Navigating the world of electric vehicle (EV) ownership can be exciting, and in California, it comes with a significant perk: rebates! If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle in 2024, understanding the available California EV rebates is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of federal, state, and local incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of your new or used EV and even home charging equipment.
Federal EV Tax Credits for 2024
The federal government offers tax credits to incentivize the adoption of clean vehicles. It’s important to note that the rules for federal EV incentives have changed, particularly for vehicles purchased in 2023 and beyond.
For EVs purchased before 2023, you can refer to the IRS guidance on the Federal Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles.
However, for vehicles purchased in 2023 and onwards, the rules are updated. You should consult Credits for New Clean Vehicles Purchased in 2023 or After | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov) for the most current information.
Key highlights of the federal EV tax credit include:
- Tax Credit Amount: You can receive a tax credit of up to $7,500 for new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and up to $4,000 for pre-owned vehicles.
- Point-of-Sale Transfer: A significant change is the removal of the minimum federal tax liability requirement. Buyers can now transfer their federal tax credits to the dealer at the point of sale, making the incentive immediately accessible.
- Income Limitations: It’s crucial to be aware of income limitations to qualify for these credits. Detailed income limits can be found on the IRS website.
- Eligible Vehicles List: To check if a specific EV model qualifies for the federal tax credit, refer to the list of eligible vehicles on FuelEconomy.gov.
State of California EV Rebate Programs
California is a leader in promoting electric vehicle adoption, and the state offers a variety of programs to make EVs more accessible. While some programs are evolving, understanding the landscape of California EV rebates 2024 at the state level is vital.
Clean Cars 4 All
Administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), Clean Cars 4 All is designed to provide enhanced incentives, particularly for lower and moderate-income Californians, to transition to cleaner vehicles, including hybrids, EVs, and PHEVs.
- Target Areas: Currently, this program is active in the five largest air districts in California:
- South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
- San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
- Bay Area AQMD
- Sacramento Metropolitan AQMD
- San Diego APCD (upcoming program)
- Statewide Expansion Plans: Looking ahead, there are plans to broaden the program statewide, reaching communities beyond these major districts. This expansion aims to include rural, tribal, and low-income communities, ensuring wider access to California EV rebates. A third-party administrator will be selected through a competitive process to serve areas outside the expanded district programs.
California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) – Program Updates
The California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) has been a cornerstone of California EV rebates, offering rebates for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles. Historically, rebates ranged from $1,000 to $7,000 and covered PHEVs and fuel cell vehicles.
Important Update: As of November 8, 2023, CVRP has stopped accepting new applications. Applications received before this date are placed on a standby list, but funding is not guaranteed. The program website indicates that funds are nearly exhausted, and applications from September 6, 2023 onwards are also on a standby list with no guarantee of a rebate. Keep an eye on the CVRP website for any potential updates or future funding rounds for California EV rebates.
Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) – Advanced Technology Vehicle Financing – Program Updates
In partnership with CARB, the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) offered the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP). This program focused on providing financing solutions for used, reliable advanced technology vehicles, including down payment, financing, and flexible repayment assistance. It served the Bay Area counties, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, and Yolo areas.
Important Update: As of October 5, 2023, DCAP is no longer accepting new applications due to the exhaustion of available grant funds. Applications submitted before this date will be processed, but funding is not guaranteed, and there is no current timeline for additional funding. This program is currently unavailable for California EV rebates 2024.
Consumer Assistance Program – Vehicle Retirement
Administered by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), the Consumer Assistance Program – Vehicle Retirement offers an incentive to retire older, higher-polluting vehicles. California residents may be eligible to retire a qualifying vehicle and receive up to $1,500. This program also provides assistance for vehicles that fail smog checks, offering an alternative while potentially transitioning to a cleaner vehicle.
Ca’s Hybrid And Zero-Emission Truck And Bus Voucher Incentive Project (“HVIP”)
The Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) focuses on medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles. HVIP provides significant incentives, ranging from $20,000 to $240,000, for businesses or individuals purchasing eligible EVs or PHEVs from registered dealers in California.
- No Income Restrictions: HVIP does not have income limitations, making it broadly accessible for eligible purchasers.
- Point-of-Sale Incentive: The incentive is applied directly at the point of sale, simplifying the process for buyers.
- Eligible Vehicles List: A comprehensive list of eligible vehicles can be found on the HVIP Vehicle Catalog. This program is particularly beneficial for businesses and organizations looking to electrify their fleets and take advantage of California EV rebates.
Local California EV Rebate Programs
Beyond federal and state incentives, numerous local programs further enhance California EV rebates 2024. These programs are often offered by municipal utilities or air quality districts and can provide additional savings.
Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) – All-Electric Vehicle Rebate
Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) offers rebates for used Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
- Rebate Amount: Up to $2,000 for a used BEV.
- Purchase Price Limit: The vehicle purchase price must be below $22,000.
- Standard and Income-Qualified Rebates: A standard rebate of $2,000 is available, with an increased income-qualified rebate of $3,000.
Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District – Alternative Fuel Vehicle Program
The Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) provides incentives for residents purchasing EVs from local dealerships.
