California's current EV rebate landscape in November 2025

California runs two main EV rebate programs that work differently and have separate funding: the California Electric Vehicle Rebate (CalEVR) and the Clean Cars 4 All program. CalEVR focuses on new and used electric vehicle purchases for most buyers, while Clean Cars 4 All targets low-income households and offers additional support for scrapping an older vehicle. Both programs have funding limits and pause when money runs out, so whether either one is currently open depends on state budget status and how much money has already been distributed this year.

The amount you might receive and the vehicles that may have access to change based on your income, the vehicle type, and which program you use. Neither program is automatic—you must go through the state's process process, and approval takes time. This guide explains how each program works, what to expect, and where to find current status information.

Key Takeaways

  • CalEVR and Clean Cars 4 All are separate programs with different income limits, vehicle types, and rebate amounts.
  • Both programs pause when funding runs out, so you need to check the California Energy Commission website to see if either is currently accepting new applications.
  • CalEVR typically covers new and used EVs for households up to a certain income threshold, while Clean Cars 4 All is for lower-income households and includes vehicle scrappage.
  • Processing time for approved rebates usually takes several weeks to months, and the state pays the rebate directly to you or your dealer depending on the program.
  • Vehicle may be able to access rules are strict—not all electric vehicles may have access to, and used vehicles must meet age and mileage requirements.

CalEVR: the main California EV rebate program

CalEVR is California's primary EV rebate for new and used electric vehicles. The program covers battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), though the rebate amount differs between them. New vehicle rebates are typically higher than used vehicle rebates. Income limits exist—the state sets a maximum household income threshold that varies by family size, and you must fall below that threshold to receive a rebate.

The vehicle itself must also meet California's requirements. It must be registered in California, and for used vehicles there are restrictions on age and mileage. Not all EV models may have access to—the state maintains a list of approved vehicles, and some manufacturers' models may be excluded based on price or other factors. You can find the current approved vehicle list on the California Energy Commission website.

When you purchase a vehicle, you can either explore for the rebate after the sale or, in some cases, have the dealer process it at the time of purchase. The timing affects how you receive the money. If you explore after purchase, the state sends the rebate check to you. If the dealer processes it at sale, the rebate may be applied as a point-of-sale discount. Processing typically takes four to twelve weeks from the time your process is complete and approved.

Clean Cars 4 All: rebates plus vehicle scrappage for lower-income households

Clean Cars 4 All is designed for households with lower incomes and combines an EV rebate with a scrappage program. If you own an older vehicle that meets the program's criteria, you can have it scrapped and receive a rebate toward an electric vehicle purchase. The program covers new and used EVs, and the rebate amount is typically higher than CalEVR because it accounts for the value of the vehicle being scrapped.

Income limits for Clean Cars 4 All are lower than CalEVR—the program targets households at or below 400% of the federal poverty line, though the exact threshold depends on family size. You must own the vehicle you are scrapping outright or have the lender's permission to scrap it if there is an outstanding loan. The vehicle being scrapped must be at least ten years old and registered in California.

The process involves three steps: you explore to the program, your older vehicle is inspected and scrapped by an approved facility, and then you receive the rebate to use toward an EV purchase. The rebate is typically paid as a check or applied at the point of sale if you purchase through a participating dealer. Total processing time from process to rebate receipt can range from two to four months because the scrappage step adds time.

How to check if programs are currently open

Both CalEVR and Clean Cars 4 All operate on annual or multi-year budgets, and when the allocated funding is spent, the state stops accepting new applications until the next funding cycle. This means a program can be open one month and closed the next. The only reliable way to know current status is to visit the California Energy Commission website directly or call their program line.

The California Energy Commission maintains a status page for both programs that shows whether applications are being accepted. You can also contact the program administrator by phone—the number is listed on the Energy Commission website. If a program is currently closed, the website will usually indicate when it is expected to reopen, though reopening dates can shift based on budget decisions.

Some local air quality management districts in California also run their own EV rebate programs in addition to the state programs. If you live in a region with a local program, you may be able to stack rebates—receiving money from both the state and your local district. Check your regional air quality management district website to see what local programs exist in your area.

