🎯 California EV Incentives Quick Summary
Clean Cars 4 All: Up to $12,000 for income-qualified buyers replacing older vehicles
DCAP Program: Up to $10,000 ($12,000 in disadvantaged communities) statewide
Federal Credit: Up to $7,500 (ending September 30, 2025)
Utility Rebates: PG&E up to $4,000, SCE up to $4,000, SDG&E special rates
HOV Lane Access: Clean Air Vehicle decals (also ending September 30, 2025)
Total Possible Savings: Up to $19,500+ when stacking all programs
📢 Important Program Updates
CVRP Program Closed: The popular Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) that offered up to $7,500 rebates stopped accepting new applications on November 8, 2023. All funding has been reserved for existing applicants.
Alternative Programs Available: While CVRP has closed, California still offers significant EV incentives through Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) and the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), providing up to $12,000 for qualifying buyers.
What Replaced CVRP?
California's EV incentive landscape has evolved since CVRP closed. The state now focuses on income-qualified programs that provide even larger rebates for those who need them most:
- Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A): Up to $12,000 for low-income households
- Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP): Statewide expansion of CC4A
- Utility Programs: PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E continue robust rebates
- Federal Credits: Still available until September 30, 2025
🚗 Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) Program
Program Status (2025): Clean Cars 4 All continues in select regions with robust funding. Bay Area program temporarily closed but expects to reopen Fall 2025. Sacramento, San Joaquin Valley, South Coast, and San Diego programs remain active.
Clean Cars 4 All helps income-qualified residents replace older, high-pollution vehicles with cleaner alternatives including new or used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
CC4A Rebate Amounts by Region
| Region | Standard Rebate | Disadvantaged Community | Program Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Area (BAAQMD) | Up to $9,500 | Up to $12,000 | Reopening Fall 2025 |
| South Coast (SCAQMD) | Up to $7,000 | Up to $10,000 | Active |
| San Joaquin Valley | Up to $9,500 | Up to $12,000 | Active |
| Sacramento (SMAQMD) | Up to $7,000 | Up to $10,000 | Active |
| San Diego (SDAPCD) | Up to $7,000 | Up to $10,000 | Active |
CC4A Eligibility Requirements
- Income Limits: Household income ≤ 300% of Federal Poverty Level
- Vehicle Retirement: Must scrap qualifying 2009 or older vehicle
- Residency: Must live in participating air district region
- Application Required: Must apply and be approved before purchasing
- Purchase Limits: New/used EV under $45,000 purchase price
- One Per Household: Lifetime limit of one assistance per household
Income Qualification Example (2025): For a household of 4, the maximum combined income is $93,600 annually to qualify for Clean Cars 4 All rebates.
Additional Benefits
CC4A participants also receive up to $2,000 for home EV charging equipment or public charging credits if home charging isn't feasible.
🌎 Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
Statewide Expansion (2024-2025): DCAP extends Clean Cars 4 All benefits to areas not covered by regional programs, making EV incentives available throughout California.
DCAP Scrap & Replace
Up to $12,000
Income-qualified participants can receive up to $10,000 to purchase or lease a new or used EV. Those in disadvantaged communities get up to $12,000.
- Must scrap 2009 or older vehicle
- New/used EVs under $45,000 purchase price
- Income limit: ≤ 300% Federal Poverty Level
- Available statewide outside CC4A regions
DCAP Financing Assistance
Up to $7,500
Program provides financing assistance for clean vehicle purchases without requiring vehicle retirement.
- No vehicle retirement required
- Low-interest loans capped at 8% APR
- Available to income-qualified residents
- Additional $2,000 for charging equipment
Program Pause: As of October 2023, DCAP temporarily stopped accepting new applications due to exhausted funding. Check the official website for updates on when the program may reopen.
🇺🇸 Federal EV Tax Credit (Ending Soon!)
⏰ URGENT DEADLINE: The federal EV tax credit program expires September 30, 2025. Any vehicle purchased after this date will NOT be eligible for federal credits.
New EV Federal Tax Credit
Up to $7,500
Available for new electric vehicles meeting battery assembly and critical mineral requirements.
- Point-of-sale option available (immediate discount)
- Income limits apply ($150K single, $300K married)
- Vehicle price caps: $55K cars, $80K SUVs/trucks
- Can be combined with CA state programs
Used EV Federal Tax Credit
Up to $4,000
Available for qualifying used electric vehicles through registered dealers.