- Rebate Amount: $500 incentive for purchasing any make and model battery-electric plug-in vehicle.
- Purchase Location Restriction: Vehicles must be purchased from Antelope Valley Dealerships. Out-of-area and online purchases are not eligible.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District – Clean Cars for All
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) also administers a Clean Cars for All program, offering substantial incentives.
- Incentive Amount: Up to $9,500 in incentives.
- Eligibility: Limited to low-income Bay Area residents.
- Vehicle Retirement Requirement: Participants must retire a 1996 or older vehicle and replace it with an eligible cleaner vehicle.
Colton Electric Utility – Used Electric Vehicle Rebate
Colton Electric Utility offers rebates for used EVs to its customers.
- Rebate Amount: Up to $1,000 rebate, with up to $1,500 for customers enrolled in the utility’s low-income program.
- Eligibility: Available only for used EVs registered to a residence serviced by Colton Electric Utility.
Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District – Vehicle Voucher (Currently out of Funds)
The Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District previously offered a Vehicle Voucher program.
- Voucher Amount: Previously offered $4,000 for the purchase of a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) with an EPA Smog Score of 10.
- Program Status: Currently out of funds. The program guidelines were last updated on October 1, 2023, and applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the website for potential future funding for California EV rebates.
El Dorado Air Quality Management District – Drive Clean! Incentive
El Dorado Air Quality Management District provides incentives to El Dorado County residents.
- Incentive Amount: Up to $599 incentive for purchasing or leasing an EV eligible for the DMV’s Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) decal.
- Pre-Approval: Pre-approval is required before purchase or lease.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) – Charge up LA!
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers rebates through its Charge Up LA! program.
- Rebate Amount: Up to $2,500 for used EVs for LADWP customers.
- Program Update: New changes were expected in late Fall 2023. Check the program website for updates on application forms and enhancements for California EV rebates 2024.
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) – MCEv Rebate
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) provides instant rebates through its MCEv Rebate program.
- Income Limits: Income limits apply for eligibility.
- Rebate Amounts:
- $3,500 instant rebate for purchasing or leasing a new EV or plug-in hybrid.
- $2,000 instant rebate for purchasing or leasing a pre-owned EV or plug-in hybrid.
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) – PWP Electric Vehicle Incentive
Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) offers various incentives for residential and commercial customers.
- New EV Rebates (Ending Soon): Rebates up to $1,500 for new EVs are ending December 31, 2023.
- Used EV Rebates (Continuing in 2024): Vehicle rebates will continue on used vehicles in 2024. Customers can receive a base rebate up to $250 for purchasing or leasing a new or used plug-in EV.
- Pasadena Dealer Bonus: An additional $250 bonus rebate is available for purchasing or leasing an EV from a Pasadena auto dealer (excluding Tesla due to its direct-sale model).
- Income-Qualifying Bonus: An extra $1,000 is available for customers participating in PWP’s income-qualifying programs.
- Charger Rebates: PWP also offers rebates for Level 2 EV charger installation (see Charger Rebates section below).
Peninsula Clean Energy – DriveForward Electric
Peninsula Clean Energy offers rebates through its DriveForward Electric program.
- Base Rebates:
- $700 for PHEVs
- $1,000 for BEVs
- Increased Rebates (Income-Qualified):
- Up to $3,700 for income-qualified residents purchasing PHEVs.
- Up to $4,000 for income-qualified residents purchasing BEVs.
- Pre-Approval Required: Applicants must apply and be approved before purchasing a vehicle.
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative – Electric Vehicle Rebate
Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative offers rebates to its members.
- Rebate Amount: Up to $500 rebate for purchasing or leasing a new BEV or PHEV.
- Purchase Timeframe: Vehicle must be purchased within 6 months of application.
- Registration Area: Vehicle must be registered in Plumas, Lassen, or Washoe County.
Redding Electric Utility (REU) – Residential EV Rebate Program
Redding Electric Utility (REU) provides vouchers for utility costs.
- Voucher Amount: Up to $3,000 voucher for REU utility costs for purchasing or leasing a new, qualified EV.
- Income Qualification: Applicants must meet income qualifications.
- Participating Dealerships: Vehicles must be purchased from participating dealerships.
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District – Drive Clean! Rebate Program
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District offers rebates through its Drive Clean! program.
- Rebate Amounts:
- BEVs and Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles: up to $3,000
- PHEVs and Natural gas vehicles (AT PZEV): up to $2,000
- Natural gas vehicles (SULEV): up to $1,500
- Eligibility: Valley residents only.
San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District – Valley Air District Replace Program
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District also offers the Valley Air District Replace Program.
- Income and Residency Limits: Residency and income limitations apply (must be 300% below the federal poverty level). Higher incentives are available for residents of Disadvantaged Communities.
- Vehicle Replacement Incentive: Incentives to replace 2006 or older high-polluting vehicles with cleaner options, including conventional hybrids, PHEVs, and EVs.
- Incentive Amount: Up to $12,000 for qualified residents, depending on income and Disadvantaged Community status.
Santa Barbara Clean Energy’s Residential EV Program
Santa Barbara Clean Energy offers rebates for purchases and projects completed after July 1, 2024.
