EV Rebates in California (2026)
California offers the largest stack of EV incentives in the country, but the program structure shifted in 2024 when the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) was paused and replaced by income-targeted successor programs (Clean Vehicle Assistance Program, Clean Cars 4 All). The federal 30D credit ($7,500 transferable to dealer at point of sale) remains the largest single incentive. SCE, PG&E, and SDG&E all run home charger rebates ($300–$1,000) and EV TOU rate plans that cut overnight charging costs to $0.14–$0.27/kWh. HOV lane access (CAV decal) remains a meaningful daily-commuter perk in major metros.
California ev programs available
| Program | Amount | Type | Authority | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal 30D Clean Vehicle Credit | Up to $7,500 (transferable POS) | Tax credit | IRS | Ongoing |
| Federal 25E Used Clean Vehicle Credit | Up to $4,000 | Tax credit | IRS | Ongoing |
| Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP) | Up to $7,500 grant + $2,000 charging credit | Grant | CA Air Resources Board (income-qualified) | Ongoing |
| Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) | Up to $12,000 (vehicle replacement, income-qualified) | Grant | Air Districts (Bay Area, SCAQMD, etc.) | Ongoing |
| PG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate | $1,000–$4,000 (income-qualified) | Rebate | PG&E | Ongoing |
| PG&E EV2-A Rate Plan | Reduced overnight charging rate | Net metering | PG&E | Ongoing |
| SCE Pre-Owned EV Rebate | $1,000 | Rebate | SCE | Ongoing |
| SCE Charge Ready Home | Up to $1,000 charger install | Rebate | SCE | Ongoing |
| CVAP Charging Credit | $2,000 | Rebate | CARB | Ongoing |
| HOV Lane Access (CAV Decal) | No cost benefit (time saved) | Rebate | CA DMV | Ongoing |
| Federal 30C EV Charger Credit | 30% up to $1,000 (eligible census tract) | Tax credit | IRS | Ongoing |
Eligibility quick check
CVRP pause — what should I apply for now?
CVRP closed to new applicants November 2023. CARB redirected funds to CVAP (income-qualified, ≤300% Federal Poverty Level) and CC4A (vehicle scrap-and-replace, income-qualified by air district).
30D income cap?
$300,000 MFJ / $150,000 single MAGI. Use the lower of prior tax year or delivery year MAGI.
CC4A — which air districts run it?
Bay Area Air Quality Management District, South Coast AQMD (Los Angeles), San Joaquin Valley AQMD, Sacramento Metro AQMD operate CC4A. Other regions vary.
How to stack with the federal credit
California programs combine with the federal 30D 30D New EV Credit (Up to $7,500) — see the 30D guide for filing instructions and forms.
Worked stacking example
Los Angeles homeowner buys $42,000 new EV: federal 30D $7,500 POS = $34,500 effective price. SCE charger $1,000 rebate. Federal 30C $300–$600 (if eligible census tract). Total stacked savings $8,800–$9,100.