Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EV in Mountains

Electric Vehicles in Eugene

Electric vehicles (EVs) are an important transportation option. By utilizing electric power instead of gasoline or diesel fuel, EVs are another means for reaching City goals for reducing community fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

EV Strategy

The Electric Vehicle Strategy (EV Strategy), completed in 2019, is an action plan. It contains 26 different actions targeted  for the City and its partners to take in order to achieve the City's goal that 50% of all cars in Eugene be electric by 2030, and 90% by 2050.


Actions in the EV Strategy fall into four main categories:

  • Increasing Charging Infrastructure Installation and Access
  • Direct and Supporting Efforts to Convert Fleet Vehicles, Personal Vehicles, and Shared Mobility Options to Electric
  • Conducting Education and Outreach to the Community
  • Establishing Targeting and Tracking Metrics
Arcimoto - Small Electric Vehicle

The EV Strategy compliments the City's Climate Action Plan 2.0 by outlining a set of actions needed to assist in reaching Eugene's community-wide climate recovery goals. Increasing adoption rates of EVs will not solely achieve the City's climate recovery goals, but it is an important and necessary piece of the larger puzzle.

Benefits of EVs

Driving an EV can save you money on maintenance, repair, and fuel. 

  • Because EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, the components experience less wear and tear and require less repair and maintenance. 
  • Additionally, EVs don’t have engines, and don’t require tune-ups or oil changes. 
  • EVs are also cheaper to fuel than traditional vehicles. In 2020, the average EV owner spent approximately $550 on the electricity needed for EV Charging. By comparison, the average fossil fuel powered vehicle owner spent approximately $1250 on gas.

Driving an EV also reduces your GHG emissions substantially. 

  • In Eugene, transportation accounts for 53% of local GHG emissions. 
  • The typical passenger vehicle emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. By comparison, an EV emits zero tons of carbon dioxide. 
  • With hybrid vehicles it is more difficult to calculate the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, however emissions are still substantially lower than traditional vehicles.
  • Nationally, electric power generation is the second largest contributor to human-generated GHGs due to the burning of coal and natural gas to generate electricity. In Eugene we are fortunate that only 2% of energy generated by EWEB comes from fossil fuels, whereas nearly 80% comes from clean hydropower.

Charging Stations

The distance today's EV models can travel on one full charge is typically between 100 and 300 miles. Lack of direct access to an EV charger, however, can serve as a significant barrier to people considering buying an EV, especially those who are renters. The City, in conjunction with partners like EWEB, is continuously exploring ways to address this issue, including implementing actions identified in the EV Strategy.

An Infographic Explaining the Difference in Types of EV Chargers

Image Source: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp

Public Charging Stations

EV drivers can park and charge their vehicles at several parking facilities operated by the City (map) including:

  • Downtown Public Library parking garage at 100 West 10th Avenue
  • Broadway South Garage at Charnelton Street and West Broadway
  • Overpark parking garage at 10th and Oak Street
  • Parcade parking garage at 8th and Willamette Street
  • Amtrak Train Depot surface lot at Willamette and 5th Avenue

Additional EV chargers available for community use, that are not City operated, can be found using PlugShare's interactive map.

Installing a Charging Station at your Home

If you are thinking about installing a charging station at your home you should check with an electrical contractor to make sure you have the necessary electrical service and circuitry. 

Electrical trade permits may be required in order to grade your electrical service, install the special circuit and install an outlet made specifically for electric vehicles. 

A step by step guide on how to apply for an electrical trade permit for EV charging station installation is available.

Financial Incentives & Rebates

A number of financial incentives are available to EV purchasers, continuing to reduce the total cost of vehicle ownership.

Federal Tax Credit: 

  • Up to $7500. Total credit varies depending on vehicle battery capacity. Not all vehicle models are eligible.

EWEB's Home Charging Station Rebate: 

  • $500. Only applies to Level 2 chargers (240 Volts, as opposed to traditional 120-Volt outlet).

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program: 

  • Standard Rebate: $1500 - $2500, depending on vehicle battery capacity. Only newly purchased or leased electric vehicles and electric motorcycles qualify. 
  • Charge Ahead Rebate: $2500. Only newly purchased or leased vehicles qualify. Only available to low- or moderate-income households.
  •  Comparing the Standard and Charge Ahead Rebates

Additional Resources

To learn more about EV basics, charging options and how to get EV ready: 

Watch an EV Workshop recording (rEV Up!)

Visit EWEB’s Electric Vehicle website

Visit the Emerald Valley Electric Vehicle Association (EVEVA) website


rEV UP WorkShop Promo Image

Contact Us

  1. Logan Telles (he/him)

    Transportation Planner
    LTelles@eugene-or.gov
    Phone: