California Electric Car Rebates

If you’re a resident of California, you could get $2,000 to $7,000 cash back for buying an electric car under the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP). If you have a lower household income, you could qualify for up to $7,000 back.

The California electric car rebate program made significant changes in February 2022. Here’s everything you need to stay up to date.

Personalize Your California Electric Car Rebates

Want to skip the reading and get a personalized EV Savings Report based on your zip code and household details? Personalize your incentives on any EV.

How much can I qualify for on a California electric car rebate?

The rebate program is income-based. To qualify for any California EV rebates, your taxable income needs to fall below the following:

• $150,000 for single filers
• $204,000 for head–of–household filers
• $300,000 for joint filers

If your income does not exceed these caps, you’re likely qualified for "Standard Rebate."

If your household income is below 300% of the federal poverty level, you could be eligible for an increased "Low Income Rebate" amount as listed below (check your income eligibility for any vehicle on EV Life).

Type of Clean Vehicle Standard Rebate Low Income Rebate Hydrogen fuel cell $4,500 $7,000 Battery electric $2,000 $4,500 Plug-in hybrid electric $1,000 $3,500 Zero-emission motorcycle $750 $750

See if your EV qualifies. Search any vehicle on EV Life.

How do I get the California electric car rebate?

1. Buy or lease your electric vehicle.
2. Fill out your California Clean Vehicle Rebate application online along with supporting documents (vehicle registration, tax verification).
3. Receive your rebate check in the mail. It’s that simple.

Is the California electric car rebate taxable?

No. According to the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project that administers the California rebate, "the CVRP rebate is not taxable income and the Administrator does not issue a 1099 for your rebate."

Is the rebate only for new vehicles?

Yes, this rebate is only for new vehicle purchases and leases.

Do rebates vary for purchasing versus leasing?

No. Rebate amounts are the same for both purchasing and leasing.

Are there ownership requirements?

Yes, you need to register and own your car in California for 30 months to maintain the rebate. (If you were thinking about starting a business flipping electric cars, you might want to rethink.😉)

What’s the history of the California rebate program?

To date, the State of California has issued more than 354,000 rebates in the sum of over $800,000,000 to electric vehicle buyers. Nearly 62% of rebates have been for full battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 19% of rebates have been for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Fuel Cell EVs make up the remaining 1.9% of rebates. See more rebate statistics.

Which electric vehicles qualify after the February 2022 changes?

Find an updated list of eligible vehicles here.

What other incentives are available?

In addition to the California electric vehicle rebate, you could qualify for up to $7500 in Federal Tax Credits, utility rebates, an HOV Carpool decal, and more.

To learn what rebates you qualify for, personalize your EV incentives.