California continues to offer significant incentives for electric vehicle (EV) buyers in 2025, even as the landscape of available rebates has shifted. Not to mention the new manufacturer incentives. While the statewide Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) is no longer accepting new applications, numerous utility-based programs, regional incentives, and income-qualified assistance programs remain available to help make electric vehicle ownership more affordable. Understanding which California EV rebate programs are currently active can help you maximize your savings when purchasing your next electric vehicle.
At Cartelligent, we understand that navigating the complex world of EV incentives can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way. Our team is committed to helping you maximize every dollar available, making your transition to electric driving as seamless and affordable as possible.
Federal Tax Credit Update: Act Before the Deadline Passes
Critical Update: The federal EV tax credit expired on September 30, 2025. This $7,500 credit for new EVs ended earlier than originally planned due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. However, buyers who entered a binding contract and made a payment (including a deposit or trade-in) before September 30, 2025, can still claim the credit when they take delivery, even if delivery occurs after the deadline.
This expiration significantly changes the EV purchasing landscape, making California state and local incentives even more valuable for prospective buyers.
Major Utility Rebate Programs
California’s major utility companies offer some of the most accessible California EV rebate programs currently available. These utility-based rebates focus on providing substantial savings for both standard and income-qualified customers.
Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) Rebates
San José Clean Energy (SJCE) EV Instant Rebate
San José Clean Energy launched its EV Instant Rebate program in September 2025, offering point-of-sale discounts at participating dealerships:
- New EVs: $4,000 instant rebate
- Eligibility: Customers earning under 100% of Area Median Income (AMI) – this covers over half of San José households
- Auto-Eligible: Customers enrolled in CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy), FERA (Family Electric Rate Assistance), Clean Cars for All, or Driving Clean Assistance Program
- Application Process: Instant discount applied at participating dealerships – no post-purchase application required
- Required Documents: Valid ID and recent PG&E bill (or approval letter if enrolled in Clean Cars for All or DCAP)
- Stacking Opportunities: Can be combined with Clean Cars for All, and other programs
Income Requirements: Must earn less than 100% of the Area Median Income for your household size. AMI varies by county and household size. CARE/FERA enrollees automatically qualify without additional income verification.
More Information: sanjosecleanenergy.org/ev-rebates
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE)
SVCE offers substantial support for customers in its service territory:
- SVCE EV Rebate: $2,000 for purchasing or leasing a new EV or plug-in hybrid
- Expert Support: Free 1:1 customer support to help apply for available federal and regional incentives
Income Requirements: SVCE’s EV rebate has income eligibility requirements. Contact SVCE or check their website for the current Area Median Income limits for your household size.
More Information: svcleanenergy.org/ev-rebate
Other CCA Programs
Several other CCAs offer rebates, including:
- 3CE (Central Coast Community Energy): $2,000 for new BEVs
- Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA): $2,000 for new battery electric vehicles
- Santa Barbara Clean Energy: $1,000 base rebate for new BEVs
Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A): Income-Qualified Vehicle Replacement
The Clean Cars 4 All program provides significant financial assistance to income-qualified residents who retire an older, high-emission vehicle and replace it with a cleaner option. This California EV rebate program is one of the most generous available, offering up to $12,000 toward a vehicle purchase plus additional incentives for charging equipment.
Program Status: The Bay Area’s Clean Cars for All program relaunched on August 19, 2025, and is currently accepting new applications.
Incentive Amounts:
- Up to $12,000 toward an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle purchase
- Additional $2,000 for home EV charger installation or public charging credits
- Alternative mobility options include e-bikes or public transit vouchers
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must live in a participating air district (Bay Area, Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley, South Coast, or San Diego)
- Household income must meet program limits based on federal poverty level percentages (typically up to 400% of the federal poverty level, varying by air district and incentive tier)
- Must retire a 2007 or older vehicle that is operational, registered in California, and meets program requirements
- Retired vehicle must be permanently dismantled
Income Requirements: Clean Cars 4 All uses a tiered incentive structure based on household income as a percentage of the federal poverty level and whether you live in or near a disadvantaged community:
- Maximum incentives (up to $12,000): Lowest income participants (typically at or below 225% of the federal poverty level) residing in disadvantaged communities
- Mid-tier incentives (typically $7,000-$9,500): Moderate-income participants or those outside disadvantaged communities
- Income limits vary by air district* – Bay Area program requires income at or below specific thresholds based on household size (check with your local air district for exact limits)
Participants must provide proof of income through federal tax returns or alternative documentation if taxes were not filed.
*Air districts are 35 local government agencies responsible for regulating and monitoring air quality across California.
