Buying and Owning an EV Is More Affordable Than Ever
Budget-friendly financial incentives and rebate programs are making leasing or buying a new or used EV affordable for more households. EVs are also less expensive to maintain because they have far fewer mechanical components. Depending on the model, you could save 30–50% in service costs.
If you want to learn more about how EVs work and why they require less maintenance, check out this in-depth EV buying guide from Green Citizen.
Save Thousands of Dollars with Rebates and Incentives
Check out the summary of California EV incentives below, click the links below for updates and funding availability. With these grants and rebates, many electric car models cost less than the average new car nationwide. Our partners at Access Clean California can help you find all the benefits you’re eligible for.
California Central Coast EV Purchasing Incentives
Federal Tax Credit
Up to $7,500
New Clean Vehicle Credit
Qualified new plug-in electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) purchases in 2023 or after, may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit.
irs.gov
Federal Tax Credit
Up to $4,000
Used Clean Vehicle Credit
Qualified USED electric vehicle (EV) or fuel cell vehicle (FCV) purchases from a licensed dealer for $25,000 or less, are eligible for a used clean vehicle tax credit. The credit equals 30% percent of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000.
irs.gov
CA State Incentive
$1,000 – $1,500
Vehicle Retirement Consumer Assistance Program
The vehicle retirement program offers eligible consumers an incentive to retire their old polluting vehicles.
bar.ca.gov
CA State Rebate
No longer accepting new applications.
California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
The CVRP offers rebates for the purchase or lease of NEW eligible vehicles. Low-income applicants are eligible for higher incentives.
cleanvehiclerebate.org
Regional Rebate
Up to $4,000
Central Coast Community Energy
The Central Coast Community Energy Electrify Your Ride program offers a rebate toward the purchase of NEW or USED eligible battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
3cenergy.org
Regional Rebate
Tentative reopening July 2024
Monterey Bay Air Resource District
The Monterey Bay Air Resource District rebate program offers residents in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties a rebate on NEW or USED eligible battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
mbard.org
Regional Rebate
$1,000 – $4,000
PG&E Pre-Owned Rebate
PG&E offers pre-owned EV rebates up to $4,000 for income-qualified households.
evrebates.pge.com
Regional Rebate
$1,000 – $4,000
SCE Pre-Owned Rebate
When purchasing or leasing a pre-owned electric vehicle (EV), active Southern California Edison (SCE) residential customer customers may be eligible for up to $4,000 in rebates.
evrebates.sce.com
CA State Grant
Tentative reopening in 2024
Clean Vehicle Assistance Program
The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program helps income-qualified California residents purchase a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle. They do this through a combination of grants and fair financing options. Their lending partner, Beneficial State Bank, offers 8% or lower interest rate auto loans for qualified participants.
Grant funds are intended to be used toward the down payment of a clean vehicle. Grant funds do not need to be repaid.
cleanvehiclegrants.orgCombining Rebates
Combine Rebates and Save Big on Previously Owned EVs!
Combine these regional rebates and save up to $7,000 when you purchase a used EV. Values shown are based on pre-owned all-battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and income eligibility.
EV Charging Incentives
Find chargers and incentives for charging your electric car at home through our partners at Electric For All
Get StartedLooking for Incentives Outside of the California Central Coast?
Do you live in a different region or another state? Find incentives beyond our service area through our partners at Electric For All
Get Started
I am amazed
“I am AMAZED that I get to own a brand new ALL ELECTRIC car! It is the first new car in my whole extended family and the first in my life! As a low-income person, it is the information on financial incentives and support from Ecology Action’s EV Purchase Guidance Program that made this possible. I am so very grateful!”
-Path Star of Aromas with her 2021 Chevy Bolt
