Electric Vehicles


Grants/Credits/Rebates

California Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP)

Program Administrator:

  • California Air Resources Board, funded by Climate Change Investments

Description:

  • Get up to $7,000 to purchase or lease a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). CVRP offers vehicle rebates on a first-come, first-serve basis and helps get the cleanest vehicles on the road in California by providing consumer rebates to reduce the initial cost of advanced technologies. Rebates are available to California residents that meet income requirements and purchase or lease an eligible vehicle.

Applicant Eligibility:

  • Eligible applicants must meet requirements that include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Be an individual, business*, nonprofit or government entity that is based in California or has a California-based affiliate at the time the rebated vehicle is purchased or leased.
    • Meet income eligibility requirements at the time application is received.
    • Submit a CVRP application prior to exhaustion of available rebate funds and within 3 months of the vehicle purchase or lease date†. Vehicles purchased or leased prior to December 3rd, 2019 have an 18-month eligibility window in which to submit an application.
  • Income Eligibility
    • For more details on the income cap, increased rebate amount, and income verification, visit the income eligibility page.
    • Income Cap: Higher income consumers are not eligible for CVRP rebates if their gross annual incomes are above the income cap. The income cap applies to all eligible vehicle types except fuel-cell electric vehicles.
    • Increased Rebate: Consumers with household incomes less than or equal to 300 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for an increased rebate amount. Increased rebate amounts are available for fuel-cell electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
wdt_ID Household Size Combined Household Income must be less than*:
1 1 $37,470
2 2 $50,730
3 3 $63,990
4 4 $77,250
5 5 $90,510
6 6 $103,770
7 7 $117,030
8 8 $130,290

For households with more than 8 persons, add $13,260 for each additional person.

*These values are equal to 300% of the 2019 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

Vehicle Eligibility:

Amount:

  • Up to $7,000

Apply:


Replace Your Ride

Program Administrator:

  • South Coast Air Quality Management District

Description:

  • Replace your older, high-emission vehicle with a newer vehicle, a hybrid or electric vehicle, or get vouchers for rideshares or public transit passes.

Amount:

  • Rebates range based on household income, up to $9,500

Eligibility:

  • The Replace Your Ride Program is available for individuals who live in households with household income at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Visit the Replacement options page to view replacement vehicle and alternative transportation mobility options by income level. See table below for income level information.
  • Check your eligibility
wdt_ID Persons In Household Income Level New column New column
1 Low (≤225% FPL) Moderate (≤300% FPL) Above moderate (≤400% FPL)
2 1 $28,103 $37,470 $49,960
3 2 $38,048 $50,730 $67,640
4 3 $47,993 $63,990 $85,320
5 4 $57,938 $77,250 $103,000
6 5 $67,883 $90,510 $120,680
7 6 $77,828 $103,770 $138,360
8 7 $87,773 $117,030 $156,040
9 8 $97,718 $130,290 $173,720

For families/households with more than eight persons, add $4,320 for each additional person.

Vehicle Eligibility:

  • To be eligible for the Replace Your Ride Program, your vehicle must:
  • Have a vehicle title issued in your name for at least 12 months prior to the date of application submittal
  • Be operational (emissions data will need to be provided – different options are available)
  • Be powered by gasoline or diesel
  • Have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds of less

In addition, your vehicle must also meet the following requirements:

  • Currently registered with DMV in California as an operational vehicle with a valid and unexpired registration sticker and have all fees paid to DMV, with no lapse in registration for more than 120 days for two consecutive years prior to the current registration expiration date, OR
  • Unregistered or currently registered vehicles where the vehicle owner can demonstrate two years of vehicle operation in California using:
    • Vehicle insurance company-issued documentation, OR
    • Automotive Repair Dealer-issued invoice documentation (Automotive Repair Dealer must be registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair)
    • Registration showing PNO will not be accepted as proof of operation
  • For vehicles that hold a salvage title, the vehicle MUST be registered with the DMV as operable at the time of application.
  • The vehicle does NOT need to pass or fail a smog test to be eligible for the program.
  • An emissions test report that records the Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbons (HC), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions of the vehicle is needed. Eligibility for the program is dependent on the emission results. Currently ONLY the two tests listed below will provide the needed data:
    • Remote Sensing Device (RSD) Emissions Test – This test is available free of charge from the program. The information on the next test event will be provided after the application is submitted and assigned to a Case Manager, -OR-
    • Acceleration Simulation Mode (ASM) Emissions Test – If the vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, an ASM test may be problematic since Smog Check Stations may ONLY offer an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test for those vehicles. The On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) test is not an acceptable test.

Apply:

  • Get Started Online
  • Download the Application and Agreement Form
    • If you don’t want to fill out the application form online, please download and complete the application and agreement form.
    • Application and Agreement Form
  • If you need help to apply, please contact (844)797-2223

Clean Vehicle Assistance Program

Program Administrator:

  • California Air Resources Board funded by California Climate Investments

Description:

  • The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides grants and affordable financing to help income-qualified Californians purchase a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle. Our goal is to make clean vehicles accessible and affordable to all who qualify. 

Applicant Eligibility:

  • To qualify for our Clean Vehicle Assistance Program you must be:
    • A California resident
    • Have an annual household income below our income cap.
wdt_ID Number of People* Maximum Annual Income**
1 1 $51,040
2 2 $68,960
3 3 $86,880
4 4 $104,800
5 5 $122,720
6 6 $140,640
7 7 $158,560
8 8 $176,480

*Count only yourself plus any spouse, registered domestic partner, guardians and/or dependents you have.
**Income calculation based on 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (2020). Income criteria is updated to the next calendar year FPL on April 15th annually.

Vehicle Eligibility:

  • New and used hybrid and electric vehicles are eligible for purchase with grant funds. Used vehicles must be 8 years old or new with 75,000 miles or less to be eligible for a clean vehicle grant. If the vehicle has been recalled or does not have a clean title, it is not eligible. You can see examples of eligible clean vehicle models here.
  • Click here to learn more about Hybrids, Plug-in Hybrids and Electric Vehicles.

Amount:

  • Grants are currently $2,500 for hybrid cars and $5,000 for electric cars. For battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, a free home charging station and its installation is available through our partners at GRID Alternatives, up to $2,000 value. Remember, these are grants that you do not have to pay back.

Apply:

  • Start your application here
  • The application process can take between three weeks and three months.  It depends on how long you take to complete and submit your application, how many applications CVA is processing, and how quickly CVA can verify your eligibility from the documentation you provide. On average, it takes people around six weeks to receive an Approval Packet for a clean vehicle grant, if they qualify.
  • If you have any questions, please feel free to email cleanvehicles@beneficialstate.org or call at 559-271-1957.

Consumer Assistance Program (Repair Assistance)

Program Administrator:

  • California Bureau of Auto Repair

Description:

  • The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. The purpose of CAP is to improve California’s air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.
  • If you own a vehicle that has failed its Smog Check inspection, you may be eligible to receive up to $500 in emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station.

Applicant Eligibility:

wdt_ID Persons in Family Maximum ANNUAL Gross Household Income wdtcolumn Maximum MONTHLY Gross Household Income
1 1 $28,710 OR $2,393
2 2 $38,790 OR $3,233
3 3 $48,870 OR $4,073
4 4 $58,950 OR $4,913
5 5 $69,030 OR $5,753
6 6 $79,110 OR $6,593
7 7 $89,190 OR $7,433
8 8 $99,270 OR $8,273
9 For families with more than 8 persons, add the following amount for each individual. $10,080 OR $840
  1. You must be the registered owner of the vehicle with the vehicle title issued in your name.
  2. You must not have previously participated in CAP with the same vehicle.
  3. You must pay the total costs associated with the testing and diagnosis of the vehicle to the STAR test-and-repair station performing the repairs.

Vehicle Eligibility:

  •  To ensure CAP improves California’s air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, vehicles must meet operational and registration requirements such as:
  • Smog Check — This allows CAP to verify the vehicle has failed its Smog Check inspection as required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • Vehicle Registration — This allows CAP to verify the vehicle is currently registered in California and has been registered in California for two consecutive years preceding the current registration expiration date.

Amount: 

  • Income eligible vehicle owners may receive up to $500 in emissions-related repairs if their vehicle fails a biennial Smog Check inspection.

Apply:

  • Participation is available on a first-come, first-served basis each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) until funds are exhausted.
  • Consumer Assistance Program Application
  • For questions about your Consumer Assistance Program application or records, you may contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s Consumer Assistance Program at 10949 North Mather Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 or by phone at (866) 272-9642.

Consumer Assistance Program (Vehicle Retirement)

Program Administrator:

  • California Bureau of Auto Repair

Description:

  • The Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) is administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. The purpose of CAP is to improve California’s air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.
  • If you own an operational vehicle that recently passed or failed a Smog Check inspection, you may be eligible to receive an incentive to retire your vehicle.
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Applicant Eligibility:

wdt_ID Persons in Family Maximum ANNUAL Gross Household Income wdtcolumn Maximum MONTHLY Gross Household Income
1 1 $28,710 OR $2,393
2 2 $38,790 OR $3,233
3 3 $48,870 OR $4,073
4 4 $58,950 OR $4,913
5 5 $69,030 OR $5,753
6 6 $79,110 OR $6,593
7 7 $89,190 OR $7,433
8 8 $99,270 OR $8,273
9 For families with more than 8 persons, add the following amount for each individual. $10,080 OR $840

Vehicle Eligibility:

  •  To ensure CAP improves California’s air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, vehicles must meet operational and registration requirements such as:
  • Smog Check — This allows CAP to verify the vehicle has failed its biennial Smog Check inspection as required by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
  • Vehicle Registration — This allows CAP to verify the vehicle is currently registered in California and has been registered in California for two consecutive years preceding the current registration expiration date.

Amount:

  • Income eligible vehicle owners may receive $1,500 to retire their vehicle. All others may receive $1,000.

Apply:


Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit (IRC 30D)

Program Administrator:

  • The Federal Internal Revenue Service

Description:

  • Internal Revenue Code Section 30D provides a credit for Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles including passenger vehicles and light trucks.

Amount:

  • The credit ranges between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on the capacity of the battery.

Eligibility:

  • You may be eligible for a credit under Section 30D(a), if you purchased a car or truck with at least four wheels and a gross vehicle weight of less than 14,000 pounds that draws energy from a battery with at least 4 kilowatt hours and that may be recharged from an external source. You must have purchased it in or after 2010 and begun driving it in the year in which you claim the credit. 

Apply:


Fueling and Charging Equipment for Electric Vehicles


Residential EV Charging Incentive Pilot Program

Program Administrator:

  • South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) 

Description:

  • The South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) have established a residential Electric Vehicle (EV) charging incentive program to offset Level 2 (240v) EV charger hardware costs. This program will be available to residents within the South Coast AQMD’s four-county jurisdiction.
  • The program will provide an incentive to buy-down the cost of residential chargers, which typically range from $400-$800. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Amount:

  • The program is administered on a first-come, first-served basis and provides up to a $250 rebate or the cost paid for the charger, whichever is lower.  Low-income residents can qualify for a total rebate of $500 or the cost paid for the charger, whichever is lower. 

Applicant Eligibility:

  • Residents within the South Coast Air Quality Management District are qualified to receive either a $250, $300 or $500 rebate towards installing a Level 2 charger. This rebate is only towards hardware costs, and not towards the cost of permits, installation, electrical upgrades, etc. EV chargers that are included with the purchase of the vehicle are not eligible for a rebate. An upgraded Level 2 charger that is purchased for an additional cost does qualify for a rebate. A receipt for the purchase of a Level 2 charger is required.
  • Low Income Eligibility:
    • Low income residents are eligible to receive the higher level rebate of $500. If the cost of hardware is less than $500, then the rebate will be the maximum cost of the hardware cost based on the receipt.
    • To receive a low income rebate, one proof of low income qualification from the last 12 months is required: first page of utility bill showing that applicant receives the utility’s low income rate (CARE), or CalWORKS or TANF membership card. 
    • Low income applicants who receive the utility’s low income rate (FERA) are eligible to receive a rebate of $300.

EV Charger Eligibility:

  • Charger would need to be installed at a 240v outlet or by a licensed electrician if no 240V outlet exists.
  • Charger would need to be in place for a minimum of three (3) years and would be considered a permanent, not temporary, installation
  • Installers would need to obtain any required city or county electrical permits for installation.
  • List of Approved EV Chargers 
    • This manufacturer’s list of Level 2 EV Chargers is not meant to be all inclusive and does not limit your selection. The information is provided as a resource.  South Coast AQMD may periodically update this list as new manufacturers enter the market with chargers that meet the requirements of the program.

Apply:


Clean Fuel Reward Program

Program Administrator:

  • Southern California Edison 

Description:

  • If you’ve purchased or leased an electric vehicle, you can apply for up to a $1000 rebate with the Clean Fuel Reward Program. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Amount:

  • SCE’s Clean Fuel Rebate amount is $450 for vehicles purchased or leased prior to 1/1/2019 and $1,000 for vehicles purchased or leased on 1/1/2019 or later. 

Applicant Eligibility:

  • You must be an active residential customer of SCE. The service account does not need to be in your name to apply.

Vehicle Eligibility:

  • See the list of all eligible vehicles
  • Battery Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles
  • New and Used Vehicles
  • Purchased and Leased Vehicles
  • Vehicle must have a current registration at your SCE residential service address.
  • Rebate cannot be claimed more than three times on the same vehicle.

Apply:


Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) Decals – High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Usage

Program Administrator:

  • State of California Department of Motor Vehicles 

Description:

  • The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decals that allow vehicles meeting specified emissions standards single occupancy use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or carpool) lanes. CARB establishes the official list of eligible vehicles based upon vehicle emissions.
  • Each year the California DMV will establish a new CAV decal color. The colors for future decals have not yet been determined. Future CAV decals will expire on January 1st of the fourth year after the year they are issued. This provides an access period of three full years plus the partial year from when the decal was issued. For example, if a decal was issued anytime in 2019, it expires January 1, 2023.
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Benefit:

  • Ability to use High Occupancy Vehicle/Carpool lanes

Eligibility:

  • Income-Based (IB) Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) Decal Program
    • The Income-Based (IB) Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal program may allow a new vehicle owner of a used vehicle that was previously issued a CAV decal prior to January 1, 2017, to be issued a CAV decal, valid until January 1, 2024, if the new owner meets the following criteria:
    • The new, current registered owner is NOT the owner of the vehicle when the decals issued prior to January 2017, expired;
    • The applicant’s total annual household income is at or below $65,760 (this amount is subject to change).
    • Total Annual Household Income requires the disclosure of the annual income of all members of the household, age 17 and older, who reside together and share common living expenses regardless if they are related.
    • The new registered owner name(s) matches DMV records.

Vehicle Eligibility:

  • Ensure your vehicle is on the CARB eligibility list by checking CARB’s Carpool Stickers webpage or calling 1-800-242-4450. Do not assume because the vehicle was issued a CAV decal prior to January 2017 that the vehicle is eligible today.

Apply:

  • You must complete an Application for Clean Air Vehicle Decal, REG 1000, form, and submit the completed application with the $22 decal fee to the address printed on the form.  Do not send cash.
  • Application for Clean Air Vehicle Decals (REG 1000)
  • Income-Based Clean Air Vehicle Decal (REG 1000 IB)
  • Mail to: 
    • Department of Motor Vehicles: Special Processing Unit- MS D238, P.O. Box 932345, Sacramento, CA 94232-3450
  • Applications are processed in the order they are received and usually within 30 business days.