California’s MyFirstEV program will place EV rebates directly into qualifying vehicle transactions for residents acquiring their first zero-emission vehicle. The program offers $3,500 for eligible new vehicles and $1,750 for qualifying used models, with 13 automakers participating and access details expected in August 2026.
Key Takeaways
- MyFirstEV is expected to take effect in August 2026, although an exact launch date has not been announced.
- Eligible new zero-emission vehicles may receive $3,500, while qualifying used vehicles may receive $1,750.
- New vehicles generally face a $50,000 MSRP limit, while used vehicles generally must cost $25,000 or less.
- Thirteen automakers have agreed to participate, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla and Toyota.
- The discount will be incorporated into the point-of-sale transaction rather than issued through a later reimbursement request.
California’s EV rebates will use a different process from the state’s previous consumer rebate program. Instead of requiring buyers to submit a separate application after acquiring a vehicle, MyFirstEV is designed to include the discount directly in the purchase or lease transaction.
The program applies to California residents acquiring their first zero-emission vehicle. Under SB 168, first-time status will be confirmed through a buyer attestation, and participating vehicles must be registered to California residents.
EV Rebates Move the Discount to the Point of Sale
MyFirstEV will provide $3,500 for an eligible new electric vehicle with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of no more than $50,000. A qualifying used electric vehicle sold for $25,000 or less through a participating manufacturer’s pre-owned program may receive $1,750.
The point-of-sale format is intended to make the benefit visible before the customer completes the transaction. Rather than waiting for a check or completing a later reimbursement request, buyers should be able to identify the discount in their purchase or lease documents.
Final procedures will be established by the California Air Resources Board, which is overseeing MyFirstEV. The agency is expected to publish additional information about funding access, participating sellers and transaction requirements in August 2026.
The program does not have an announced household income ceiling. Eligibility instead centers on California residency, first-time zero-emission vehicle status, manufacturer participation and the applicable vehicle requirements.
That structure differs from the former Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which closed to new applications on November 8, 2023. The previous program used income and vehicle eligibility rules for rebates requested after an eligible purchase or lease.
Thirteen Automakers Join the MyFirstEV Program
California has announced participation from Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volvo. Participation by an automaker does not automatically make every model or trim eligible.
California has allocated $135.5 million to MyFirstEV. Participating manufacturers will match the public contribution dollar for dollar, producing approximately $271 million in combined rebate capacity.
“Nearly 1 in 5 Californians are choosing to go electric,” California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez said when the state released its latest vehicle sales figures.
California recorded 86,857 new zero-emission vehicle purchases during the second quarter of 2026. Those vehicles represented 19.1 percent of new vehicle sales during the period. The state also reported that cumulative new zero-emission vehicle sales had passed 2.5 million by the end of 2025.
The program arrives as the state continues expanding its vehicle market and charging network. Additional background on California’s electric vehicle growth provides context on how vehicle availability, charging access and consumer incentives have developed.
California now has more than 200,000 public and shared electric vehicle charging plugs, according to state figures. Buyers should still examine charging availability near their homes, workplaces and regular routes because access can differ substantially by location and housing type.
Vehicle Price Rules Will Shape Buyer Eligibility
The $50,000 MSRP limit for new vehicles and the $25,000 sales-price limit for used vehicles will determine eligibility in most transactions. Buyers should confirm the exact trim and listed MSRP because optional equipment can move a vehicle above the standard ceiling.
SB 168 also includes an exception for qualifying zero-emission vehicle companies headquartered in California. Vehicles offered by companies meeting the law’s definition may receive incentives without the standard new or used vehicle price limits.
The law defines an eligible California-headquartered company as one based in the state that manufactures only zero-emission vehicles. Headquarters status is determined by where executive management and key staff were located as of January 1, 2026.
Vehicles with a curb weight above 8,500 pounds cannot receive an incentive under the program. Participating manufacturers must also disclose how much of the discount comes from the State of California.
Used-vehicle eligibility has an additional restriction. The state announcement specifies that qualifying used models must be sold through participating manufacturers’ pre-owned vehicle programs. A similarly priced electric vehicle purchased from a private seller or an unaffiliated dealer may therefore fall outside the program.
The rebate applies to qualifying zero-emission vehicles, not every model marketed as electrified. Buyers should wait for CARB’s final eligible-vehicle guidance before treating a dealership advertisement or preliminary estimate as confirmation.
Rebate eligibility is also separate from vehicle operating rules. California drivers should review current EV carpool lane rules because receiving a purchase incentive does not provide solo access to restricted high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
Buyers Need Written Confirmation Before Completing a Deal
The exact launch date, dealership procedures and full access instructions remained pending in late July 2026. State officials said the program would take effect the following month, with additional details on funding and access expected from CARB.
Before signing, buyers should confirm that MyFirstEV is active, the manufacturer and seller are participating, and the exact vehicle meets the program’s requirements. The contract should identify the rebate amount and explain how it changes the final purchase price or lease calculation.
Lease customers should review the capitalized cost, manufacturer discounts, amount due at signing, mileage limits and early termination terms. Used-vehicle buyers should confirm that the vehicle belongs to an eligible manufacturer-backed pre-owned program and review its warranty coverage separately from the rebate.
The program’s funding is finite, and the law links each rebate to a matching manufacturer contribution. A vehicle may meet the technical eligibility rules but still depend on available funds and the manufacturer’s active participation when the transaction occurs.
California’s EV rebates may lower the upfront price for qualifying first-time buyers, but the signed paperwork will determine whether the discount has been applied. Buyers should rely on final CARB guidance and written transaction documents rather than estimated savings advertised before the program officially opens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the MyFirstEV Program?
MyFirstEV is California’s point-of-sale incentive program for residents acquiring their first zero-emission vehicle. It was created through SB 168 and is expected to take effect in August 2026.
How Much Are the California EV Rebates?
The EV rebates provide $3,500 for an eligible new vehicle and $1,750 for a qualifying used vehicle. New vehicles generally face a $50,000 MSRP limit, while used vehicles generally must cost $25,000 or less.
Who Qualifies as a First-Time Buyer?
The program is intended for California residents acquiring their first zero-emission vehicle. Eligibility will be confirmed through a buyer attestation, with final verification procedures established through program guidance.
Can the Rebate Be Used for a Lease?
SB 168 authorizes incentives for the purchase or lease of an eligible new light-duty passenger electric vehicle. The law describes the used-vehicle incentive as applying to vehicle purchases.
Is Every Electric Vehicle Eligible?
No. Eligibility depends on the vehicle type, applicable price limits, manufacturer participation, vehicle weight and final CARB guidance. Used vehicles must also be sold through a participating manufacturer’s pre-owned program.
