What the California Clean Vehicle Rebate covers

California offers rebates for buying or leasing new zero-emission vehicles through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, a state program run by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The rebate amount varies by vehicle type and your household income, ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 for most buyers. The program covers battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

The rebate is not a tax credit — it's a direct payment made after you buy or lease the vehicle. You submit your purchase or lease documents to the program, and if you meet the requirements, the state sends you a check. The money goes to you, not to the dealer, though some dealers participate in a point-of-sale option that deducts the rebate from your bill at signing.

Vehicle price caps explore. As of the most recent program rules, new BEVs must cost under $55,000 and used BEVs under $25,000 to may have access to. These limits change periodically, so you should verify the current cap before purchasing. Luxury brands like Tesla, Porsche, and BMW have separate, smaller rebate amounts or different income thresholds.

Key Takeaways

  • California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project pays $2,000 to $8,000 directly to you after you buy or lease a new zero-emission vehicle, with the amount depending on vehicle type and household income.
  • You must own or lease the vehicle in California, have a California driver's license or ID, and meet income limits that vary by household size — higher incomes may still may have access to but receive smaller rebates.
  • The vehicle must be new or used, under the state's price cap, and registered in California within a set timeframe after purchase or lease signing.
  • You submit your purchase or lease agreement and proof of California residency through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project portal, and processing typically takes several weeks to a few months.
  • Some dealers offer point-of-sale rebates that reduce your out-of-pocket cost at signing, while others require you to submit the rebate claim yourself after purchase.

Income limits and rebate amounts by household size

The rebate amount you receive depends on your household income relative to the state's median income. California uses a sliding scale: households at or below 300% of the state median income receive the full rebate, while those between 300% and 600% receive a reduced amount. Households above 600% of median income do not may have access to.

The state median income changes each year. For 2024, a single person earning up to roughly $97,000 qualifies for the full rebate, while a family of four earning up to roughly $205,000 qualifies. These figures are approximate and updated annually. You can find the exact current limits on the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project website or by contacting the program directly.

Luxury vehicle brands have stricter income caps. If you're buying a Tesla, BMW, Porsche, or other luxury brand, your household income must be at or below 300% of state median income — no reduced rebate for higher earners. Standard brands offer rebates to households up to 600% of median income.

Vehicle types and price limits

New battery electric vehicles (BEVs) must cost $55,000 or less to may have access to. Used BEVs must cost $25,000 or less and be at least two model years old. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have a $40,000 price cap for new vehicles. Fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) must cost $55,000 or less. These caps are set by the state and reviewed periodically, so confirm the current limits before you purchase.

The price used to determine may be able to access is the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for new vehicles, not the price you actually pay. Dealer discounts, rebates from the manufacturer, or negotiated prices do not lower the MSRP used for the cap calculation. For used vehicles, the price is based on the actual sale price you pay.

Vehicles must be registered in California and used primarily in California. Leased vehicles must have a lease term of at least 36 months. You cannot receive a rebate for the same vehicle twice, and you cannot receive more than one rebate per household per calendar year, though this rule may vary depending on program updates.

How to submit a rebate claim

You can claim the rebate through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project portal online or by mail. To start, gather your purchase or lease agreement, proof of California residency (driver's license or state ID), proof of vehicle registration, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you're claiming a used vehicle, you'll also need the vehicle's title or registration showing the previous owner.

Online submission is faster. Log into the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project website, create an account, and upload your documents. The system will confirm whether your vehicle and income meet the requirements. If everything matches, you'll receive a confirmation number. Processing typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, though some claims are resolved faster.

If you prefer to mail your claim, read the process form from the CARB website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your documents to the address listed on the form. Keep copies of everything you send. Mail processing takes longer than online submission — usually 8 to 16 weeks — so submit online if you can.

Point-of-sale rebates versus claiming after purchase

Some dealers participate in the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project's point-of-sale program. If your dealer participates, they can deduct the rebate amount from your bill at the time you sign the lease or purchase agreement. This reduces your out-of-pocket cost when ready and simplifies the process — you don't have to submit paperwork later.

Not all dealers participate, and participation varies by location and brand. Ask your dealer before you buy whether they offer point-of-sale rebates. If they do, confirm the rebate amount in writing on your purchase or lease agreement. The dealer then submits the claim to the state on your behalf.

If your dealer does not participate or you prefer to claim the rebate yourself, you submit the claim after you take ownership or sign the lease. You must register the vehicle in California first — the program requires proof of registration. Claiming after purchase takes longer but gives you the same rebate amount.

What happens if your claim is denied

Claims are denied most often because the vehicle exceeds the price cap, the household income exceeds the limit, the vehicle does not meet the zero-emission requirement, or required documents are missing or incomplete. If your claim is denied, the program sends a notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request reconsideration if you believe the denial was made in error.

To request reconsideration, contact the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project within 30 days of the denial notice. Provide any additional documentation that supports your claim — for example, if your income was miscalculated, submit recent pay stubs or tax returns. The program will review your request and send a final decision.

If reconsideration is denied, you cannot appeal further through the state program. However, you may have other options: some local utilities offer their own EV rebates, and the federal government offers a federal tax credit for electric vehicles that operates separately from California's program. Check whether you may have access to for either of those instead.

Timeline from purchase to payment

The timeline depends on whether you use point-of-sale or submit after purchase. With point-of-sale, the rebate is deducted at signing, so there is no waiting period — you see the savings when ready on your bill. The dealer then handles the state submission, which takes a few weeks behind the scenes, but you are not involved.

If you submit after purchase, the timeline is longer. You must register the vehicle in California first, which typically takes 1 to 3 weeks through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once you have your registration, you can submit your rebate claim. Online claims are processed in 4 to 12 weeks; mailed claims take 8 to 16 weeks. Payment is sent by check to the address on your claim.

During peak periods — usually after major program announcements or when funding is about to expire — processing times can extend beyond these ranges. Check the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project website for current processing times before you submit. If your claim is taking longer than expected, you can contact the program to check the status using your confirmation number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the rebate if I lease instead of buy?

Yes. Leased vehicles may have access to for the rebate as long as the lease term is at least 36 months, the vehicle meets all other requirements, and you register it in California. You submit the lease agreement instead of a purchase agreement. The rebate amount is the same whether you lease or buy.

What if I buy a used electric vehicle?

Used BEVs must be at least two model years old and cost $25,000 or less. You'll need the vehicle's title or registration showing the previous owner, your purchase agreement, and proof of your new registration. Used PHEVs and FCEVs do not currently may have access to for the California rebate, though this may change.

Can I use the California rebate and the federal tax credit at the same time?

Yes. The California rebate and the federal electric vehicle tax credit are separate programs with different rules. You can receive both, though the federal credit has its own income limits and vehicle price caps. Check the federal IRS website to see if your vehicle and income meet federal requirements.

What if I move out of California after I get the rebate?

You must own or lease the vehicle in California and use it primarily in California to receive the rebate. If you move out of state shortly after receiving the rebate, the state may attempt to recover the payment. Keep the vehicle registered in California for at least one year after the rebate is issued to avoid this issue.

How do I check if my vehicle is on the approved list?

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project website has a searchable list of approved vehicles by make, model, and year. Search for your specific vehicle before you buy to confirm it qualifies. If your vehicle is not on the list, it does not meet the program's zero-emission requirements and will not receive a rebate.