MyFirstEV Program (California)

MyFirstEV Program (California) is sponsored by California Air Resources Board (CARB). This statewide incentive program in California provides an instant point-of-sale discount for eligible Californians to purchase or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV).

MyFirstEV: Frequently Asked Questions | California Air Resources Board MyFirstEV: Frequently Asked Questions Zero-emission vehicle incentives for first-time buyers Clean Transportation Incentives CleanTransportationIncentives@arb. ca. gov MyFirstEV is a light-duty zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) incentive program to accelerate ZEV deployment, strengthen California’s ZEV market, and support U.S. auto innovation amid federal uncertainty.

The program reduces upfront ZEV costs by partnering with automakers through grant agreements to “buy down” the sticker price, with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) matching the state’s contribution.

Incentives will be offered at the point of sale for first‑time buyers or lessees of new or used passenger ZEVs, providing a combined $3,500 for new vehicles ($1,750 each from the state and participating OEMs) and $1,750 for used vehicles ($875 each). Which vehicles qualify for the incentive? Zero-emission vehicles qualify for the incentive, including battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are not eligible as zero-emission vehicles because they have gasoline engines that produce tailpipe emissions. Vehicles must be model year 2026 and newer. For non-California headquartered OEM, new vehicles must have an MSRP of $50,000 or less.

Used vehicles must have a purchase price of $25,000 or less, be at least two model years older than the year of purchase, and may only be purchased from manufacturers as certified pre‑owned vehicles. Private dealerships are not eligible. MSRP and sales price caps do not apply to California-headquartered zero-emission vehicle companies as defined per Health and Safety Code §43215.

What is the total amount of funding allocated to MyFirstEV? This is a one-time appropriation of $135. 5 million.

What are the advantages of CARB partnering directly with OEMs? Partnering directly with OEMs allows MyFirstEV to launch quickly, deliver point of sale incentives, and ensures that CARB’s investment is doubled through OEM matching. This approach also streamlines coordination on program design, marketing, and implementation, resulting in a smoother rollout and stronger consumer awareness.

What is the expected timeline for consumers to receive the incentive? CARB is launching MyFirstEV by establishing grant agreements with OEMs so the incentive can benefit consumers as quickly as possible. Incentive and eligible model availability will vary by participating OEM.

The incentive will be offered only while funding lasts. OEMs will promote available incentives and publish eligible models and trim levels on their websites. How many vehicles are consumers projected to purchase because of this $135.

5 million investment? CARB projects that MyFirstEV could incentivize over 73,000 ZEVs. Is any of this funding directed towards low-income consumers?

Low-income consumers remain fully eligible for this incentive, and the MSRP cap ensures state funds support mainstream, affordable vehicles. Used ZEVs also qualify, expanding access to lower cost options.

To further support low-income households, the Legislature has established complementary programs—CARB’s Driving Clean Assistance Program , Regional Clean Cars 4 All and Clean Mobility Options , that provide more options to address their specific needs. Can MyFirstEV be stacked with other incentive programs? Yes.

MyFirstEV can be stacked with other CARB and non-CARB vehicle incentive programs such as the Driving Clean Assistance Program and Clean Cars 4 All . Is there a limit to how many incentives each consumer can receive? Yes.

This program is designed to help first-time ZEV buyers make the switch to clean transportation. To ensure the benefits reach as many new ZEV drivers as possible, each individual is limited to one incentive for the lifetime of the program. Will incentive recipients be required to keep their vehicles for a minimum length of time?

No. However, vehicles purchased with this incentive cannot be delivered or registered to an address outside of California. How will CARB and OEMs prevent consumer fraud and ensure dealers and OEMs are not raising prices to match incentive amounts?

CARB will work with OEMs to prevent fraud and ensure incentives only go toward eligible vehicles and first-time ZEV buyers or lessees, verified through self-attestation forms signed by participating consumers under penalty of perjury.

Because MSRPs are set nationally by manufacturers, CARB will also require OEMs to prevent dealer level price inflation and will include anti–price gouging provisions in grant agreements, with compliance tied to reimbursement. Will MyFirstEV continue after the 2026-27 fiscal year? No. The Governor’s Budget allocated a one-time funding that must be expended by September 1, 2031.

Why are California-based OEMs excluded from the MSRP and purchase price caps? The exemption included in the budget bill language is intended to bolster the state’s ZEV market innovation and reflects the Legislature’s commitment to supporting California-based companies.

Additionally, supporting California based manufacturers aligns with the state’s economic development goals, helping sustain high value jobs in clean technology sectors while reinforcing the economic ecosystem around ZEV production and supply chains. Why is the focus on the deployment of light-duty ZEVs rather than medium- and heavy-duty ZEVs?

With the expiration of the federal tax credit for ZEVs, California faces a critical moment in sustaining momentum toward clean transportation. Without this federal incentive, consumer demand for light-duty ZEVs could slow, jeopardizing progress toward air quality and climate goals. MyFirstEV is designed to fill that gap by providing targeted support that stabilizes the market and encourages continued growth.

By reducing upfront costs and maintaining affordability, the program will help ensure that ZEV adoption remains strong, fostering innovation, improving public health, and reinforcing California’s leadership in the transition to zero-emission transportation. Reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses is also critically important to achieve clean air and meet climate goals.

With that goal in mind, the legislature appropriated $135. 5 million for the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Additionally, incentive funding for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is currently available through long-standing programs such as the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program and the newly launched California Clean Fuel Reward .