13 Automakers Just Doubled California's First-Time EV Rebate. Here's What Buyers Need to Know.
MyFirstEV puts $3,500 off a new EV or $1,750 off a used one directly at the dealership. No tax filing, no waiting for a check.
California announced today that 13 automakers will participate in MyFirstEV, the state’s new instant rebate program for first-time zero-emission vehicle buyers. The state is putting up $135 million. Every participating automaker matches it dollar-for-dollar. That brings the total to roughly $270 million in savings for California families.
The program was established by SB 168, signed by Governor Newsom this week.
What the rebate is worth
- $3,500 off a new EV with an MSRP up to $50,000
- $1,750 off a used EV priced up to $25,000, purchased through a manufacturer’s certified pre-owned program
- Available to any Californian buying or leasing their first EV
Which automakers are in
Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, and Volvo.
That covers the large majority of EV models sold in California today, across every price segment that clears the MSRP cap.
Why “instant” matters
Most EV incentives have historically arrived months after purchase, as a tax credit or a mailed rebate. That structure works fine if you can float the money. It does not work for a lot of households, and research has consistently shown that incentives applied at the point of sale reach more first-time buyers than incentives applied at tax time.
MyFirstEV is built into the sales process. The discount shows up on the price you negotiate at the dealership.
Californians can compare models, learn about home and public charging, and find a participating dealer at electricforall.org.