Taking EVs for a spin: Positive turn out for PGE Electric Vehicle Ride & Drive events
Sept. 30, 2025
More than 100 prospective electric vehicle drivers were charged up to test drive an electric vehicle of their choice during Portland General Electric’s EV Ride & Drive events, funded by Oregon’s DEQ Clean Fuels revenue.
In celebration of National Drive Electric Month (Sept. 12 – Oct. 12), Portland General Electric held two EV Ride & Drive events in Portland and Salem over the past week, where attendees test drove a range of electric vehicles in a no-pressure environment.
With the federal electric vehicle tax credit expiring just days after both events, drivers were excited to get behind the wheel to see if an EV was right for them.
The federal EV tax credit, which expired on September 30, covered up to $7,500 for electric vehicle purchases, giving buyers some financial relief. There was a large turnout at both events, with 70 test drivers in Salem and more than 60 in Portland, in addition to EV passengers.
“Every year we see more electric vehicles on the road, but many people haven’t experienced driving one,” said Elyssia Lawrence, PGE transportation electrification senior manager. “Our Ride & Drive events allow anyone to take an EV for a spin, whether they’re looking to purchase now or planning for the future. We want to provide a venue to learn more, help customers save money and make the best choice for them or their families.”
Although the federal tax credit is no longer available, qualified buyers can still save up to $7,500 as part of Oregon’s Charge Ahead Rebate 
.
Learn more on available credits and rebates.
Check out video from PGE’s Ride & Drive events!
Portland General Electric hosts EV Ride & Drive events in Portland in Salem during National Drive Electric Month
About Portland General Electric
Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 950,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index and is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2024, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.5 million and volunteered nearly 23,000 hours to more than 480 nonprofit organizations. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news
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