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 $45.2 million has been appropriated for FY 2009-2013 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 the FY 2009-2013 funding, $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.

Download the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project Implementation Manual (365.12 kB) for additional information and Project details.

Vehicle Eligibility

• New vehicles only
• Battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles
• Vehicles must be purchased or leased on or after March 15, 2010
• Vehicles up to 8500lb in GVWR (cars, zero-emission motorcycles, and neighborhood electric vehicle)
• Only ARB-certified or approved zero-emission or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles

Applicant Requirements

• Individuals, businesses, nonprofits or government entities based in California or that have a California based affiliate
• Purchasers or Lessees of New Zero-Emission Vehicles ( ZEV) or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles ( PHEV)
• Applicants must own or lease the vehicle for a minimum of 36 consecutive months*
• Vehicles must be registered with the California DMV for a minimum of 36 consecutive months

*Note: Resale of a vehicle or return to a dealer is allowed within this 36 month period if necessitated by unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.  To employ this provision, ARB must approve the circumstances and sale or return in advance.  If the vehicle is resold, the vehicle purchaser or lessee must refund a prorated portion of their rebate.  However, resale of a CVRP vehicle for financial gain within 36 months is not allowed.  In these cases, ARB or its designee reserves the right to recoup CVRP funds from the original vehicle purchaser identified on the rebate form and may pursue other remedies available under the law.

CVRP Funding

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project funding will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.  Funding for the Project is expected through 2015, with specific funding amounts determined annually by the Air Resources Board.

The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project is a follow-up to the successful Fueling Alternatives program, also funded by the Air Resources Board and administered by CCSE. The Fueling Alternatives program ran from February 2008 through April 2009 and provided rebates of up to $5,000 for consumers who purchased or leased eligible natural gas , electric, and fuel cell vehicles. A summary of the program, including a list of vehicles rebated, can be found here.

For further information on clean and fuel efficient cars, visit www.DriveClean.ca.gov.

Federal Tax Incentives

Tax credits for full-function electric-drive vehicles range from $2,500 to $7,500. In order to qualify for a federal tax credit, an electric-drive vehicle must have a battery with a capacity of at least 4 kilowatt-hours, making the vehicle eligible for the minimum $2,500 credit.  Vehicles with a battery capacity of 5 kWh or greater are eligible for an additional $417 of credit for every Kilowatt-hour in excess of 4 kWh.  Vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf (24 kWh battery capacity) and the Chevrolet Volt (16 kWh battery capacity) will thus be eligible for the maximum $7,500 credit.  More information about this credit can be found here.

For additional information on federal tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, diesel vehicles, and electric-drive vehicles, visit www.fueleconomy.gov and click on "Tax Incentive Center."

Contact Your Local Utility

Are you thinking about buying a new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle?  If so, be sure to contact your local utility to find out what you need to know before your big purchase.  Each utility has different rates for your vehicle and programs to help you get ready.  Do your homework by following the links below.

San Diego Gas and Electric (1-800-411-7343)

Pacific Gas and Electric (1-800-743-5000)

Southern California Edison (1-800-438-4636)

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) (1-888-742-7683)

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (1-800-342-5397)