- Base Incentive for BEVs: $1,000
- Income-Driven Rebates: Income-driven rebates up to $4,000 (including plug-in hybrids on income-driven rebates).
- Level 2 Charger Rebates: Rebates from $300-$600 or a percentage of the total project cost for Level 2 chargers.
- Make Ready Rebates: Rebates up to $4,000 for make-ready projects (base up to $2,000 plus additional income-driven rebates). These programs are relevant for California EV rebates 2024 and beyond.
South Coast Air Quality Management District – Replace Your Ride
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) offers the Replace Your Ride program.
- Incentive Amount: Up to $9,500 to replace older, high-polluting vehicles with newer vehicles or upgrades to hybrids or EVs.
- Processing Time: Due to high application volume, processing can take 10-12 weeks after application submission.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Income and vehicle eligibility restrictions apply.
Southern California Edison Pre-Owned EV Rebate
Southern California Edison (SCE) provides rebates for pre-owned EVs.
- Rebate Amount: Up to $4,000 rebate for purchasing or leasing an eligible used EV.
- Standard and Income-Qualified Rebates: A standard rebate of $1,000 and an income-qualified rebate of $4,000 are available.
Turlock Irrigation District – Electric Vehicle Rebate
Turlock Irrigation District (TID) offers rebates to its customers.
- Rebate Amounts:
- Standard rebate: $500
- CARES program customers: $700
- Eligibility: Qualifying new or used BEVs only.
- Rebate Limit: Limit of 2 rebates per residential account.
EV Charger Rebates in California
In addition to vehicle rebates, numerous programs offer rebates for home EV charger installation, further reducing the overall cost of EV ownership in California.
- Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) – Level 2 EV Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (https://www.alamedamp.com/349/Electric-Vehicles)
- Anaheim Public Utilities – Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate: Starting January 1, 2024, rebates will change to $1,000 for Level 2 chargers and $1,500 for networked chargers on a time-based rate (https://www.anaheim.net/593/Personal-EV-Charger-Rebate).
- Azusa Light & Water – EV Charger Rebate: Up to $1,500 (https://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/1625/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicles)
- Burbank Water and Power – Residential EV Charger Rebate: Up to $1,500 (https://www.burbankwaterandpower.com/electric-vehicles/residential-ev-charger-rebate)
- City of Ukiah Electric Utilities Division – Residential Level 2 EV Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (http://www.cityofukiah.com/NewWeb/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/EV_Ukiah-FY19-Level-2-EV-Charger-Rebate-FINAL.pdf)
- Colton Electric Utility – EV Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (https://www.ci.colton.ca.us/797/Electric-Vehicle-EV-Rebate-Program)
- Glendale Water & Power (GWP) – Residential Charging Station Rebate: Up to $1,000 (https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/glendale-water-and-power/electric-vehicles)
- Imperial Irrigation District – recharge! EV Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (https://www.iid.com/customer-service/save-energy-and-money/your-vehicle/ev-charger-rebates)
- Island Energy – Plug-In Electric Vehicle Rebate Program: Up to $600 (https://islandenergy.com/plug-in-electric-vehicle-program-info/)
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) – Charge Up LA! Residential: Up to $1,500 (https://www.ladwp.com/ladwp/faces/wcnav_externalId/r-sm-rp-ev?_afrLoop=486251733538635&_afrWindowMode=0&_afrWindowId=null#%40%3F_afrWindowId%3Dnull%26_afrLoop%3D486251733538635%26_afrWindowMode%3D0%26_adf.ctrl-state%3D4mbabnqn4_4)
- Modesto Irrigation District – Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (https://www.mid.org/rebates/ev/default.html)
- Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) – Residential Charger Incentive: Up to $600 (https://ww5.cityofpasadena.net/water-and-power/ev/)
- Silicon Valley Power – Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate: Up to $550 (https://www.siliconvalleypower.com/businesses/rebates)
- Sonoma Clean Power – GridSavvy: 50% off a smart Level 2 EV charger (https://sonomacleanpower.org/programs/gridsavvy)
- South Coast Air Quality Management District – Residential EV Charging Incentive Pilot Program: Up to $500, restricted to low-income residents (http://www.aqmd.gov/home/programs/community/community-detail?title=ev-charging-incentive)
- Transportation Authority of Marin – EV Supply Equipment Grant: Up to $3,000 (https://www.tam.ca.gov/alt-fuel-electric-vehicle-program/)
- Trinity Public Utilities District – Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (https://www.trinitypud.com/rebates/electric-vehicle-charger)
- Truckee Donner Public Utilities District – Residential EV Charger Rebate: Up to $500 (https://www.tdpud.org/departments/energy-and-water-conservation/public-access-ev-charging)
- Turlock Irrigation District – Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate: Up to $300 (https://www.tid.org/customer-service/save-energy-money/electric-vehicles/)
For the most up-to-date information on local credits, EVSE credits, and in-home charging incentives, be sure to visit Drive Clean California’s incentive search tool.
Disclaimer: Incentive programs are subject to change. Always verify program details and eligibility criteria on the official program websites before making any decisions.