New incentive to build on CVRP’s success by helping first-time buyers make the switch to EVs
June 29, 2026--Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) welcomes the California Legislature’s passage today of Senate Bill 168, which creates a new light-duty zero-emission vehicle incentive program for first-time buyers.
The program will provide $135.5 million for point-of-sale incentives for eligible Californians buying or leasing new or used zero-emission vehicles. It also requires participating automakers to match state contributions, helping stretch public dollars and increase consumer savings.
CSE President Lawrence Goldenhersh said the measure builds on California’s long record of clean transportation leadership and the proven impact of well-designed consumer incentives.
“California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project proved that smart, well-designed incentives can accelerate EV adoption by making EVs more affordable,” Goldenhersh said. "Over the program’s lifetime from 2010 to 2023, EV market share in California led the nation, growing from near zero to 25% of all new car sales. Nearly 90% of participants said the rebate influenced their decision to buy or lease their EV, and nearly half said they would not have made the purchase without it."
“SB 168 is an important next step that builds on the state’s clean transportation leadership while recognizing where support is needed most now,” Goldenhersh said. “By focusing public dollars on first-time EV buyers, adding manufacturer matching funds and extending incentives to both new and lower-cost used EVs, this measure can help more Californians save money, reduce emissions and make the switch to driving electric.”
CSE administered the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) on behalf of the California Air Resources Board until the program ended. CVRP provided rebates to over 586,000 California drivers and became one of the nation’s leading examples of how consumer incentives can help accelerate EV adoption.
A national nonprofit, CSE accelerates adoption of clean transportation and distributed energy through effective and equitable program design and administration.
