Overview
- The MyFirstEV program began rolling out Friday and offers an immediate $3,500 rebate on new zero-emission vehicles and $1,750 on used eligible models through participating manufacturers.
- California put $135.5 million into the program and each participating automaker must match state dollars so rebates are applied at the point of sale rather than as a post-purchase refund.
- New-vehicle eligibility is limited to models with a base MSRP of $50,000 or less with an exemption for California-headquartered makers like Lucid and Rivian, and manufacturers will decide which trims qualify.
- Used-vehicle rebates are restricted to certified pre-owned cars sold by franchised dealers that are at least two model years older than the purchase year, so only 2024 and older used EVs currently qualify.
- Several automakers including Tesla, Hyundai and Lucid began offering rebates immediately while other brands have staggered start dates, creating uneven availability and a risk that some manufacturers’ matched funds will run out quickly.