Oregon and nine other states are making strides in promoting electric vehicles (EVs) to fight climate change and reduce pollution. Over the past 12 years, these states have registered 3.3 million new electric cars, meeting a goal they set back in 2013.
At that time, the governors of Oregon, California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont agreed to push for policies aimed at boosting the sales of zero-emission vehicles. Back then, there were only about 300 electric vehicles in Oregon. Now, more than 100,000 EVs are registered in the state, accounting for nearly 5% of all new cars over the last decade, according to the Oregon Department of Energy.
Governor Tina Kotek recently celebrated this achievement as a "milestone." She emphasized that electrifying transportation is vital for Oregon’s climate goals and pointed out the importance of partnerships between states and private companies in achieving long-term success.
The rise in electric vehicle options has been impressive. In 2013, there were just 16 models available in the U.S. Today, that number has exploded to over 150. This growth reflects broader trends in the EV market, especially following the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress in 2022, which introduced a $7,500 rebate for new electric vehicle purchases. Oregon also has its rebate program, offering similar incentives.
Interestingly, one-third of the electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in Oregon have benefited from the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebates, amounting to almost $100 million since 2017. However, this program has paused due to funding issues but is expected to resume in 2025.
According to the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, five additional states have now implemented similar programs to encourage electric vehicle adoption. Together, Oregon and these 14 states represent more than one-third of all new electric vehicle sales in the U.S.
As more states get on board with zero-emission initiatives, it’s clear that electric vehicles are not just a trend; they are becoming a crucial part of our transportation future. With ongoing support and increased options, the shift toward cleaner transportation is well underway.
For more about the impact of electric vehicles, you can read this Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management report.
Check out this related article: Join the Movement: 50 Million Rally for a Cleaner, Healthier Environment by Reducing Air Pollution!
Source linkElectric Cars | Cars | Environment | Climate Change | Pollution
