Electric Vehicle Incentives in California

Electric Vehicle Tax rebates

You may already be aware of the federal tax credits for electric vehicles (if not check out Electric Vehicle Federal Tax Credit: Explained) but there are also EV incentives available in individual states, including some great incentives for California residents.

If you’re a resident of the Golden State you may qualify for tax credits, incentives or savings for owning an electric vehicle and may also qualify for additional incentives such as credits on solar panel installation, discounts on home charging through your energy provider, carpool lane exemptions and more.

Check out the incentives we’ve found for the state of California in 2023. Please keep in mind that these may change at any time and certain conditions may apply to qualify.

Federal Tax Credits up to $7,500

NOTE: The Clean Vehicle Credit added a new requirement for final assembly in North America that took effect on August 17, 2022, with additional requirements beginning January 1, 2023.

Used EV Rebates up to $4,000

The Clean Vehicle Credit provides a federal tax credit for the purchase of a pre-owned EV or FCEV.

HOV Lane Exemptions

In California, electric vehicles may use the carpool lane regardless of the number of passengers.

EV Grants

Green Cars for All – The Green Cars for All program in the Bay Area offers residents in certain zip codes impacted by higher pollution the chance to replace their eligible vehicle with a clean vehicle and receive up to $9,500 in grants. Program eligibility depends on many factors, such as household income. Visit the Clean Cars for All website for more info and to apply.

Clean Vehicle Rebate – As long as funds are available, eligible California residents can follow a simple process to apply for a CVRP rebate of up to $7,500 after purchasing or leasing an eligible vehicle.

Drive Clean! Rebate ProgramProvides rebates of up to $3,000 to Valley residents and businesses for the purchase or lease of new, clean-air vehicles. Apply here.

For more info on EV rebates in California that apply towards the purchase of new or used vehicles, visit our Incentives and Rebates in CA page.

Home Charger Incentives

The following utility companies offer various EV rebates and incentives to residential customers for installing home chargers.

Sonoma Clean Power (SCP) – Offers eligible customers free Level 2 EV charging station.

Burbank Water and Power (BWP)Up to $500 rebate towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Alameda Municipal Power (AMP)Up to $800 rebate towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Anaheim Public Utilities (APU)Up to $1,000 rebate towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Liberty UtilitiesUp to $1,500 rebate towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)Up to $1,500 towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD)Up to $1,000 towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)Up to $500 towards purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charger.

Used EV Rebates and Incentives

The following companies off various rebates towards the purchase of a used EV.

The Final Word

To stay up-to-date on available incentives for EVs in California and across the nation, bookmark our Incentives and Rebates in CA page where you’ll find the most up to date information on all electric vehicle tax credits and incentives available in California and every other US state.

Electric Vehicle Tax rebates
Tax incentives | Electric Driver owned image

Still trying to choose an EV?

If you are just considering buying an electric vehicle, but not sure where to start, we offer free personalized electric vehicle recommendations. Our EVSmartSearchtm helps you discover your ideal electric vehicle based on what matters most to you. With just a few clicks you’ll get our top recommendations picked with you in mind. There’s no catch, no cost, no sign-ups or subscriptions. Just free info.

To top