- Lower income limits than new EV credit
- Vehicle must be at least 2 years old
- Price cap: $25,000 maximum
- Point-of-sale discount available
⚡ California Utility EV Programs
Major Utility Coverage: California's three largest utilities - PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E - serve over 75% of the state's population with comprehensive EV rebate programs.
PG&E Pre-Owned EV Rebate
Up to $4,000
Pacific Gas & Electric offers rebates for used EV purchases, with enhanced amounts for income-qualified customers.
- Standard rebate: $1,000 for used EVs
- Income-qualified rebate: Up to $4,000
- Application within 180 days of purchase
- Serves Northern and Central California
PG&E Charging Solutions Rebate
50-100% rebate
Rebates on PG&E-approved EV charging equipment for residential customers.
- Standard: 50% of equipment purchase price
- Income-qualified: 100% of purchase price
- Must use pre-approved equipment list
- Professional installation required
SCE Pre-Owned EV Rebate
$1,000-$4,000
Southern California Edison's rebate program for used electric vehicle purchases.
- Standard rebate: $1,000
- Income-qualified: $4,000
- Serves Southern California region
- Application within 180 days of purchase
SCE Charge Ready Home
Up to $4,200
Rebates for electrical panel upgrades and Level 2 EV charger installation.
- Panel upgrade rebates available
- Must install within 120 days of EV purchase
- Additional rebates in disadvantaged communities
- Supports home charging infrastructure
SDG&E EV Programs
Special Rates
San Diego Gas & Electric offers EV-TOU-5 time-of-use rates for home charging savings.
- Lower rates during off-peak hours
- Super off-peak charging benefits
- Serves San Diego County
- Used EV rebates: $1,500 for BEVs under $40K
SMUD EV Programs
1.5¢ discount
Sacramento Municipal Utility District offers EV rate credits and managed charging programs.
- 1.5¢ discount on electricity midnight-6 AM
- Managed EV charging rewards
- Quarterly reward payments available
- Partnership with automakers for optimal charging
🚗 Clean Air Vehicle (CAV) Decal Program
Program Ending: California's Clean Air Vehicle decal program expires September 30, 2025. The last date to order a decal is August 29, 2025. After September 30, vehicles must meet normal occupancy requirements for HOV lanes.
The Clean Air Vehicle decal program allows qualifying electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles to use HOV (carpool) lanes with single occupancy, plus receive toll discounts on Bay Area bridges and express lanes.
CAV Decal Benefits (Until September 30, 2025)
- HOV Lane Access: Use carpool lanes as single occupant statewide
- Bridge Toll Discounts: $4 carpool rate on Bay Area bridges
- Express Lane Benefits: 50% discount or toll-free travel
- Application Fee: $22 for 4-year validity period
Current Valid Decal Colors
| Decal Color | Issue Period | Original Expiration | New Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 2021 | January 1, 2025 | September 30, 2025 |
| Yellow | 2022 | January 1, 2026 | September 30, 2025 |
| Green | 2023 | January 1, 2027 | September 30, 2025 |
| Burgundy | 2024 | January 1, 2028 | September 30, 2025 |
Income Restrictions Removed: As of January 1, 2024, the income-based CAV decal restrictions have expired, making decals available to all qualifying vehicle owners regardless of income level.
🏘️ Regional & Local EV Programs
Antelope Valley Incentive
$500
Residents can claim $500 for any battery-electric vehicle purchased from Antelope Valley dealerships only.
BWP Pre-Owned EV Rebate
Up to $1,000
Burbank Water and Power offers rebates for pre-owned EVs two years or older.
3CE Electrify Your Ride
$1,000-$2,000
Central Coast Community Energy customers get $2,000 for new BEVs, $1,000 for used BEVs.
Colton Electric Rebate
$1,000-$1,500
Standard $1,000 rebate, increased to $1,500 for low-income customers. Used EVs only.
El Dorado County Incentive
$599
County residents get $599 for EVs eligible for DMV Clean Air Vehicle decals.
Eastern Kern APCD Voucher
$4,000
DMV Grant Program funding provides $4,000 vouchers for new zero-emission vehicles.
