Oregon’s ZERO Fleet Rebate Program | What We Know So Far
Oregon is preparing to launch something big for commercial fleets. The new ZERO Fleet Program is the state’s first major incentive program dedicated to helping businesses transition medium and heavy duty vehicles to zero emissions. At Range we have been talking a lot about WAZIP in Washington and helping fleets understand how to prepare for that program. Now we are just as excited to help Oregon fleets get ready for this next chapter. Internally we have been calling the program OZIP so we will use that shorthand here to keep things simple and personal.
While Oregon has finalized the core rules for the program, some operational details are still being completed. That means this is the perfect moment to break down what we know so far, what fleets can expect, and how to start planning ahead. OZIP represents a major opportunity for Oregon businesses and we want to help our customers be first in line when funding becomes available.
What Is OZIP and the ZERO Fleet Program
OZIP is Oregon’s new Zero Emissions Rebates for Oregon Fleets Program. It was created through House Bill 3409 and is administered by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The goal is simple. Oregon wants to support the purchase and lease of zero emission medium and heavy duty vehicles by lowering the upfront cost for businesses, non profits and government agencies.
Unlike a tax credit, this is a cash rebate designed to make the transition to electric vehicles more practical and more accessible. Oregon’s medium and heavy duty vehicles currently produce an estimated 9.3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year. This accounts for nearly half of all on road transportation emissions in the state. OZIP is aimed at helping fleets switch to cleaner technology and reduce that impact statewide.
The Environmental Quality Commission has already adopted the rules that guide the program. These cover application requirements, eligibility criteria and steps meant to address disproportionate air pollution burdens in frontline communities. The foundation is set and Oregon fleets can now begin preparing.
Why OZIP Matters for Oregon Fleets
OZIP has the potential to significantly speed up commercial EV adoption in Oregon. The upfront cost of medium and heavy duty electric vehicles has been one of the biggest barriers for businesses. A cash rebate removes some of that pressure and opens the door for fleets that want to electrify but have been waiting for the right moment.
The program is built to support a wide range of organizations across the state. Businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations and local or state government entities can all participate. This creates a more inclusive path to electrification and ensures that the benefits of cleaner technology are shared across communities.
Oregon also designed the program with an eye toward environmental justice. Medium and heavy duty emissions have historically impacted frontline communities. By prioritizing the transition to cleaner vehicles, the state is investing in healthier neighborhoods and long term sustainability.
Programs like OZIP also give Oregon fleets an opportunity to learn from what other regions are doing. California’s HVIP and Washington’s WAZIP are shaping the next wave of commercial EV adoption. OZIP puts Oregon in that same forward looking space and sends a clear message that the state is ready for a cleaner future.
How the OZIP Program Works
Here is what we know so far about how the program will function.
General eligibility
Applicants must be registered Oregon businesses, nonprofit organizations or government entities. The program does not support person to person sales. Vehicles must be purchased or leased from a certified dealer or original equipment manufacturer.
Point of Sale Rebate:
Approved dealers will deduct the rebate amount from the vehicle’s purchase price, and the DEQ will reimburse the dealer directly. The rebate benefit is provided to the purchaser, with the dealer being compensated for the rebate amount deducted from the vehicle’s purchase price.
Vehicle requirements
Eligible vehicles must be new zero emission medium or heavy duty vehicles. Retrofits or repowers of existing vehicles are not eligible. Vehicles must meet the definition of a qualifying vehicle under the program rules and must be purchased or leased on or after the effective date of the program.
Timing requirements
Vehicles need to be purchased or leased and then registered within twelve months of receiving rebate approval. Oregon DEQ can grant an additional six month extension if needed. Each extension request is reviewed individually.
Program limitations
The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program cannot be stacked with OZIP for the same vehicle. Fleets can receive up to five OZIP rebates per calendar year.
More information on rebate amounts and application timing will be announced by Oregon DEQ. For now the most important step is early planning so fleets are ready when applications open.
Range Is Ready to Help Oregon Fleets Prepare
At Range we spend every day helping fleets navigate electrification and funding programs. Our team works closely with businesses across the region to understand their routes, their use cases and their long term goals. We have supported customers through incentive programs in California and we are deeply involved in preparing Washington fleets for WAZIP. Now we are bringing that same expertise to Oregon.
We offer one of the most complete commercial EV lineups in the Pacific Northwest. From delivery vans to work trucks to next generation platforms we help customers compare models, understand infrastructure needs and map out which units to transition first. Incentive programs can feel overwhelming but our team knows how to guide fleets through the details and build a plan that matches their timeline and budget.
Even though Oregon is still finalizing the final pieces of OZIP, it is not too early to start preparing. Fleets that evaluate their needs now will be in a better position to make decisions when funding becomes available. Whether you are looking to electrify a small portion of your fleet or preparing for a larger transformation, Range is ready to support you from day one.
Conclusion
OZIP is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Oregon’s move toward cleaner, zero emission transportation. With program rules in place and the official launch on the horizon this is the right time for businesses to plan ahead. Understanding your fleet mix, mapping out vehicle replacements and preparing for the rebate application process will help you get the most out of the program.
Range is here to help you make sense of the details and build a strategy that works for your organization. If you want to explore electric vehicles or start preparing for OZIP our team is ready to talk.
Start planning today. Connect with the Range team to begin mapping out your fleet needs and be ready when OZIP funding becomes available.
