California EV incentives and laws
State incentives, charger programs and rules for electric vehicles, summarised from the U.S. Department of Energy with a link to the full text.
Advanced Transportation Tax Exclusion
ExemptionsTax IncentivesAlternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Manufacturer / RetrofitterOther
The California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) provides a sales and use tax exclusion for qualified manufacturers of advanced transportation products, components, or systems that reduce pollution and energy use and promote economic development. Incentives are available until January 1, 2028. For more information, including application materials, see the CAEATFA [Sales and Use Tax Exclusion Program](https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/caeatfa/ste) website. (Reference [California Public Resources Code 26011.8](http://www.oal.ca.gov/))
Alternative Fuel Mechanic Technical Training - San Joaquin Valley
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorAlternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Manufacturer / RetrofitterCommercialGovernment EntityOther
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Alternative Fuel Mechanic Training Program, which provides incentives of up to \$15,000 per fiscal year to educate personnel on the mechanics, operation safety, and maintenance of alternative fuel vehicles, fueling stations, and tools involved in the implementation of alternative fuel technologies. For more information, see the SJVAPCD [Alternative Fuel Mechanic Training Component](https://www.valleyair.org/grants/alternative-fuel-vehicle-mechanic-training/) website.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Incentives - San Joaquin Valley
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment Entity
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District administers the Public Benefit Grant Program, which provides funding to cities, counties, special districts (such as water districts and irrigation districts), and public educational institutions for the purchase of new AFVs, including electric, hybrid electric, natural gas, and propane vehicles. The maximum grant amount allowed per vehicle is \$20,000, with a limit of \$100,000 per agency per year. Projects are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, see the [Public Benefit Grant Program](https://www.valleyair.…
Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Rebate - San Joaquin Valley
RebatesCommercialPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Drive Clean! Rebate Program, which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of eligible new vehicles, including qualified natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, all-electric, plug-in electric vehicles, and zero emission motorcycles. The program offers rebates of up to \$3,000, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis for residents and businesses located in the SJVAPCD. For more information, including a list of eligible vehicles and other requirements, see the SJVAPCD [Drive Clean! Rebate Program](https:/…
Alternative Fuel and Vehicle Incentives
GrantsLoans and LeasesAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment EntityOtherPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the Clean Transportation Program (Program) to provide financial incentives for businesses, vehicle and technology manufacturers, workforce training partners, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions with the goal of developing and deploying alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Funding areas include: - Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure; - Hydrogen vehicles and refueling infrastructure; - Medium- and heavy-duty zero emission vehicles; and, - Workforce development. The CEC must prepare an…
Bus Replacement Grant
GrantsGovernment EntityOther
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) offers grants for the purchase of new zero-emission (zero tailpipe emission) buses to replace old gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, or propane buses. Grant awards vary based on vehicle type and are available in the following amounts: Vehicle Maximum Grant Amount ------------------------------------------ ---------------------- Electric Transit Bus \$216,000 Fuel Cell Transit Bus \$480,000 Electric School Bus \$400,000 Electric School Bus (CARB non-compliant) \$380,000 Electric Shuttle Bus \$192,000 Non-compliant school buses are vehicles that a…
California’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorGovernment Entity
The U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) [NEVI Formula Program](https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/12744) required the California Department of Transportation to submit an annually updated EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) for fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to their FHWA Division Office, describing how the state intended to distribute NEVI funds and their physical and cybersecurity strategies, and including a Community Engagement Outcomes Report. The submitted plans must address updated [NEVI Guidance](https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/nevi/). For more information about California's N…
Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grant: El Dorado County
GrantsCommercialMultifamily HousingOther
The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District administers the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Grant program to help local businesses and properties install Level 2 EV chargers. Eligible applicants may receive a grant of up to \$10,000 per Level 2 charging plug installed to cover the cost of equipment and installation. Eligible projects include retail businesses, multiunit residential properties, and points of interest located within El Dorado County. The chargers must be publicly accessible. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including eligibility requirement…
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grant – Antelope Valley
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialMultifamily HousingOtherTransit
Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) offers grants for the installation of public EV chargers, up to 75% of the total costs of infrastructure, equipment, and installation of eligible projects. Preferred project sites include retail centers, multifamily housing, workplaces, hospitals, public transit stations, and park & rides. For more information, including application criteria and eligibility requirements, visit the AVAQMD [EV Charging Station Program](https://avaqmd.ca.gov/electric-vehicle-charging-stations-program) website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Incentives - San Joaquin Valley
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorMultifamily Housing
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Charge Up! Program, which provides funding for public agencies, businesses, and property owners of multifamily housing for the purchase and installation of new EV chargers. Rebates are available in the following amounts: EV Charger Type Maximum Rebate Amount per EV Charger Minimum Cost Share ---------------------------------- -------------------------------------- -------------------- Single Port Level 2 \$5,000 None Dual Port Level 2 \$6,000 None Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger \$25,000 30% of Total Cost Annual f…