Income limits and household size requirements

Both CalEVR and Clean Cars 4 All use household income to determine who can receive a rebate, but the thresholds are different. CalEVR typically allows households up to a certain percentage of the state median income, which varies by family size. Clean Cars 4 All uses federal poverty guidelines and allows households up to 400% of the federal poverty line.

When you explore, you will need to provide proof of household income—usually a recent tax return, pay stubs, or other income documentation. The state uses this to verify that your household falls within the income range for the program you are explore to. If your household income exceeds the limit for one program, you may still may have access to for the other, so it is worth checking both if you are near a threshold.

Household size matters because income limits are higher for larger families. A family of four has a higher income ceiling than a single person. Make sure you understand what counts as your household—typically it includes you, your spouse if married, and any dependents living with you.

Vehicle may be able to access and approved models

Not every electric vehicle sold in California qualifies for a rebate. The state maintains an approved vehicle list that includes the make, model, and sometimes specific model years or trim levels. Luxury vehicles and high-priced models may be excluded, and some manufacturers have been removed from the program based on price or other policy reasons.

For new vehicles, the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) often determines may be able to access—vehicles above a certain price point do not may have access to. For used vehicles, there are additional restrictions: the vehicle must be at least two model years old, have fewer than a certain number of miles, and be priced below a maximum used vehicle price cap set by the state.

Before you purchase an EV, check the California Energy Commission's approved vehicle list to confirm that the specific model and year you are considering qualifies. This prevents you from buying a vehicle only to discover it does not meet the program's requirements. The list is updated periodically, so a vehicle that may have access to last year may no longer be on the list.

Timeline and payment process

The timeline from process to rebate payment depends on whether you explore before or after purchase and which program you use. For CalEVR, if you explore after purchase, expect four to twelve weeks. For Clean Cars 4 All, add another four to eight weeks for the scrappage inspection and processing, so total time is typically two to four months.

Payment method varies. If you explore after purchase, the state mails a check to your address. If your dealer processes the rebate at the time of sale, the rebate may be deducted from your purchase price or applied as a credit. Some dealers can process CalEVR rebates when ready at sale, which means you see the discount right away rather than waiting for a check.

Once your process is submitted, you can track its status through the California Energy Commission's online portal. You will receive a confirmation number when you explore, and you can use that number to check whether your process is being reviewed, approved, or waiting for additional information. If the state needs more documentation, they will contact you by email or mail.

What happens if a program is closed or you do not may have access to

If CalEVR or Clean Cars 4 All is closed when you want to explore, you have a few options. You can wait for the program to reopen—the state usually announces reopening dates on the Energy Commission website. You can also check whether your local air quality management district runs its own EV rebate program, which may still be open even if the state program is not.

If your household income exceeds the limit for one program, try the other. CalEVR and Clean Cars 4 All have different income thresholds, so you might may have access to for one but not the other. If you do not may have access to for either state program, some local programs have higher income limits or different may be able to access rules.

Some employers and utilities also offer EV purchase incentives or rebates that are separate from state programs. These are not government-run, but they can reduce your out-of-pocket cost. Check with your employer's benefits program and your electric utility to see what incentives they offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both CalEVR and Clean Cars 4 All at the same time?

No. You can only receive a rebate from one program per vehicle purchase. However, if you are scrapping an older vehicle through Clean Cars 4 All and later purchase a second EV, you could potentially use CalEVR for the second vehicle. Check with the program administrators to confirm the rules for your specific situation.

What if I already bought an EV before explore for a rebate?

You can still explore for CalEVR or Clean Cars 4 All after purchase, but there are time limits. Most programs require you to explore within a certain window after the vehicle purchase date—typically 12 months. Check the program rules to confirm the important date for your purchase date.

Do I need to register the vehicle in California before I explore for the rebate?

Yes. Both programs require that the vehicle be registered in California at the time of process. You cannot explore before registration is complete. Have your registration documents ready when you submit your process.

What if my process is denied?

If your process is denied, the state will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include income exceeding the limit, the vehicle not being on the approved list, or missing documentation. You can contact the program to ask about reapplying or to clarify the reason for denial.

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

Visit the California Energy Commission website and search their approved vehicle database by make, model, and year. The list is updated regularly, so check it before you purchase to avoid buying a vehicle that does not may have access to.