California electric vehicle tax credits, rebates and incentives
Vehicle Retirement Offer
$12,000Maximum RebateThe San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) through the Drive Clean in the San Joaquin Replace program offers income qualified residents a standard down payment grant of $10,000, or a total of $12,000 (which requires residency in a disadvantaged community census tract). Offer is available for scrapping a qualifying old vehicle and replacing it with the purchase or lease of a battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. To qualify:
- Income eligible applicant must currently reside within the jurisdiction of the SJVAPCD.
- Application approval required prior to purchase or lease of a 2018 model year or newer vehicle with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer from an authorized participating dealer.
- Vehicle must not have any active safety recalls.
- If financing, rate not to exceed 15.99%.
- Must retain ownership for at least 30 months.
- Vehicle to be scrapped must be operational and a model year of 2006 or older.
- Must have been used in CA for the past 2 years and owned by applicant for at least 6 months.
- Only one car replacement is allowed per household, per lifetime. Previous participation in other CARB funded programs may affect eligibility.
Additional information:
- For the $10,000 grant, applicants must have an income at or below 300% of the current Federal Poverty Level as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- For the $12,000 grant, must also reside in a disadvantaged community census tract.
- Participants may opt for the Mobility option to replace their old vehicle with a qualified e-Bike purchase or public transit pass.
To learn more, visit Drive Clean in the San Joaquin
Air District EV Offer
$7,500Maximum RebateThe California Air Resources Board (CARB) through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) offers two pathways for applicants: the Clean Cars 4 All route or Financial Assistance route. The path outlined here is for the Financial Assistance, offering a standard down payment assistance grant of $7,500 towards the purchase or lease of an eligible battery electric vehicle. Scrapping and replacing a vehicle is not required. Check with your local Air District for any available programs that may take precedence over the DCAP programs. To qualify:
- Income eligible applicant must be a California resident.
- Application approval required prior to purchasing or leasing from an authorized participating dealership.
- Maximum purchase price of replacement vehicle not to exceed $45,000 and must be on the CARB New Vehicle Eligibility List.
- Previous participation in other CARB funded programs may affect eligibility.
Additional information:
- For the $7,500, must have an income at or below 300% of the current Federal Poverty Level as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Participants may qualify for an additional charging grant, choosing between $2,000 for the purchase and install of Level 2 home charging equipment or $2,000 for a public charging card.
- Fair financing may be available, capped at $45,000 with an interest rate no more than 8%.
To learn more, visit Driving Clean Assistance Program
Federal Credit
$7,500Maximum RebateUnder the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Clean Vehicle Tax Credit of $3,750 or $7,500 depending on model eligibility for the purchase of a new plug-in electric vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer. To be eligible:
- A vehicle must have undergone final assembly in North America (the United States and Puerto Rico, Canada, or Mexico).
- Critical mineral and battery component requirements determine credit amount.
- Maximum MSRP of $55,000 for cars and $80,000 for SUVs/trucks/vans.
- Income eligibility applies depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status.
To learn more, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/credits-for-new-clean-vehicles-purchased-in-2023-or-after
Affiliations, Clubs or Groups Offer
$2,000Maximum RebateEligible customers may receive bonus cash incentive. Cash incentive may be incompatible with certain finance types or other cash programs, based on individual program rules. Residency restrictions apply. (39CRV)Conquest Offer
$2,000Maximum RebateOffer applies to owners and lessees of a competitive brand vehicle (non-FCA US LLC). No turn-in or trade-in of vehicle is required. Must show proof of ownership. Residency restrictions apply. Contact dealer for details. Must take delivery by 09/02/2025. (WCRA2)Employee Pricing
$2,000Maximum RebateEligible customers may receive bonus cash incentive. Cash incentive may be incompatible with certain finance types or other cash programs, based on individual program rules. Residency restrictions apply. (39CRU)Employee Pricing
$2,000Maximum RebateEligible customers may receive bonus cash incentive. Cash incentive may be incompatible with certain finance types or other cash programs, based on individual program rules. Residency restrictions apply. (39CRU)Adaptive Equipment Allowance
$1,500Maximum RebateAudi is pleased to announce that we are continuing the Mobility Assistance Program for handicap hand controls that are installed on any qualifying Audi model. We will also consider other types of handicap assists (or other approved handicap assistance devices.) to anyone who purchases or leases a new Audi or CPO Audi vehicle. All exception requests from dealers should be made directly to mobilityassistance@audi.comCustomer Cash
$1,500Maximum RebateContact dealer for details. Must take delivery by 09/02/2025. (24CRA1)Adaptive Equipment Allowance
$1,000Maximum RebateThe FCA US Driveability / Automobility Program offers eligible physically challenged (physically disabled) U.S. retail consumers a cash allowance applied to the retail purchase (Type 1 sale), Lease (Type Sale L), or business (Type B or Type E) or 2nd Stage Manufacturer (Type Sale 8) of adaptive driving or passenger equipment installed on a new eligible vehicle. Authorized FCA US LLC dealerships are eligible to apply the cash reimbursement on lowered floor conversions only (a maximum of up to $1,000) to the complete purchase or lease of an eligible adapted vehicle transaction; qualifying the dealer for direct cash allowance reimbursement under this program. Refer to the Authorized Dealer Section of the rules for further definitions, eligibilities and details. Restrictions apply.Adaptive Equipment Allowance
$1,000Maximum RebateThe FCA US Driveability / Automobility Program offers eligible physically challenged (physically disabled) U.S. retail consumers a cash allowance applied to the retail purchase (Type 1 sale), Lease (Type Sale L), or business (Type B or Type E) or 2nd Stage Manufacturer (Type Sale 8) of adaptive driving or passenger equipment installed on a new eligible vehicle. Authorized FCA US LLC dealerships are eligible to apply the cash reimbursement on lowered floor conversions only (a maximum of up to $1,000) to the complete purchase or lease of an eligible adapted vehicle transaction; qualifying the dealer for direct cash allowance reimbursement under this program. Refer to the Authorized Dealer Section of the rules for further definitions, eligibilities and details. Restrictions apply.Adaptive Equipment Allowance
