California Center for Sustainable Energy

Clean Vehicle Rebate Project

Applicant Requirements and Qualifying Vehicle Information

Applicants must agree to meet all the requirements as specified in the CVRP Implementation Manual as part of the rebate application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to review the CVRP Implementation Manual prior to applying for a rebate.

Eligible Applicants must meet requirements that include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Be an individual, business, nonprofit or government entity that is based in California or has a California based-affiliate as specified in Section 3.3 of the CVRP Implementation Manual.
2. Be a purchaser or lessee of a new Zero-Emission Vehicle ( ZEV) or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle ( PHEV) as specified in Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of the CVRP Implementation Manual.
3. Be a purchaser or lessee of a new eligible vehicle after the official start date of the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, March 15, 2010, and prior to exhaustion of available rebate funds.
4. Purchase or lease an eligible vehicle before applying for a rebate as specified in Section 2.1 and 2.7 in the CVRP Implementation Manual.  Lease terms of at least 36 months are required for program eligibility.
5. Retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 36 consecutive months* immediately after the vehicle purchase or lease date.
6. Register the new vehicle with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for a minimum of 36 consecutive months* for use in California. Any government owned vehicle not registered with the California DMV is still required to operate within California for 36 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase or lease date.
   
   

   *Note: ARB will be periodically checking vehicle identification numbers with vehicle registrations to ensure that CVRP applicants meet this requirement. If an applicant breaks this requirement, 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.  Resale of a vehicle or return to a dealer may be allowed on a case-by-case basis with prior approval by the ARB for unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances.

To qualify for a rebate, vehicles must meet the following requirements:

1. The vehicle must be new as defined in the California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 430 and must be manufactured by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or its authorized licensee. Vehicles considered new vehicles solely for determination of compliance with state emissions standards are not eligible.
2. The vehicle must be on the List of Eligible Vehicles (available at www. CVRP.energycenter.org) on the date of purchase or lease.
3. Zero-Emission Motorcycles ( ZEMs) and Neighborhood Electric Vehicles ( NEVs) must be equipped with sealed, maintenance-free batteries and meet the warranty requirements as described in Sections 2.3.3 and 2.3.4 of the CVRP Implementation Manual.

Rebates will be distributed on a strict first-come, first-served basis and issued to qualified recipients in a single allotment. Rebates will be issued no later than 60 days following receipt and verification of documentation.

Rebate funds will be immediately reserved by the Project Administrator upon receipt of a completed application. Required supporting documentation must be mailed within 14 calendar days (by U.S. mail postmark) after a completed application is received. If applicants do not submit the required documentation within that time frame, the funds will be released back to the project and a new application will need to be submitted.

Required supporting documentation will include, at a minimum, the following:

• A printed copy of the submitted application signed by the vehicle purchaser, lessee or authorized representative.
• Proof of temporary or permanent vehicle registration.
• A copy of the sales or lease contract signed by all parties with an itemization of credits, discounts and incentives received, if applicable.
• For individuals, a copy of a utility or cable bill from within the last 3 months or other valid proof of California residency as approved by the California Center for Sustainable Energy. Other forms of valid proof include a signed, dated and notarized rental agreement or a copy of a current vehicle DMV registration. A California driver license is not an acceptable proof of residency.
• For a business or nonprofit, a copy of the formation document filed with the California Secretary of State or other documentation as approved by the California Center for Sustainable Energy. Sole proprietors may submit a copy of a utility or cable bill from within the last 3 months, a current vehicle DMV registration or a notarized rental agreement.
• For ZEMs and NEVs, as identified on the vehicle eligibility list, evidence of sealed maintenance-free batteries and a 24-month warranty.

Mailing Instructions
To ensure delivery of application materials, please use certified mail or priority mail with delivery confirmation.