Alternative Fuel Stations
Above is a complete list of alternative fuel locations in or near Independence, OR: biodiesel; compressed natural gas (CNG); ethanol (E85); electric; hydrogen; liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (propane) & more.
Tax incentives and/or other rebates, credits, incentives or related initiaves for drivers of alternative fuel vehicles or for other uses of alternative fuel in Independence, OR.
Dedicated original equipment manufacturer natural gas vehicles and all-electric vehicles are not required to be equipped with a certified pollution control system.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 815.300)
A low-speed vehicle is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle capable of reaching speeds of more than 20 miles per hour (mph) but not more than 25 mph. A low-speed vehicle may not operate on a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 35 mph. A medium-speed EV is defined as a four-wheeled electric motor vehicle that is equipped with a roll cage or a crushproof body design and is capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 mph. A medium-speed EV may not operate on a highway that has a posted speed limit of more than 45 mph. A city or county may adopt ordinances that allow the operation of low-speed vehicles or medium-speed EVs on city streets or county roads that have posted speed limits greater than 35 mph and 45 mph, respectively. Low-speed vehicles and medium-speed EVs must comply with certain standards contained in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, section 571.500.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 801.331, 801.341, and 811.512-811.513 and Oregon Administrative Rules 737-010-0010)
A vehicle equipped with a fully functional idle reduction system designed to reduce fuel use and emissions from engine idling may exceed the maximum weight limitations by up to 550 pounds (lbs.) to accommodate the added weight of the idle reduction technology. Any natural gas vehicle or electric vehicle may exceed the limits by up to 2,000 lbs.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 818.030)
The owner of a lot in a planned community or unit in a condominium may apply to install EV charging stations for their personal use in a parking space subject to the exclusive use of the owner. The homeowners association (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the EV charging station installation and use, must disclose the existence of the EV charging station and related responsibilities to a prospective buyer, and must ensure that the infrastructure meets insurance and safety requirements. EV charging stations installed under these regulations are considered to be the personal property of the lot or unit owner with which the EV charging station is associated, unless the owner and HOA have negotiated a different outcome. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 94.762 and 100.627)
Compressed natural gas motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per 123.57 cubic feet. Liquefied petroleum gas motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per 1.353 gallons. Hydrogen motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per kilogram. Liquefied natural gas motor fuel is subject to the state fuel excise tax at the rate of $0.34 per 1.71 gallons.
(Reference House Bill 2099, 2023)
An individual is not allowed to park a motor vehicle within any parking space specifically designated for public parking and fueling of AFVs unless the motor vehicle is an AFV. Eligible AFVs must also be in the process of fueling or charging to park in the space. A person found responsible for a violation is subject to traffic violation penalties.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 811.587)
All-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $115 or a per-mile road use fee of $0.019 per mile through the OReGo program. Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles must pay an annual fee in the following amounts:
| Vehicle Efficiency | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicles with a rating of 0-19 miles per gallon (mpg) | $20 |
| Vehicles with a rating of 20-39 mpg | $25 |
| Vehicles with a rating of 40 mpg or greater | $35 |
These fees are in addition to standard registration fees. Drivers with EVs or vehicles with ratings over 40 mpg are exempt from additional registration fees if they enroll in the OReGo program. For more information, including how to apply, visit the OReGo program website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 803.420-803.422)
The tenant of a commercial space may apply to install EV charging stations for the use of the tenant, employees of the tenant, and customers of the tenant. Unless the premises does not have at least one parking space per rental unit, the landlord must approve a completed application no more than 60 days after the tenant submits the application. In the absence of a different tenant-landlord agreement, the EV charging stations will be personal property of the tenant and the tenant is responsible for all costs associated with installation and use of the EV charging station. The tenant is responsible for maintaining a renter’s liability insurance policy of at least $100,000. Upon the termination of the rental agreement, the landlord may require the tenant to remove the charging station and restore the premises. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 90.462)
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates to Oregon residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle (EV), including a PHEV, electric motorcycle, or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). EVs and FCEVs purchased before May 1, 2023, with a battery capacity greater than 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh), are eligible for a rebate of $2,500. EVs and FCEVs with a battery capacity of less than 10 kWh are eligible for a rebate of $1,500.
Electric motorcycles are eligible for a rebate of $750. EVs may not have an MSRP of more than $50,000, and eligible FCEVs may not have an MSRP of more than $60,000. For more information, see the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468.442 - 468.444 and Temporary Administrative Order DEQ 19-2021)
EWEB offers rebates to residential and commercial customers for the installation of EV charging stations. Residential customers may receive a rebate of up to $500 for a Level 2 EV charging station.
Commercial customers may receive rebates of up to $1,500 for public Level 2 EV charging stations and up to $15,000 for public direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Eligible commercial customers include businesses, workplaces, fleets, and multifamily dwellings. Multifamily dwellings at affordable housing sites are eligible for a rebate of up to $2,000 per Level 2 EV charging station.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and application materials, see the EWEB EV Incentives for Businesses and Residential EV Incentives websites.
The city of Independence (OR) in Polk County has an estimated population of 8,590.
There are currently at least 35 alternative fuel stations in or near Independence, OR (10-mile radius).
LPG and compressed natural gas are used primarily in areas that have easy access to pipelines.