California runs ZEV instant rebate (SB 168) — $3,500 at the dealership — alongside utility charging support. Residential electricity here averages 31.8 cents per kWh, above the 18.5-cent national average, and annual registration for an EV runs about $275 against $175 for a comparable gas car.
Sources reviewed 2026-08-03 · programs confirmed against the linked primary sources
$3,500 at the dealership
Created by SB 168 as part of a $600m clean-transportation package, this is an instant rebate taken off the price at point of sale for California families buying their first zero-emission vehicle. Because the dealer applies it, you do not wait for a cheque.
Varies by air district
Income-qualified scrappage program run through regional air districts: retire an older high-emitting car and put the grant towards an EV. Amounts and waiting lists differ by district, so check your own rather than the statewide description.
Typically $500–$1,000
PG&E, SCE and SDG&E each run residential charger and panel-upgrade rebates, with larger amounts in disadvantaged communities. These follow your meter rather than your county.
Every figure above comes from a primary source. Programs open and close with state budgets, so confirm before you count an incentive into your budget.
Rebates change the purchase price once. Your California electricity rate, gas price and annual registration fee change what you pay every year. Run the numbers with California selected to see the three-year picture.
What EV is independent and carries no affiliate or referral links. This page summarises published program rules; it is not tax or financial advice, and eligibility is decided by the administering body, not by us.