Current EV incentives in California
The federal EV tax credit is no longer available for most buyers in 2026. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced plans to revamp two notable state EV incentives. In combination with local, utility-based incentives, these 2026 California EV incentives could help you lower the price of an EV purchase.
California Clean Fuel Reward (CCFR) program
The CCFR program initially launched in 2020, but funding for the benefit ran out in 2022 due to “higher than estimated growth of EV sales in California.” However, the program is currently accepting applications for qualifying purchases of medium- and heavy-duty commercial EVs. The rebate offers between $7,500 and $120,000, depending on vehicle class.
This California EV program has over $1 billion in total rebate funding and is expected to last through 2030. Rebates will become available beginning June 26, 2026.
Drive Forward program
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is launching a new initiative called Drive Forward, which aims to support the state target of exclusively selling zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Gov. Newsom announced in January 2026 that the Drive Forward plan would be funded by $200 million and offer an EV tax rebate to residents in California.
While the details of this program remain scarce, CARB has announced the rebate will benefit first-time buyers. Vehicles must also meet additional criteria, including MSRP caps and emissions thresholds, in order to qualify.
Utility EV purchase incentives in California
In addition to possible state incentives, many local utility providers offer cash rebates on qualifying pre‑owned EVs, with higher amounts for income‑qualified customers. Your location, household income and vehicle can influence whether you qualify for these programs. Some examples include:
- PG&E offers a rebate of up between $1,000 and $4,000 for a pre-owned EV purchase
- LADWP offers a used EV rebate program of up to $4,000
- Riverside Public Utilities offers a rebate for up to $4,000 on a used EV purchased or leased after Jan. 1, 2023.
Criteria for these utility-based programs will vary. Several programs have a list of specific qualifying vehicles, while others base eligibility off of household income. Check your utility’s website or visit DriveCleanCA.gov and search for incentives in your ZIP code to explore local incentives for EV purchases and Level 2 home chargers.
Clean Cars 4 All and other trade‑in incentives
Families who qualify as low-income and live in pollution‑burdened ZIP codes could receive significant savings on an EV through the Clean Cars 4 All program. By retiring an older, high‑emission vehicle, participants can receive a grant that can be applied toward a plug-in hybrid or zero-emission vehicle. These incentives range between $9,500 and $12,000 for an 8-year-old or newer vehicle, plus up to $2,000 for charging equipment.
California EV incentives available in 2026
The following list outlines current state and local EV incentives that we found during our research. In general, California energy providers seem to favor rebates for pre-owned EVs over new ones, so keep that in mind as you shop around.
| Name | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| California Clean Fuel Reward | State | Up to $120,000 on commercial EV purchases |
| CARB’s Drive Forward program | State | $200 million in funding to provide EV rebates for first-time buyers |
| Clean Cars 4 All | State | Between $9,500 and $12,000 grant for income-qualified households |
| SCE — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to $4,000 rebate on a pre-owned EV purchase |
| Plumas-Sierra REC — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Utility provider | $500 rebate on a pre-owned EV purchase |
| Pasadena Water and Power — Residential Electric Vehicle and Charger Incentive Program | Utility provider | $500 rebate on the purchase of an EV |
| LADWP — Charge Up LA Used Electric Vehicle Program | Utility provider | Up to $1,500 rebate on a pre-owned EV purchase ($4,000 for income-qualified customers) |
| Silicon Valley Power — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to $3,500 rebate for EV purchases for income-qualified customers |
| Alameda Municipal Power — Electric Vehicle Rebate Program | Utility provider | $1,500 rebate on a pre-owned EV purchase ($6,000 for income-qualified customers) |
» LEARN: What are tax credits?
EV charging equipment incentives in California
While the federal tax credit on EV purchases expired in 2025, the federal incentive for EV home chargers is still active. This federal incentive offers a tax credit of up to $1,000 on the purchase and installation of EV home chargers through June 30, 2026.
