EV Adoption Incentive Resources
Making EV Ownership More Accessible
California is making historic investments to ensure that the benefits of electric vehicles are accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford a new car. Through state agencies, utilities, Community Choice Aggregators, and local governments, billions of dollars have been invested in programs that help lower-income households purchase or lease electric vehicles and replace older gasoline-powered vehicles. These investments reflect California's recognition that transportation is one of the largest household expenses, and that expanding access to clean, affordable transportation is essential for improving air quality, reducing climate pollution, and advancing economic opportunity.
Many of these programs provide rebates, grants, financing, and technical assistance specifically designed to help income-qualified households overcome the upfront cost of EV ownership. These investments are helping ensure that the savings from driving electric, including lower fuel and maintenance costs, are available to the Californians who stand to benefit the most.
California’s EV Inventive and Rebate Programs
These key programs highlight the significant public investments supporting EV affordability and accessibility in California. Because funding levels, eligibility requirements, and program availability change over time, we recommend verifying current program details by visiting the links to individual program webpages below.
California State Programs
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) helped California residents purchase or lease new electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles through point-of-sale rebates. From 2010 to 2023, the program invested approximately $1.5 billion to expand access to clean transportation, with enhanced incentives for income-qualified households.
Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), which has been active since 2023, helps income-qualified Californians purchase or lease new or used electric vehicles through financial assistance and affordable financing. The program also provides incentives for home charging, e-bikes, and transit passes while expanding access to EV incentives in areas not served by Clean Cars 4 All.
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) EV Rebate
Silicon Valley Clean Energy launched its EV Rebate program in 2024 to help income-qualified customers purchase or lease new and used electric vehicles. Eligible customers can receive up to $2,000 toward either a new or pre-owned EV, reducing the upfront cost of EV ownership.
Clean Cars 4 All
Clean Cars 4 All helps income-qualified households replace older, higher-polluting vehicles with cleaner transportation options, including new and used electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and zero-emission motorcycles. Active since 2015, the program is administered through participating regional air districts and known by names such as Replace Your Ride (South Coast AQMD), Drive Clean in the San Joaquin (Valley CAN), Bay Area CC4A, Sacramento CC4A, and San Diego CC4A.
MyFirstEV Program
Governor Gavin Newsom's MyFirstEV Program, launching in the fall of 2026, helps first-time EV buyers purchase new and used electric vehicles through instant point-of-sale rebates. The program combines state funding with matching contributions from participating automakers to make EV ownership more affordable for Californians.
Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) Programs
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) Instant EV Rebate
MCE's Instant EV Rebate has helped income-qualified customers purchase or lease electric vehicles since 2023 by providing point-of-sale rebates through participating dealerships. Eligible customers can receive up to $3,500 for a new EV or $2,000 for a used EV, helping reduce upfront costs and expand access to clean transportation.
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) DriveForward Electric
PCE's DriveForward Electric program has provided rebates since 2021 to help income-qualified residents purchase eligible used battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Qualified customers can receive a $2,000 rebate on eligible used EVs, making affordable electric transportation more accessible in San Mateo County and the City of Los Banos.
San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) Instant EV Rebate
SJCE's EV Instant Rebate provides point-of-sale rebates for income-qualified customers purchasing or leasing electric vehicles through participating dealerships. Since launching in 2025, the program has offered rebates of up to $4,000 for new EVs and $2,000 for used EVs, helping reduce the upfront cost of EV ownership.
Central Coast Community Energy Electrify Your Ride
Central Coast Community Energy's Electrify Your Ride program has supported EV adoption since 2017 by offering rebates for new and used electric vehicles, home charging equipment, and related electrical upgrades. Income-qualified customers can receive vehicle rebates in addition to incentives for home charging, helping lower both the purchase price and the cost of charging at home.