California Center for Sustainable Energy

• General CVRP Questions

• CVRP Application Process

• Additional Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Incentives

• FAQ's in Spanish (Preguntas Frequentes)

General CVRP Questions

1. What is the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project?
   
   The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project ( CVRP) is funded by the California Air Resources Board ( ARB) and administered statewide by the California Center for Sustainable Energy ( CCSE) in order to promote the production and use of zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles.
2. What vehicles are eligible for the Project?
   
   There are four different types of vehicles eligible for the project:
   
   Zero Emissions Vehicles ( ZEV)
   Any vehicle certified to zero-emission standards. In general, ZEVs are full-function, freeway capable electric vehicles.
   
   Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle ( PHEV)
   PHEVs are hybrid electric vehicles that have zero emission vehicle range capability and an on-board electrical energy storage device that can be recharged from an external source of electricity. In general, PHEVs are vehicles that can be driven using electricity, gasoline, or both.
   
   Neighborhood Electric Vehicles ( NEV)
   Vehicles placed in the NEV category are zero emission vehicles that are also categorized as low speed vehicles. California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 385.5 defines a low speed vehicle as a motor vehicle with four wheels on the ground and an unladen weight of 3,000 pounds or less, that is capable of propelling itself at a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour and a maximum speed of 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface. NEVs may be legally operated on public streets with maximum speed limits of 35 miles per hour or lower.
   
   Zero Emission Motorcycles ( ZEM)
   A ZEM is defined as either a two-wheeled electric motorcycle meeting the provisions of CVC section 400 or a fully enclosed, freeway capable, three-wheeled zero emission vehicle.
   
   Please visit the complete list of eligible vehicles
3. Is there a maximum amount of rebates I can apply for?  If so how many?
   
   Except for rental and car share fleets, no single entity is eligible to receive more than 20 CVRP rebates either via direct purchase and/or lease in each calendar year.  Traditional rental car fleets are capped at 50 rebates per calendar year.  Car share fleets are not subject to this provision due to the increased opportunity they provide for reaching a large consumer base.
4. Can rental car/car share companies participate in the CVRP?
   
   Rental and car share fleets provide a unique opportunity for introducing eligible vehicles to a large consumer base.  Traditional rental car fleets are capped at 50 rebates per calendar year.  Car share fleets are not subject to this provision due to the increased opportunity they provide for reaching a large consumer base.  Special provisions are warranted to allow for rental and car share fleets to be eligible for rebates. These fleets could be eligible for rebates if they are placing an eligible vehicle in California for a minimum of one year (twelve consecutive months) but less than three years. Vehicles must be rented from a California rental location for the minimum twelve consecutive month term.  Car share and rental fleet rebates are offered at a reduced amount due to the lower time requirement.  See the Car share and Rental Car rebate schedule below.

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CVRP Application Process

1. When and how do I reserve my rebate?
   
   Vehicle rebates can be reserved on the date of, and not prior to, vehicle purchase.
   
   Go to the CVRP website to confirm a reservation, select the vehicle purchased and fill out the online application. Once the application is completed, an e-mail will be sent to the applicant stating the required supporting documents that need to be mailed in, along with the signed application.
2. How will an applicant know if they get the rebate or not?
   
   Before applying, go to the CVRP website and check the CVRP Available Funds webpage. If funds are available when the application is submitted, the amount will be reserved. As long as all the requirements are met, the applicant will receive the rebate. For more details on the application requirements please see the  CVRP Applicant Requirements.
3. What are the application requirements?
   
   Application requirements include, but are not limited to the following:
   
   - Applicants must 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.
   
   - Applicant must be a purchaser or lessee of a new vehicle currently on the CVRP List of Eligible Vehicles and as specified in Sections 2.2 and 2.3 of the CVRP Implementation Manual.
   
   - Applicant must retain ownership of the rebated vehicle for a minimum of 36 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase or lease date. Rebate recipients who do not retain the eligible vehicle for the full 36-month ownership or lease period will be required to reimburse ARB all or part of the original rebate amount.
   
   - Applicant must 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.

- A complete list of application requirements can be found in the CVRP Implementation Manual.

1. What is required for a vehicle to be "eligible" for the CVRP?
   
   - 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.
   
   - The vehicle must be on the list of Eligible Vehicles on the date of purchase or lease.
   
   - 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.
2. Can I purchase the vehicle out of state?
   
   Yes, the vehicle can be purchased out of state. However, the first time the vehicle is registered it must be in California to be eligible for the project. For more information about purchasing a vehicle out of state go to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

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Additional Electric Vehicle/Infrastructure Incentives

1. Are there any Federal tax incentives for electric vehicles?
   
   Federal Tax credits for ZEV and PHEV range from between $2,500 to $7,500, with factors such as battery capacity determining how much owners are eligible to receive. To meet the tax incentive's standards, a ZEV or PHEV must have a battery with a minimum capacity of 4 kilowatt-hours. Vehicles with a battery capacity of 5 kWh or greater are eligible for an additional $417 of tax credit added for every Kilowatt-hour in excess of 4 kWh. Vehicles such as the Nissan LEAF, with a 24 kWh capacity battery, will be eligible for the maximum $7,500 credit.
   
   For further information on federal tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid vehicles, diesel vehicles, and electric-drive vehicles, visit www.fueleconomy.gov. Additionally, local Jurisdictions may also have incentive programs. Check with your local jurisdiction to find out what they offer.
2. Are there any available incentives for home charging stations?
   
   In San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco, owners of Nissan LEAFs and Chevrolet Volts are eligible to receive a free Level 2 charger and up to $2,250 toward charger installation through the Department of Energy's EV Project.  Approximately 1,000 chargers will be available for residential customers in each region.  Free charging stations and subsidized installations through the EV Project are only available through the end of March, 2012.  Contact the EV Project for more details. 
   
   The Level 1 (120V) charging does not require a charging station. To charge, customers would plug into their homes standard outlet. Level 2 home chargers range from $2,000 and up, depending on the brand and installation.
3. Are there any local incentives for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in California?
   
   Yes there are additional incentives for both vehicles and charging stations throughout California.  These incentives vary by location and type of incentive.  To learn more about what is available and how to apply, please visit the Air Resources Board's Drive Clean Buying Guide.
   

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1. How much is the FY 2011-2012 rebate amount be per vehicle type?
   
   The Air Resources Board has recommended that a fully functioning Zero Emissions Vehicle rebate amount be lowered from $5,000 to $2,500.  See the table below for the FY 2011-2012 rebate schedule.