California is also committed to making the switch from gasoline to electric to meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2030, and reaching carbon neutrality by 2045.

On top of this, California is one of the 11 states that participate in the ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicles) Program, which requires that automakers ensure that a certain percent of all vehicles they sell in the state are ZEVs (ZEVs are mostly electric vehicles, but can also be hydrogen fuel cell vehicles). Currently, the requirement is for 2.5% ZEVs.

So be sure to take advantage of incentives. By driving an EV instead of a gasoline-powered car, you’re doing a service for the environment and the health of other Californians.

The California EV Rebate Overview

Last Updated: June 2020

Since 2010, the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project has helped get over 350,000 clean vehicles on the road in California.

The rebate for most Californians for the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle can be up to $4,500 depending on the vehicle -- and up to $7,000 for low income residents.

A good rule of thumb for people thinking of purchasing an EV:

$4,500 for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), $2,000 for battery electric vehicles, $1,000 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and $750 for zero emission motorcycles.

For low to moderate-low-income to moderate-income buyers: $7,000 for FCEVs, $4,500 for EVs, $3,500 for PHEVs.

You can search for the vehicle and then apply for the rebate.