Home » Programs » The Energy Challenge » Electric Vehicles

The Energy Challenge

Electric Vehicles

With an electric vehicle, there’s a lifetime of savings on the road ahead.

Never buy gas again! Plug in at home and wake up fully charged.
Fully charge your vehicle for less than the cost of a gallon of gas. $4 in electricity will take you almost 151 miles.
No oil changes ever again (and lower maintenance costs all around).

There are other reasons to consider going electric, too — like the fact that they’re super fun to drive and have zero emissions!

Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions and can help you dramatically lower your carbon footprint.
Go from 0 to 60 in seconds! When you accelerate in an electric vehicle, the power goes directly from the battery to the tires, creating some of the quickest acceleration times possible.

Electric Bus Learning Project

The Electric Bus Learning Project (EBLP) helps interested bus fleets in many parts of Oregon to start electrifying. We do that with virtual learning forums, trainings, and personalized consultation including site visits.

Check out upcoming events and speakers to learn more about the EBLP and what’s happening in Central Oregon.

Learn more

Getting Started

First thing’s first… you need to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle! Locally, we recommend calling the dealership first to see what they have in stock. The Bend Kia, Hyundai, and BMW dealers often have electric models in stock. (Scroll to the bottom of this page for dealership info.)

If you’re headed to Portland, you can check out Forth Mobility’s EV Showcase where you can test drive one of their 7 EV and plug in hybrid options. You can reserve a test drive online.

We work to organize Ride and Drive events throughout Central Oregon throughout the year.

Let’s Talk About the Money

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offers a cash rebate for Oregon drivers who purchase or lease electric vehicles. The program is designed to reduce vehicle emissions by encouraging more Oregonians to purchase or lease electric vehicles rather than gas vehicles.

Standard Rebate: $2500 or $1500 towards the purchase or lease of a new plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle (rebate amount depends upon the battery capacity)

Charge Ahead Rebate: $2500 for the purchase or lease of any new or used plug in hybrid or battery electric vehicle. This applies to individuals making less than $63k and a family of 4 making less than $83k which opens up EV ownership to many new drivers! For more details click here.

Federal Tax Credit

Depending on the battery capacity of your electric car, you are eligible for the federal tax credit of up to $7,500. You can find out how much of the credit you are eligible here.

If you don’t have a large enough tax liability you may be able to take advantage of some of that $7,500 benefit through a lease. Contact your auto dealership for lease offerings and consult your tax professional to learn how tax credits and rules may apply to you. This information does not constitute tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties.

Once a manufacture sells 200,000 electric vehicles they start to reduce the tax credit that is available. GM and Tesla are the only manufactures that have hit that cap and to learn more of who qualifies and for what amount click here.

Charging

Frequently Asked Questions

Team Kia of Bend

Dealership Partner

Contact: Brady Allison, , (541) 550-5555

Team Hyundai of Bend

Dealership Partner

Contact: Todd Byrnes, , (541) 749-4025

Smolich Nissan

Dealership Partner

The 100% Electric 2019 Nissan LEAF is equipped with a 40KW battery and drives an estimated 151 miles per charge. It’s fun to drive with amazing torque and it handles great on the road in all conditions. Plug-in to your wall outlet at home or use one of several DC fast Chargers located throughout Central Oregon. This vehicle requires very little maintenance and comes with a best in class 8 year or 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Contact: Calvin Stevens, , 541-389-1178

Cascade Car Craft

Cascade Car Craft Aims to continue the auto enthusiast into the new era of automotive design and technology. We specialize in Hybrid and Electric Vehicle and have a true devotion to preserving and protecting the earth while still being true to life car people. All the staples of automotive repair are present here but we like to provide a little different experience than one that you had in the past . One of inclusion, practicality and and above all else integrity and quality in our service.

We love people and we want the best for you and your automobile.

Contact: Michael Wallace, , 541-497-3610

The Energy Challenge

Electric Vehicles

Electric Bus Learning Project

Getting Started

Let’s Talk About the Money

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program

Federal Tax Credit

Charging

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can I go on a charge?

How long does it take to charge?

How do I know where to charge?

How long will the battery last?

Do I need to install a charger in my home?

How do electric cars do in the snow?

What about incentives?

Team Kia of Bend

Dealership Partner

Team Kia of Bend

Team Hyundai of Bend

Dealership Partner

Team Hyundai of Bend

Smolich Nissan

Dealership Partner

Smolich Nissan

Cascade Car Craft

Related Posts

Electric Buses And Equity: Six Principles For Combining Them

October 27, 2021

Electric School Bus Tour was a hit!

May 28, 2021

Get involved with Bend’s climate future

July 8, 2020

What does my house need to charge an Electric Car?

April 23, 2020