Participating Air Districts (as of October 2025):
- Bay Area Air Quality Management District
- Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District
- San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District
- South Coast Air Quality Management District
- San Diego Air Pollution Control District
More Information:
- Bay Area: baaqmd.gov/funding-and-incentives/residents/clean-cars-for-all
- Statewide Information: ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/clean-cars-4-all
Regional and Municipal Incentives
Air District-Specific Programs
Monterey Bay Air Resources District:
- New BEVs: $1,500
- Income-qualified residents may receive doubled amounts
Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District:
- $4,000 voucher for new zero-emission vehicles (when funds are available)
Antelope Valley:
- $500 incentive for battery-electric vehicles purchased from local dealerships
EV Charger Rebates and Incentives
Installing a Level 2 home charger can significantly enhance EV ownership convenience. Multiple programs offer support:
Federal Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
- Amount: Up to $1,000 for residential installations
- Commercial Credit: Up to $100,000 per charging port (available through June 30, 2026)
Utility Charger Rebates
PG&E Residential Charging Solutions:
- Standard Option: 50% of equipment cost
- Rebate Plus (income-qualified): 100% of equipment cost (up to $700)
Income Requirements: Rebate Plus eligibility is based on meeting HCD income limits for your county and household size, or enrollment in qualifying public assistance programs.
Other Utilities:
- Pasadena Water & Power: $600 for Wi-Fi-enabled chargers, $200 for standard Level 2 chargers
- Burbank Water & Power: Rebates available for residential customers
- Truckee Donner PUD: Up to $600 for Level 2 charger purchase and installation
- 14 California utilities currently offer some form of EV charger rebate
How to Find Additional Incentives
DriveClean California
The official state resource for finding EV incentives by zip code.
Website: driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives
WeaveGrid ChargePerks California
For customers of eligible utilities (SDG&E, PG&E, SMUD), ChargePerks provides:
- Support for California grid resiliency through smart charging
- Up to $700 in annual charging cost savings
Stacking Incentives: Maximizing Your Savings
Many California EV incentives can be combined (or “stacked”) for greater savings. However, it’s essential to verify stacking eligibility for each program:
Generally Stackable:
- Utility rebates + CCA rebates (if in overlapping service territories)
- Clean Cars 4 All + utility rebates
- Charger rebates + vehicle rebates
Not Stackable:
- Multiple utility rebates for the same vehicle (each utility allows only one rebate per vehicle)
- CC4A with certain other vehicle retirement programs
- Vehicle rebates from the same program for the same vehicle
Important: With federal tax credits no longer available after September 30, 2025, maximizing state, local, and utility incentives is critical.
Application Tips and Best Practices
To successfully claim your California EV rebate, follow these best practices:
- Act Quickly: Many programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited funding
- Check Eligibility Before Purchase: Most rebate programs have specific vehicle requirements
- Document Everything: Keep copies of purchase agreements, DMV registration, and proof of residency
- Verify Application Deadlines: Most programs require applications within 180 days of purchase
- Confirm Income Requirements: If applying for enhanced rebates, gather tax documentation early
- Check Vehicle Registration: Ensure the vehicle is registered to the correct address for utility-based programs
- Don’t Double-Dip Improperly: Verify which programs can and cannot be combined
Looking Ahead: California’s EV Future
California continues to pursue its goal of having only zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2035. Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order on June 12, 2025, reaffirming the state’s commitment to clean vehicles and directing agencies to craft new actions to accelerate affordable clean vehicle adoption.
As federal incentives have ended, California’s state and local programs have become increasingly important for maintaining EV adoption momentum and ensuring equitable access to clean transportation.
Key Dates to Remember
- August 19, 2025: Bay Area Clean Cars for All relaunched
- September 30, 2025: Federal EV tax credit expired
Resources and References
Utility Programs:
- Silicon Valley Clean Energy: svcleanenergy.org
State Programs:
- DriveClean California: driveclean.ca.gov
- Clean Cars 4 All (Bay Area): baaqmd.gov
- California Air Resources Board: ww2.arb.ca.gov
- Driving Clean Assistance Program: drivingcleanca.org
Federal Resources:
- IRS Clean Vehicle Credit: irs.gov
- Fuel Economy (Eligible Vehicles): fueleconomy.gov
Need Help Navigating EV Incentives?
The Cartelligent team stays up-to-date on the latest California EV rebate programs and can help you maximize your savings when purchasing your next electric vehicle. Whether you’re looking for utility rebates, income-qualified programs, or regional incentives, we can assist you with finding the best car deals and ensure you receive all available California EV rebate opportunities.
Disclaimer: Incentive programs are subject to change, funding availability, and individual eligibility requirements. Always verify current program details and your eligibility directly with program administrators before making a purchase decision. This information is current as of October 30, 2025.
