Oregon Ranks in Top 10 for Transportation Electrification and Support for the EV Driver
Note: we do not endorse specific vehicle companies or brands — we just love and support EV adoption!
In two new reports this week, Oregon landed among the top 10 states for implementing policies and actions that support transportation electrification. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s new State Transportation Electrification Scorecard, Oregon ranks at No. 9. Plug in America’s new Top 25 States Supporting the EV Driver report boosts Oregon to No. 3.
The ACEEE released its first-year scorecard analyzing all 50 states and Washington, DC with a point system that evaluates various efforts, including charging options, incentives like rebates and tax credits, and utility funding for EV and EV charging adoption in low-income areas. Oregon scored 14.5 out of 17 possible points in the Planning and Goals category, highlighting Oregon’s commitment to continued work and improvement. Plug in America’s report outlined its top 25 states supporting EV drivers, with Oregon coming in at No. 3 after California and Massachusetts. The report tallies states that are leading in policy measures implemented for EV infrastructure and drivers as well as EV education and outreach.
Oregon has set high goals for electric vehicle adoption, and many of the state’s utilities have developed transportation electrification plans and goals that support EV growth in their territories. In addition to setting goals, Governor Brown directed the Oregon Department of Transportation to develop an infrastructure needs analysis for EV charging in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Energy and other partners are providing support for the Transportation Electrification Infrastructure Needs Analysis, which will identify where gaps exist in the state to support electric fueling needs for Oregonians, businesses, industry, and travelers visiting the state. This gap analysis will be foundational to electrification planning for the state, local governments, and businesses to meet future EV needs.
Both reports show that Oregon is not alone in concerns about equity and EV adoption. Whether it’s addressing the up-front costs of buying an EV or enabling the development of charging in underserved communities, governments and businesses play an important role in fostering access for all. Oregon has made some positive inroads in addressing equity with the Department of Environmental Quality’s Charge Ahead EV rebate, which is available to low- and moderate-income Oregonians throughout the state, and can be applied toward used car purchases. ODOT is also currently reaching out to many underserved Oregonians to better understand potential opportunities and barriers to equitable access to EVs and charging from the perspective of those living in and working within those communities.
The road to achieving our EV adoption goals is long, but these scores signal Oregon has made some significant and important first steps to improving access to cleaner, greener transportation for all Oregonians.
Learn more about Oregon EV incentives and rebates.