The Governor’s proposed rebate program signals a real effort to keep clean vehicle incentives simple, accessible, and consumer friendly.
Supporting first-time buyers, including used vehicles, and delivering incentives directly at the point of sale are smart moves that lower barriers and help more Californians make the switch to clean transportation.
$200 million is a start—but we need to invest more. California is a huge market. Demand for clean vehicles remains strong. To protect air quality gains, support working families, and keep the market moving statewide, this program will need significantly more investment.
The Legislative Counsel’s Digest of the recently introduced Budget Trailer Bill states, “This bill would, with funds provided in the 2026 Budget Act, require the state board to establish a new zero-emission electric vehicle incentive program for first-time zero-emission vehicle buyers and, as part of that program, to enter into grant agreements with light-duty passenger vehicle original engine manufacturers to provide incentives for consumers for the purchase or lease of new, and the purchase of used, light-duty passenger electric vehicles at the point of sale and registered to California residents.”
Let’s keep our momentum going!