Aside from the federal tax credit, the bulk of the remaining charger incentives come from local utility providers. Here are some examples we found on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). You may find more results available in your area by searching for your ZIP code on DriveCleanCA Incentives Database.
| Name | Source | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Roseville Electric Vehicle Rebates | Utility provider | $400 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| SCE — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $4,200 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Pasadena Water and Power — Residential Electric Vehicle and Charger Incentive Program | Utility provider | Up to a $600 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Alameda Municipal Power — Electric Vehicle Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $500 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Truckee Donner Public Utility District — Energy Conservation Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $500 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Burbank Water & Power — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $1,500 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Silicon Valley Power — Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $550 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| LADWP — Charge Up LA Residential EV Charger Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $1,500 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Glendale Water and Power — Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate Program | Utility provider | Up to a $1,399 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger ($1,700 for income-qualified residents) |
| Anaheim Public Utilities — Personal Use EV Charger Rebates | Utility provider | Up to a $600 rebate on the installation of a Level 2 charger |
| Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit | Federal government | Up to a $1,000 tax credit(Incentive set to expire June 30, 2026) |
How much can EV incentives save you in California?
Providing a firm estimate on how much you could save on an EV purchase is difficult since most incentives are available at the utility level and have specific income requirements. Because most current rebates are designed for pre-owned EV purchases, you may not save as much as you might think on a brand-new EV. If you’re trying to maximize savings, the “sweet spot” in terms of incentives is likely a pre-owned EV costing less than $25,000.
At this price point, you could lower the cost of a pre-owned EV by up to $4,000. Again, it’s important to note that your actual savings will vary greatly based on household income and your location.
In terms of the cost to install a Level 2 charger at home, you could still qualify for the federal tax credit and an incentive offered by your home energy provider. Depending on the charger and local installation costs, you may be able to significantly lower or offset the cost entirely. Combine that with a solar panel installation and you could reduce the cost of owning and fueling an EV even further.
FAQ
Does California have rebates for electric vehicles?
California’s state EV rebates are undergoing some changes currently. The California Clean Air Reward, which lowered the out-the-door price of EVs sold at California dealerships, was suspended indefinitely in late 2022. However, the CCAR is now offering rebates for commercial EVs. For non-commercial drivers, many utility providers in California offer cash rebates to customers who purchase a pre-owned EV.
Does California have tax credits for new electric vehicles?
First-time EV buyers may qualify for the Drive Forward program. However, this program has not fully launched, so buyers will not currently receive a tax credit for new EV purchases.
Does California have tax credits for used electric vehicles?
Yes, used electric vehicle buyers in California can qualify for both local and federal EV tax credits. Many local utility providers offer cash rebates of roughly $500 to $1,500 on the purchase of a pre-owned EV. Be sure to check the DriveCleanCA Incentives Database for incentives in your area.
Does California have tax credits for home charging equipment?
Electric vehicle owners in California can only qualify for the same federal tax credits that every other American has access to. That said, your local utility provider may be able to provide a rebate of roughly $300 to $500. Be sure to check the DriveCleanCA Incentives Database for incentives in your area.
Does California have tax credits for installing solar panels?
Yes, California offers a property tax exclusion on the value that solar power adds to your home.
Do extended warranties cover electric vehicles?
No, most extended warranty providers don’t adequately cover electric vehicles. Providers either refuse to cover EVs or refuse to cover the components that make them unique, like their traction batteries and drive units.
That being said, some extended warranty companies are starting to offer full EV coverage and new companies specializing in coverage for EVs may crop up.
How many public EV charging stations are in California?
Currently, there are more than 91,000 public EV chargers available in California, according to the California Energy Commission. If you also account for shared private chargers, there are more than 216,000.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- California Energy Commission, “New ZEV Sales in California.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- DSIRE, “Programs.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- J.D. Power, “How Much Does It Cost To Install An EV Charger?” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- California Air Resources Board, “Drive Forward.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- California Clean Fuel Reward, “Lower-Emission Commercial Trucking For California.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- California Air Resources Board, “California launching $1 billion rebate program for electric trucks.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- IRS, “Clean vehicle tax credits.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
- IRS, “Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit for Individuals.” Accessed May 19, 2026.
