OAKLAND — CalETC Executive Director Laura Renger joined Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders today in Oakland to mark the launch of California’s new MyFirstEV program, which provides instant savings for Californians purchasing their first zero-emission vehicle.
The program offers rebates of up to $3,500 on qualifying new zero-emission vehicles and $1,750 on eligible used vehicles, with the savings applied directly at participating dealerships.
Renger spoke at the press conference on behalf of California’s electric transportation industry, emphasizing the importance of making EVs a practical and affordable choice for more Californians.
“We have found that when drivers go electric, they don’t go back,” Renger said. “And that is because of all the many benefits of an electric vehicle.”
For drivers who make that switch, the benefits can go well beyond lower emissions, she said. EVs offer lower operating and maintenance costs and a quiet and responsive driving experience.
“But people cannot access cars if they’re not able to afford them,” Renger said. “That’s why programs like this are so important. They bring the benefits of electric vehicles and clean transportation to more Californians.”
She noted that California’s leadership and investment have helped build the nation’s largest electric vehicle market, while automakers, electric utilities and other private-sector partners continue investing in vehicles, charging infrastructure, technology and jobs.
“This is exactly how a public-private partnership should work,” she said. “We bring public and private resources together, making every dollar go further. We’re turning ambitious goals into something that consumers can actually use.”
Programs such as MyFirstEV are particularly important because affordability remains one of the biggest factors in a consumer’s decision to switch to an electric vehicle.
Governor Newsom also used the Oakland event to highlight another major milestone in California’s clean energy transition: the state now has more than 21,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity. The growing battery fleet allows California to store increasing amounts of renewable electricity and make that power available when it is needed most.
Together, the announcements underscore the connection between California’s transition to cleaner electricity and the continued growth of electric transportation.
CalETC and its members continue to work with state leaders and industry partners to expand transportation electrification, strengthen California’s clean energy economy and make the benefits of electric transportation available to more Californians.
Watch the full press conference.
Read the full press release.