💡 How to Maximize Your California EV Savings
Stacking Strategy for Maximum Benefits
Example Maximum Savings Scenario:
- Federal EV Tax Credit: $7,500
- Clean Cars 4 All (Disadvantaged Community): $12,000
- CC4A Charging Equipment: $2,000
- Total First-Year Savings: $21,500+
- Annual HOV lane time savings: ~60 hours
Strategic Planning Steps
- Act Before September 30, 2025: Secure federal credit and CAV decal before both expire
- Check Income Eligibility: Determine if you qualify for CC4A or DCAP programs
- Identify Your Region: Find which air district manages your area's programs
- Apply First: All income-qualified programs require pre-approval
- Choose Participating Dealers: Ensure dealer participates in your chosen program
- Coordinate Utility Rebates: Apply for utility programs within required timeframes
Program Coordination Timeline
| Action Item | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for CC4A/DCAP | Before vehicle purchase | Required for all income-qualified programs |
| Purchase/Lease Vehicle | Before Sept 30, 2025 | For federal credit eligibility |
| Apply for CAV Decal | By August 29, 2025 | Last date to order decals |
| Apply for Utility Rebates | Within 180 days | PG&E and SCE deadline |
| Install Home Charging | Within 120 days (SCE) | For charging rebate eligibility |
🚙 Popular EVs Eligible for California Programs
Tesla Model 3
Multiple Programs
Qualifies for federal credit, utility rebates, and CAV decals. Popular choice for CC4A participants.
Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV
All Programs
Affordable option qualifying for all major incentive programs including CC4A under price caps.
Nissan LEAF
All Programs
Long-standing EV option, widely available used, qualifies for utility rebates and federal credits.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Most Programs
Fast-charging capability, eligible for federal credits and utility programs. Check CC4A price limits.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Federal + Utility
Qualifies for federal credit and utility rebates. May exceed CC4A price caps depending on trim.
BMW i3 (Used)
Used Programs
Popular used EV option for utility rebates, used federal credit, and CC4A replacement vehicles.
Vehicle Eligibility Check: Always verify current eligibility with program administrators before making purchase decisions. Eligible vehicle lists change frequently based on manufacturer submissions and program updates.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine Clean Cars 4 All with federal tax credits?
Yes! Clean Cars 4 All rebates can be combined with federal EV tax credits for maximum savings. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, including income limits and vehicle price caps.
What happens to California EV incentives after federal credits end?
California's state programs (CC4A, DCAP, utility rebates) will continue after federal credits end on September 30, 2025. However, the Clean Air Vehicle decal program also ends on the same date, so HOV lane access will no longer be available.
Why did CVRP close and when might it reopen?
CVRP closed in November 2023 due to exhausted funding after issuing nearly 600,000 rebates since 2010. There's no announced timeline for reopening, as California has shifted focus to income-qualified programs like CC4A and DCAP that provide larger rebates to those who need them most.
Which utility rebate should I apply for?
Apply for the rebate from your electricity provider: PG&E (Northern/Central California), SCE (Southern California), or SDG&E (San Diego). You cannot double-dip between utility programs, but you can combine utility rebates with other state and federal programs.
Can I get a CAV decal if I just bought an EV?
Yes, but you must apply by August 29, 2025, and the decal will only be valid until September 30, 2025. Given the short remaining timeframe, carefully consider whether the $22 fee and limited validity period are worthwhile for your commute.
What if I don't qualify for income-based programs?
You can still access federal tax credits (until Sept 30), utility rebates (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), regional programs, and CAV decals (until Sept 30). While CVRP is closed, these programs can still provide substantial savings.
Ready to Save with California EV Incentives?
Don't miss out on up to $19,500 in savings. Federal credits and HOV access both end September 30, 2025, but California state programs continue.
Questions about CA EV incentives? Contact our experts for personalized guidance.
📋 Official Resources & Applications
Clean Cars 4 All Programs
DCAP Statewide Program
Website: Driving Clean Assistance Program
Eligibility: Check income and vehicle requirements
Eligibility: Check income and vehicle requirements
Utility EV Programs
CAV Decal Application
Website: CA DMV CAV Decals
Deadline: Apply by August 29, 2025
Deadline: Apply by August 29, 2025
Disclaimer: Incentive amounts and program details change frequently. Always verify current information with official program sources before making a purchase decision. This guide was last updated July 31, 2025.