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate - South Coast and MSRC
RebatesAlternative Fuel Infrastructure Operator
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee's (MSRC) Residential EV Charging Incentive Pilot Program offers rebates of up to \$500 for the purchase of a qualified residential Level 2 EV charger. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis to low-income residents within the SCAQMD jurisdiction. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including application guidelines, see the [Residential EV Charging Incentive Pilot Program](http://www.aqmd.gov/home/programs/community/community-detail?ti…
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate - Antelope Valley
RebatesPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
The Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) offers residents rebates of up to \$500 for the purchase or lease of an EV from a dealership within the Antelope Valley jurisdiction. For more information, including how to apply, see the [AVAQMD](https://www.avaqmd.ca.gov/alternative-fuel-vehicle-battery-electric-plug-in-vehicle-program) website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Grant - Bay Area
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District's (BAAQMD) Clean Cars for All program offers grants up to \$12,000 to income-eligible residents to replace a vehicle eligible for retirement with an EV, hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or FCEV. Eligible vehicles for replacement should be model year 2007 or older. Recipients may buy or lease a new or used EV, HEV, PHEV, or FCEV. Grants vary depending on the household income and vehicle technology. Vehicles that are replaced must be turned in at an authorized dismantler. Individuals that purchase a PHEV or EV are…
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate – Northern and Southern California
RebatesAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment EntityTribal Government
The Golden State Priority Project, funded by the California Energy Commission as part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), offers rebates for the purchase and installation of direct current (DC) fast chargers. Rebates will fund 50% of project costs, up to the following amounts: ::: {data-align="center"} Power Output Rating Maximum Rebate per Connector ------------------------------ ------------------------------ 150 kilowatts (kW) to 274 kW \$55,000 Greater than 274 kW \$100,000 ::: Eligible applicants include businesses, non-profit organizations, tribal governm…
Employer Invested Emissions Reduction Funding - South Coast
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorAlternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Manufacturer / RetrofitterCommercial
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) administers the Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP). AQIP provides funding to allow employers within SCAQMD's jurisdiction to make annual investments into an administered fund to meet employers' emissions reduction targets. The revenues collected are used to fund alternative mobile source emissions and trip reduction programs, including alternative fuel vehicle projects, on an on-going basis. Programs such as low emission, alternative fuel, or zero emission vehicle procurement and old vehicle scrapping may be considered for funding. Fo…
Heavy-Duty Low Emission Vehicle Replacement and Repower Grants
GrantsCommercialGovernment EntityOther
The South Coast Air Quality Management District offers grants for the replacement or repower of eligible class 7 and 8 heavy-duty vehicles with low oxide of nitrogen (NOx) vehicles. Grants may cover up to 40% of non-government project costs and up to 100% of government project costs. Eligible applicants include Class 7 and 8 freight trucks, drayage trucks, dump trucks, waste haulers, and concrete mixers, freight switcher locomotives. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is funded by California's portion of the [Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust](https://w…
Heavy-Duty Truck Emission Reduction Grants - San Joaquin Valley
GrantsCommercialGovernment Entity
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Truck Replacement Program, which provides funding for fleets to replace old vehicles with lower emitting vehicles or to purchase new zero emission, hybrid, or low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) vehicles. Funding is available for the following projects: - Replacement of an engine model year that is 6 or more years of age in Class 4-8 heavy-duty trucks with new zero emission or alternative fuel, low NOx trucks; and, - Replacement of an engine model year that is 6 or more years of age in Class 7-8 diesel trucks with new zer…
Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Grant – Santa Barbara County
GrantsCommercialGovernment EntityMultifamily HousingOther
The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) provides grants to offset the costs of zero-emission (zero tailpipe emission) heavy-duty vehicles that reduce on-road emissions within Santa Barbara County. Eligible projects include the replacement of commercial trucks and buses, transit buses, authorized emergency vehicle, transportation refrigeration units, and more. Eligible technology includes the purchase of battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Priority will be given to projects located in multifamily housing or low-income communities. For more information, inc…
Low Emission Truck and Bus Purchase Vouchers
OtherRebatesCommercial
Through the Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP) and Low Oxide of Nitrogen (NOx) Engine Incentives, the California Air Resources Board provides vouchers to eligible fleets to reduce the incremental cost of qualified electric, hybrid, or hydrogen trucks and buses at the time of purchase. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only fleets that operate vehicles in California are eligible. Voucher amounts vary depending on whether the vehicles are located in a disadvantaged community. For more information, including a list of qualified vehicl…
Low-Income Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV Charger Rebates: El Dorado County
GrantsRebatesPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (EDC AQMD) Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) provides financial incentives to lower-income residents for the purchase or lease of eligible EVs, hydrogen fuel cell EVs, plug-in EVs, and zero emission motorcycles. Eligible applicants may receive up to \$10,000 when scrapping an older, operational vehicle, or up to \$7,500 without scrapping a vehicle. In addition to the vehicle rebate, participants may receive an additional \$2,000 bonus to install a home Level 2 EV charger or a \$2,000 prepaid card to use at public EV charging stations. …
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Fueling Station Financing Program
Loans and LeasesCommercialGovernment EntityOther
