California Center for Sustainable Energy

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project ( CVRP) is funded by the California Environmental Protection Agency's Air Resources Board ( ARB) and administered statewide by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE). A total of $26.1 million has been appropriated for FY 2009-2012 to promote the production and use of zero-emission vehicles ( ZEV), including electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles. Rebates of up to $2,500 per light-duty vehicle are available for individuals and business owners who purchase or lease new eligible zero-emission or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Of this $11.1 million, $2 million was provided by the California Energy Commission on May 26, 2011. Funding from the Energy Commission is specifically dedicated to light-duty ZEVs capable of freeway operation and certified for four or more passengers. Click here to read a press release which provides more information about this funding announcement.

Interested in applying for a rebate? Follow these three easy steps:

Verify Vehicle Eligibility and Apply

• Determine if you are eligible for the program by either downloading the CVRP Applicant Requirements or checking the vehicle eligibility section.
• If eligible, click on the Apply for a Vehicle Rebate button below and fill out the online application.

Required Documents and Application

• After the online application is completed, CCSE staff will review and certify that an applicant meets all the preliminary requirements.
• If the applicant meets these qualifications, CCSE will send out an email confirming the online application was received as well as requesting additional documentation including:
  • CVRP written application
  • Proof of California residency for individuals
  • Copy of California business license
  • Proof of temporary or permanent vehicle registration
  • Copy of the sales or lease contract signed
  • To qualify for the rebate, applicants must mail a hard copy of a signed, completed CVRP application and each of the documents listed above to CCSE within 14 calendar days. The application and additional documents should be mailed to:
    
    California Center for Sustainable Energy
    Attention: Clean Vehicle Rebate Project
    8690 Balboa Avenue, Suite 100
    San Diego, CA 92123
    
    

Get your Electric Vehicle Rebate

• CCSE will review the signed, completed application and additional documents to ensure the applicant meets all program requirements. Once CCSE confirms the applicant meets these requirements, a rebate check will be sent out within approximately 60 days.

Do you have more questions about the CVRP? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or our About CVRP page to learn more.