Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP)
Up to $7,500 grant + $2,000 charging credit
Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP) is California's income-qualified successor to the broader Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), which CARB paused in November 2023 to redirect funds toward equity outcomes. CVAP delivers up to $7,500 grant for new or used EV purchases plus an additional $2,000 charging credit covering home charger installation. The grant is income-qualified at ≤300% Federal Poverty Level — roughly $93,600 for a family of four in 2026. CVAP stacks with the federal 30D credit, allowing total off-the-vehicle savings of up to $17,000 for income-qualified buyers. Available statewide through the Beneficial State Foundation as program administrator.
Eligibility
Income limit?
Household income at or below 300% Federal Poverty Level. As of 2026, approximately: 1-person $43,740 / 2-person $59,160 / 3-person $74,580 / 4-person $93,600.
Vehicle eligibility?
New or used EV/PHEV/FCEV from a CVAP-approved dealer. Vehicle must be on the CARB-approved list. New vehicle MSRP cap $45,000; used vehicle sale price cap $30,000.
How often can I claim CVAP?
Once every three years per household.
How to apply for CVAP
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Pre-qualify online
Visit cleanvehiclegrants.org and submit eligibility documentation (tax return, household composition, residency). Pre-qualification valid for 60 days.
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Choose a participating dealer
CVAP-approved dealers list on cleanvehiclegrants.org. The grant applies as a credit at point of sale.
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Complete vehicle purchase
Dealer applies the grant at signing. Charger credit is paid separately upon proof of charger installation.
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Submit charger receipt for $2,000 credit
After charger install, submit invoice and photos to CVAP for the $2,000 charging credit reimbursement.
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Maintain CVAP for 30 months
Vehicle must remain registered to the recipient at the original residence for 30 months. Early sale or transfer triggers grant repayment.
Stacking with other programs
Stacks with federal 30D ($7,500), federal 25E ($4,000 used), federal 30C charger ($1,000 if eligible census tract), and PG&E/SCE/SDG&E EV charger rebates. Combined CVAP + federal credits + utility rebates can deliver $15,000–$17,000 off a new EV for income-qualified buyers.
Frequently asked questions
CVAP vs CVRP — what changed? +
Does CVAP stack with federal 30D? +
Used EV via CVAP — how does it differ from federal 25E? +
How long is the application backlog? +
Official program page: https://cleanvehiclegrants.org/
Related programs and credits
- California energy rebates SGIP Battery Rebate
- Electric Vehicles rebates $7,500 (new) or $4,000 (used) at point of sale
- 30D: 30D New EV Credit Up to $7,500
- SGIP Equity Resiliency Battery Rebate (California) Up to $1,000 per kWh of installed battery capacity
- SGIP General Market Battery Rebate (California) $150 per kWh of installed battery capacity (current step block)
- TECH Clean California Heat Pump Incentive $1,000–$3,000 for heat pump space heating; $1,000–$2,500 for HPWH
- PG&E EV2-A Time-of-Use Rate Plan Reduced overnight charging rate (~$0.27/kWh midnight–3pm vs $0.50+/kWh standard)