If you’re looking to go electric, here’s everything you need to know about the incentives available for California residents. From free home chargers to car tax credits, here are all the programs available for Californians.
Below are the various California hybrid vehicle incentives and California electric vehicle incentives. These also include any incentives for home electric vehicle chargers.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the Clean Transportation Program (Program) to provide financial incentives for businesses, vehicle and technology manufacturers, workforce training partners, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions with the goal of developing and deploying alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Funding areas include:
- Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure;
- Hydrogen vehicles and refueling infrastructure;
- Medium- and heavy-duty zero emission vehicles; and,
- Workforce development.
(Reference California Health and Safety Code 44272 – 44273 and California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 8.1)
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Rebate – San Joaquin Valley
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Drive Clean! Rebate Program, which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of eligible new vehicles, including qualified natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, all-electric, plug-in electric vehicles, and zero emission motorcycles. The program offers rebates of up to $3,000, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis for residents and businesses located in the SJVAPCD. For more information, including a list of eligible vehicles and other requirements, see the SJVAPCD Drive Clean! Rebate Program website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate – Antelope Valley
The Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) offers residents rebates of up to $500 for the purchase or lease of an EV from a dealership within the Antelope Valley jurisdiction. For more information, including how to apply, see the AVAQMD website.
Clean Vehicle Rebate – El Dorado County
The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (EDC AQMD) offers rebates of up to $599 to residents toward the purchase or lease of a new zero emission vehicle (ZEV) or partial-ZEV, as defined by the California Air Resources Board. To qualify, vehicles must be owned or leased for at least three years within El Dorado County. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the EDC AQMD Grants and Incentives website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Grant – Bay Area
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) Clean Cars for All program offers grants up to $12,000 to income-eligible residents to replace a vehicle eligible for retirement with an EV, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or FCEV. Eligible vehicles for replacement should be model year 2007 or older. Recipients may buy or lease a new or used EV, HEV, PHEV, or FCEV. Grants vary depending on the household income and vehicle technology. Vehicles that are replaced must be turned in at an authorized dismantler.
Individuals that purchase a PHEV or EV are eligible to receive up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric charger.
For more information, including additional eligibility requirements and how to apply, see the BAAQMD Clean Cars for All website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Grants
The California Air Resources Board offers grants to income-qualifying individuals for the purchase or lease of a new or pre-owned EV, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or FCEV. EVs and FCEVs are eligible for grants of up to $7,500 and PHEVs are eligible for grants of up to $7,000. Applicants may also be eligible to receive a grant of up to $2,000 for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 EV charger. For more information, including income requirements, see the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program website.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Tax Exemption
Vehicles purchased using a grant from the Clean Cars 4 All Program are exempt from sales tax. Additional requirements apply. For more information, see the CARB Clean Cars 4 All website.
(Reference California Revenue and Taxation Code 6368.2)
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Rebate – El Dorado County
The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (EDC AQMD) offers rebates of up to $300 to residents for the purchase of a Level 2 EV charger. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the EDC AQMD Grants and Incentives website.