The electric vehicle market is expected to reap $457 billion in revenue this year, and experts expect that number to keep growing.
Given Portland’s recent adoption of the Electric Vehicle Ready Code Project and Oregon’s position as one of the top markets for EVs, we’re giving you a quick breakdown of the status of driving electric in the Rose City.
What’s the Portland EV scene like?
If you swear you’re seeing more Teslas on the streets, you’re not wrong. Battery-only EVs accounted for 18% of monthly new vehicle registrations across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties in February (the highest rate in the country), compared to just over 9% the previous year. Teslas made up nearly 41% of the combined local market.
Portland is considered the No. 7 city in the US for electric vehicles owned and available charging stations, with one charger for every 1,494 residents — that’s a total of 2,043 chargers, as of February. That puts PDX at No. 14 for charger infrastructure, with Oregon claiming the No. 9 spot overall in a lineup of the most EV-friendly states.
How to charge
It may seem odd, but you can charge your car with a regular old 120-volt outlet — it just might take all night.
To fill up in a few hours, many EV owners install a Level 2 charger — which is 240 volts — but the charger and installation could cost hundreds. That said, Portland General Electric offers up to a $1,000 income-qualified rebate for its purchase and installation.
The city — and nearby state parks — are also stocked with thousands of public charging stations. PGE’s “Electric Avenue” program costs $25 per month for unlimited access to Level 2 and DC fast chargers.
What other rebates should I know about?
EVs can be pricey, but tax credits can offset the cost. The federal government offers as much as $7,500 for an EV purchase, depending on household income and the car’s battery size.
There’s a lot more to know about EVs. If you’re in the market, take a look at Go Electric Oregon’s buyer’s guide.