Portland General Electric’s 2026 Drive Change Fund Now Open
If you manage a multifamily community, manage a commercial property, operate a business, or run a fleet in Oregon, you may qualify for a rebate to offset the cost of EV charging installation. Funding is limited and competitive.
PGE Drive Change Fund: EV Charging Grants in Oregon
The PGE Drive Change Fund is one of Oregon’s most important funding programs for electric vehicle infrastructure and electrification projects. Backed by Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program, the fund supports organizations working to expand EV adoption, including the installation of EV charging infrastructure.
Since its launch, the program has awarded millions of dollars to projects across Oregon, helping businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies reduce the cost of deploying EV charging and electrifying transportation.
For organizations planning EV charging installations, the Drive Change Fund can significantly offset upfront costs and improve project feasibility.
What the Drive Change Fund Covers
The program supports a wide range of transportation electrification projects, including EV charging infrastructure.
Eligible costs may include:
EV charging equipment (Level 2 and DC fast chargers)
Engineering, design, and permitting
Construction and installation costs
Electrical service upgrades and infrastructure
Software, networking, and maintenance (limited duration)
Training and operational support
Funding can also extend to broader electrification efforts, including vehicle purchases and education initiatives tied to EV adoption.
Who is Eligible
The Drive Change Fund is open to a range of applicants, including:
• Businesses and commercial property owners
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government and municipal entities
For-profit applicants typically need to demonstrate a meaningful partnership with a nonprofit or public organization and provide a clear community benefit.
Projects are expected to:
• Support transportation electrification
• Deliver environmental and community benefits
• Prioritize underserved or underrepresented communities
Funding Amounts & Structure
The Drive Change Fund operates as a competitive grant program, meaning:
Funding amounts vary by project
Awards depend on application strength and available funds
No fixed rebate percentage is guaranteed
Historically, the program has distributed millions of dollars across projects, including EV charging installations and fleet electrification initiatives.
Applicants should be prepared to:
Define total project costs
Identify additional funding sources
Demonstrate measurable project impact
How to Apply
The application process is structured and competitive.
Typical steps include:
Define your EV charging or electrification project
Build partnerships (if required)
Prepare technical and financial details
Submit an application during the open funding window
Undergo third-party evaluation and selection
Projects are reviewed based on:
Community impact
project design and feasibility
contribution to EV adoption
benefits to underserved communities
How Charli Helps
Applying for EV charging grants can be complex, especially when coordinating site design, funding requirements, and installation timelines. And we know you already have your hands full.
Charli supports organizations through:
Site assessment and infrastructure planning
Project scoping aligned with grant criteria
Charger selection and system design
Installation and deployment
Ongoing charging network management
Our approach is built on our full-service EV charging solutions, helping you move from funding strategy to operational infrastructure.
Apply for EV Charging Funding in Oregon
Planning an EV charging project? Charli can help you evaluate eligibility, design your system, and navigate the funding process.