California offering $3,500 EV rebates to first-time buyers
The $270 million program is matched dollar for dollar by automakers and is aimed at offsetting lost federal EV incentives.
- On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation creating the "MyFirstEV" program, providing $3,500 instant rebates at dealerships for first-time electric vehicle buyers starting later this summer.
- President Donald Trump signed legislation last year repealing the $7,500 federal EV tax credit, causing U.S. sales to decline at least 20% in the first half of 2026 and prompting California's state-level response.
- Backed by $135.5 million in state funding matched dollar-for-dollar by participating automakers, the program creates a $270 million pool, plus a separate $1,750 rebate for used electric vehicles costing under $25,000.
- A California-headquarters rule grants Rivian and Lucid full $3,500 eligibility regardless of price, while Tesla vehicles qualify only if priced under the $50,000 MSRP cap applied to other manufacturers.
- The California Air Resources Board expects to reveal participating automakers next month, as the rebate program forms part of a broader $600 million zero-emission vehicle budget package for 2026-27.
38 Articles
38 Articles
California enacts $3,500 rebates on some EVs
California will begin offering instant rebates of up to $3,500 to first-time electric vehicle (EV) buyers later this summer, replacing some of the incentives lost after the Trump administration phased out EV and clean energy tax credits. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Monday signed new legislation establishing a $270 million rebate program for California…
California’s $3,500 MyFirstEV Rebate: A Targeted Strike Against Federal Pullback That Hands Rivian and Lucid an Edge
Governor Gavin Newsom wasted little time. On July 13, 2026, he signed SB 168 into law. The measure creates MyFirstEV. It delivers an instant $3,500 discount at the dealership for California residents buying their first zero-emission vehicle. Buyers attest they have never owned one before. They drive away with the savings already applied. No forms. No waiting for a check. But the program does more than fill a gap. It reveals sharp policy choices.…
California Offers $3,500 EV Rebates to First-Time Buyers
California announced on July 13 that it would offer state rebates of $3,500 to first-time buyers of new electric vehicles (EVs). Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, saying it would amount to a combined $270 million in total savings to California families at the point of sale, funded by both the state and car manufacturers. The rebate applies to new vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000, and also includes …
First-Time EV Buyers in California Get a $3,500 Rebate, but Tesla Gets the Short End of the Stick
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that awards first-time EV buyers an instant $3,500 rebate. The bill is touted as a replacement for the defunct $7,500 federal tax credit. However, some conditions make people think the Governor unfairly penalized Tesla, despite its massive manufacturing footprint in the state. The (continue reading...)
California to offer $3,500 EV rebates to first-time buyers
Newsom signed legislation that offers $3,500 for first-time buyers of EVs that cost $50,000 or less. There’s also a rebate of $1,750 for first-time buyers who purchase a used electric vehicle with an MSRP of up to $25,000.
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