The California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) offers three pilot loan programs to fleets looking to purchase new or pre-owned MHD ZEVs (zero tailpipe emission) and associated fueling infrastructure. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including details about each pilot program, see the CPCFA [Zero-Emission (zero tailpipe emission) Heavy-Duty Programs](https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/cpcfa/calcap/zero-emission/index.asp) website. (Reference [California Health and Safety Code 44272.5](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/home.xhtml))
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Infrastructure Grants
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment EntityTransitTribal Government
The Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles (EnergIIZE), funded by the California Energy Commission, offers grants for the purchase and installation of ZEV infrastructure for MHD electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Eligible applicants include commercial fleets, station owners, and ZEV infrastructure vendors and installers. Incentive amounts vary based on project type. Increased incentive amounts are available for commercial fleets that operate in low-income and underserved communities. For more information, including eligible project types…
Multifamily Housing (MFH) Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Grants
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment EntityMultifamily HousingOtherTribal Government
The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers grants through the [Clean Transportation Program](https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/6307) for the installation of Level 2 EV chargers at MFH units. Eligible applicants include all public and private entities. Investor-owned utilities are not eligible. Projects must install a minimum of 120 charging ports. A minimum of 50% of a project's EV charging ports must be installed within underserved or low-income communities. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the CEC [Reliable, Equitable, and Accessible Charging for MFH 3.0](https:…
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Financing Program
Loans and LeasesAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment EntityPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Loss Reserve Program financing allows property owners to borrow funds to pay for energy improvements, including purchasing and installing EV chargers. The borrower repays the financing over a defined period of time through a special assessment on the property. Local governments in California are authorized to establish PACE programs. Property owners must agree to a contractual assessment on the property tax bill, have a clean property title, and be current on property taxes and mortgages. Financing limits are 15% of the first \$700,000 of the property valu…
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV Charger Rebates – El Dorado County
RebatesPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
The El Dorado County Air Quality Management District (EDC AQMD) offers rebates to residents up to \$599 for the purchase or lease of an eligible plug-in EV and up to \$300 for the purchase of a Level 2 EV charger. Applicants must be full-time residents of El Dorado County. State rebates and federal tax credits may also be available and stacked with this program. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the EDC AQMD [Grants and Incentives](https://www.eldoradocounty.ca.gov/Services/Air-Quality-Grants-Incentives) website.
School Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Infrastructure Grants
GrantsGovernment EntityOtherTransitTribal Government
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Clean Mobility in Schools Project (CMIS) offers funding for zero emission shuttles, transit buses, school buses, and infrastructure to public schools, local governments, community-based organizations, amd tribal governments. All projects must be located in or serve priority populations. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the CARB [CMIS](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/clean-mobility-schools-project) website.
Vehicle Grid Integration (VGI) Research and Development Grants
GrantsAlternative Fuel Infrastructure OperatorCommercialGovernment EntityOtherTribal Government
The California Energy Commission (CEC) offers grants to projects that address VGI knowledge gaps; high costs of vehicle to everything or bidirectional charging equipment, as compared to unidirectional charging; and the lack of access to cost-effective, accurate, and flexible submetering solutions. The maximum grant allowed per project is \$3,000,000. Eligible applicants include all public and private entities. Local publicly owned electric utilities are not eligible. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the CEC [Enabling Electric Vehicles as Distributed Energy Resou…
Zero Emission Bus and Infrastructure Equity Grants
GrantsGovernment EntityOtherTribal Government
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Sustainable Transportation Equity Project (STEP) offers funding for zero emission buses and infrastructure. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, local governments, and tribal governments that serve priority populations throughout California. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the CARB [STEP](https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/sustainable-transportation-equity-project) website.
Zero Emission Transit Funding
OtherGovernment EntityOtherTribal Government
The California Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program offers vouchers of up to \$100,000 per transportation needs assessment and \$1,500,000 per project for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles, infrastructure, planning, outreach, and operations projects in low-income communities, disadvantaged communities, and tribal areas. For more information, see the [Clean Mobility Options](https://www.cleanmobilityoptions.org/) website.
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Infrastructure Pilot Project Grants
GrantsCommercialGovernment EntityOther
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Projects Program offers funding for pre-commercial demonstrations and large-scale pilots of on- and off-road ZEVs and zero emission equipment that help California meet its goals to reduce criteria pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions, and petroleum use. Eligible applicants include local air districts, California public entities, and nonprofits. Priority is given to projects located in or serving priority populations. For more information, see the CARB [Advanced Technology Demonstration and Pilot Projects](htt…
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and Near-ZEV Weight Exemption
ExemptionsCommercialGovernment EntityPersonal Vehicle Owner / Driver
ZEVs and near-ZEVs may exceed the state's gross vehicle weight limits by an amount equal to the difference of the weight of the near-zero emission or zero emission powertrain and the weight of a comparable diesel tank and fueling system, up to 2,000 pounds. A ZEV is defined as a vehicle that produces no criteria pollutant, toxic air contaminant, or greenhouse gas emissions when stationary or operating. A near-ZEV is a vehicle that uses zero emission technologies, uses technologies that provide a pathway to zero emission operations, or incorporates other technologies that significantly reduce v…