$1,000Maximum RebateThe FCA US Driveability / Automobility Program offers eligible physically challenged (physically disabled) U.S. retail consumers a cash allowance applied to the retail purchase (Type 1 sale), Lease (Type Sale L), or business (Type B or Type E) or 2nd Stage Manufacturer (Type Sale 8) of adaptive driving or passenger equipment installed on a new eligible vehicle. Authorized FCA US LLC dealerships are eligible to apply the cash reimbursement on lowered floor conversions only (a maximum of up to $1,000) to the complete purchase or lease of an eligible adapted vehicle transaction; qualifying the dealer for direct cash allowance reimbursement under this program. Refer to the Authorized Dealer Section of the rules for further definitions, eligibilities and details. Restrictions apply.Student or College Grad Offer
$750Maximum Rebate2025 College Student Recognition Exclusive Cash Reward Pgm. (#32520). Eligible buyers may receive a 2025 College Student Recognition Exclusive Cash Reward Pgm. on select new vehicles. Incentive may be incompatible with certain finance types or other cash programs, based on individual program rules. Not all buyers will qualify. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 01/05/2026. Residency restrictions apply. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.Special Equipment Allowance
$615Maximum Rebate3-Yr. BlueCruise Bonus Customer Cash (#11316). All vehicles ordered with the BlueCruise Package that include the specific option codes. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 12/31/2025. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.Affiliations, Clubs or Groups Offer
$500Maximum Rebate2025 Farm Bureau Recognition Exclusive Cash Reward (#32524). Eligible buyers may receive a 2025 Farm Bureau Recognition Exclusive Cash Reward on select new vehicles. Incentive may be incompatible with certain finance types or other cash programs, based on individual program rules. Not all buyers will qualify. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 01/05/2026. Residency restrictions apply. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.Complimentary Charging Offer
$500Maximum RebateOffer cannot be combined with complimentary home charger installation offer. EV Public Charging Credit #11436. Ford is offering a $500 Public Charging Credit to customers who purchase or lease a 2022-2025 Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Transit Electric
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 BMW i7
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates2025 Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 Mercedes-Benz EQE
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates2025 Ford E-Transit Cargo Van
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2024 Mercedes-Benz EQB
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates2025 Dodge Charger
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 Volvo EX40
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates2024 Porsche Macan
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates2024 Audi Q8 Sportback e-tron
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates+ more qualifying rebates2025 Porsche Taycan
$12,000Vehicle Rebates$100Charging Rebates
California electric car rebates: Everything you need to know
California EV rebates up to $7,500: The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
Topping the list of California electric car rebate providers is the CVRP, which aims to reward buyers or lessees of qualified vehicles with a hefty stack of cash. Got your eye on an EV? You're going to love the $7,500 maximum rebate that's currently on the table. Hydrogen power more your thing? That same $7,500 rebate is available if you choose a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). As for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which have an electric-only driving mode that allows them to operate as EVs for relatively short stretches, you can get up to $6,500 back from the CVRP, which is surprisingly close to the level of rebates for pure electric cars and FCEVs.
Note, however, that these California electric car rebate amounts are income-dependent. Specifically, you're only eligible for the maximum CVRP rebates listed above if your household income is less than 400% of the federal poverty level. If your income exceeds that threshold, you can still get $4,500 back for an FCEV, but only $2,000 for an EV and $1,000 for a PHEV. Moreover, you're only eligible for those reduced rebates on an EV or a PHEV if your gross annual income is less than $135,000 for single filers, $175,000 for head of household, or $200,000 for joint filers. The $4,500 FCEV rebate is not subject to an income ceiling.
You should also be aware that manufacturers have to apply to the CVRP to be included in the program, so not all EVs are automatically eligible for these particular California EV rebates. Moreover, the base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) must be $60,000 or less for "large vehicles" (SUVs and trucks) and $45,000 or less for "cars," although here again FCEVs are exempt. Check out the CVRP's list of eligible vehicles to see if the ride you're considering is on the roster.
Voluntary vehicle retirement incentives
There are a handful of regional programs in California designed to incentivize the scrapping of older, high-polluting vehicles in favor of greener alternatives. Not all of these programs are EV-centric, but the most notable example is the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) Clean Cars for All program, which offers grants up to a whopping $9,500 if you replace an eligible 2005-or-older vehicle with an EV, PHEV, FCEV or hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that is eight years old or newer. Yes, that means you can buy a used EV (or PHEV, FCEV or HEV) and still qualify for a grant. If you choose an EV or a PHEV, you can also apply for up to $2,000 toward the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at your California home.
What's the fine print? Well, these programs are also income-dependent, so you won't get that $9,500 from the BAAQMD unless you can demonstrate the highest level of household need. (Even the base grant of $5,500 is subject to strict income requirements.) Also, you're losing the services of the older vehicle, which must be handed over to an authorized dismantler. But if that vehicle had little market value anyway, you could end up benefiting substantially. The BAAQMD Clean Cars for All website has all the details on this particular program, while many other such programs, albeit less generous with their cash, can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy's comprehensive California Laws and Incentives page.