | Must be under $50,000 | Must be under $50,000 |
The Standard Rebate is open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. There are absolutely no household income restrictions to qualify for this tier. The rebate amount is determined solely by the vehicle’s battery capacity type:
To claim this rebate, drivers must submit an online application through the Oregon DEQ portal within six months of their vehicle’s delivery date.
The Charge Ahead Rebate is an equity-focused initiative designed to make clean energy options highly affordable for low- and moderate-income Oregon households. To qualify, an applicant’s net household income must be below 400% of the federal poverty guideline, adjusted for household size.
What makes the Charge Ahead Rebate incredibly unique is its flexibility regarding the vehicle market:
Drivers can choose to apply online after their purchase, or they can submit a Prequalification Application prior to shopping. Upon approval, the state issues a Charge Ahead Prequalification Voucher. You can bring this voucher directly to Kiefer Kia, and our finance team can apply your $5,000 or $7,500 savings directly to your deal at the point of sale, instantly lowering your out-of-pocket costs or monthly payments.
Kia is an industry leader in electrification, offering a robust lineup of sleek, high-tech, and incredibly efficient vehicles. Because the state requires a base MSRP below $50,000, several of our most popular new Kia models qualify perfectly for these state incentives:
Note: The spacious, three-row Kia EV9 carries a base MSRP that exceeds the state’s $50,000 limit, making it ineligible for the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate. However, it may still qualify for various federal tax incentives or exclusive dealership offers!
We have pre-filtered our digital showroom to show you brand-new Kia models that strictly meet the state’s original base MSRP requirement of under $50,000.
With millions of dollars back in the state fund, inventory on qualifying clean vehicles is expected to move incredibly fast. Let the team at Kiefer Kia help you secure your upgrade seamlessly.
Ready to explore your options? Start by checking out our dedicated Kia EV and Hybrid Hub to compare vehicle specs, charging times, and hybrid configurations. If you are looking to purchase a brand-new model, browse our up-to-date New Vehicle Inventory for qualifying Niro and EV6 models. Budget-conscious shoppers can also take advantage of the $5,000 Charge Ahead rebate by exploring our high-quality Used Vehicle Inventory.
The program officially reopened on June 9th. Vehicles purchased or leased on or after this date are fully eligible for funding, provided they meet all other vehicle and program criteria.
No. The state of Oregon requires applicants to choose one track or the other. Eligible drivers can apply for either the Standard Rebate or the income-qualified Charge Ahead Rebate, but they cannot be combined for a single vehicle purchase.
The new Kia Niro EV, select trims of the Kia EV6, the Kia Niro PHEV, the Kia Sportage PHEV, and the Kia Sorento PHEV all feature a base MSRP under $50,000, making them fully eligible. Used electric and plug-in hybrid models also qualify under the Charge Ahead program tier.
No. This is a direct cash rebate program issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). It puts cash directly back into your hands post-purchase, or lowers your cost at the point of sale via a prequalified voucher.
No. Oregon DEQ guidelines explicitly state that all qualifying vehicles must be purchased or leased from a certified licensed vehicle dealership, such as Kiefer Kia, or directly from the manufacturer. Private party sales are completely ineligible.
