Lake Oswego residents wondering whether electric vehicles are still affordable after Congress eliminated the federal EV tax credit will get answers at a free fair on Sept. 19.

The Lake Oswego Sustainability Network (LOSN) hosts its ninth annual Clean Energy and EV Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church. The event features test drives from local dealers, vendor booths for solar panels, heat pumps and induction stovetops, and a chance to see the Lake Oswego School District's electric school bus up close.

National EV sales have slowed since the federal credit's elimination. Electrified vehicles have made up less than 7.5% of new American car sales in each of the 10 months since the credit disappeared, Yale Climate Connections reported, citing Argonne National Laboratory data.

But LOSN board member Alan Bates said Oregon buyers still have options. "There's a perception that all EVs are unaffordable and I don't think that's the case," Bates told the West Linn Tidings.

Oregon's Clean Vehicle Rebate Program reopened in late August and covers vehicles bought or leased through Nov. 4. The standard rebate is $2,000 for a new all-electric vehicle. Lower- and moderate-income households can qualify for up to $7,500 toward a new battery-electric vehicle through the state's Charge Ahead rebate, OregonLive reported. The program has about $8.5 million in funding and has run out of money in past years.

The Energy Trust of Oregon has also increased rebates for home upgrades, including up to $3,500 for rooftop solar and $5,000 for battery systems, according to Ganzini and Bates.

Fellow LOSN board member Linda Ganzini told the Tidings that the summer reinforced residents' desire to act on climate, and the fair offers a practical starting point. Ganzini said the event has drawn more vendor sponsors than in previous years.

Beyond test drives, attendees can chat with more than 20 local EV owners about models ranging from Teslas and Rivians to Chevy Bolts and Nissan LEAFs. A dedicated renters' table will cover community solar options. Electrify Oregon plans to serve pancakes and cider cooked on induction hot plates.

The first 60 people who test-drive a vehicle get a free lunch from Spice of Africa. Attendees can also enter a drawing for one of three STIHL battery-powered leaf blowers.

The fair is free and open to all.

More details are available at losn.org. Oregon's rebate program funding is expected to run out before the deadline.