MyFirstEV offers California residents a point-of-sale incentive for first-time zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) buyers to purchase or lease a new or used ZEV. Vehicles ordered or purchased before the incentive is offered by a participating original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are not eligible for an incentive. The incentive is applied immediately at the point-of-sale, making the incentive simple to use by reducing paperwork and eliminating reimbursement wait times. The incentive launch and availability will vary by OEM and dealership. Vehicles ordered or purchased before a participating OEM has made the incentive available will not receive the incentive.

Zero-emission vehicles qualify for the incentive, including battery electric vehicles and fuel cell electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are not eligible as zero-emission vehicles because they have gasoline engines that produce tailpipe emissions.

Vehicles must be model year 2026 and newer. For non-California headquartered OEM, new vehicles must have an MSRP of $50,000 or less. Used vehicles must have a purchase price of $25,000 or less, be at least two model years older than the year of purchase, and may only be purchased from manufacturers as certified pre-owned vehicles. Private dealerships are not eligible. MSRP and sales price caps do not apply to California-headquartered zero-emission vehicle companies as defined per Health and Safety Code §43215.

This is a one-time appropriation of $135.5 million.

Partnering directly with OEMs allows MyFirstEV to launch quickly, deliver point of sale incentives, and ensures that CARB’s investment is doubled through OEM matching. This approach also streamlines coordination on program design, marketing, and implementation, resulting in a smoother rollout and stronger consumer awareness.

CARB is launching MyFirstEV by establishing grant agreements with OEMs so the incentive can benefit consumers as quickly as possible. Incentive and eligible model availability will vary by participating OEM. The incentive will be offered only while funding lasts. OEMs will promote available incentives and publish eligible models and trim levels on their websites.

CARB projects that MyFirstEV could incentivize over 73,000 ZEVs.

Low-income consumers remain fully eligible for this incentive, and the MSRP cap ensures state funds support mainstream, affordable vehicles. Used ZEVs also qualify, expanding access to lower cost options. To further support low-income households, the Legislature has established complementary programs—CARB’s Driving Clean Assistance Program, Regional Clean Cars 4 All and Clean Mobility Options, that provide more options to address their specific needs.

Yes. MyFirstEV can be stacked with other CARB and non-CARB vehicle incentive programs such as the Driving Clean Assistance Program and Clean Cars 4 All.

Yes. This program is designed to help first-time ZEV buyers make the switch to clean transportation. To ensure the benefits reach as many new ZEV drivers as possible, each individual is limited to one incentive for the lifetime of the program.

No. However, vehicles purchased with this incentive cannot be delivered or registered to an address outside of California.

CARB will work with OEMs to prevent fraud and ensure incentives only go toward eligible vehicles and first-time ZEV buyers or lessees, verified through self-attestation forms signed by participating consumers under penalty of perjury. Because MSRPs are set nationally by manufacturers, CARB will monitor MSRP and sales prices and will work with OEMs if any issues are detected.

No. The Governor’s Budget allocated a one-time funding that must be expended by September 1, 2031.

The exemption included in the budget bill language is intended to bolster the state’s ZEV market innovation and reflects the Legislature’s commitment to supporting California-based companies. Additionally, supporting California based manufacturers aligns with the state’s economic development goals, helping sustain high value jobs in clean technology sectors while reinforcing the economic ecosystem around ZEV production and supply chains.

With the expiration of the federal tax credit for ZEVs, California faces a critical moment in sustaining momentum toward clean transportation. Without this federal incentive, consumer demand for light-duty ZEVs could slow, jeopardizing progress toward air quality and climate goals. MyFirstEV is designed to fill that gap by providing targeted support that stabilizes the market and encourages continued growth. By reducing upfront costs and maintaining affordability, the program will help ensure that ZEV adoption remains strong, fostering innovation, improving public health, and reinforcing California’s leadership in the transition to zero-emission transportation.

Reducing emissions from medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses is also critically important to achieve clean air and meet climate goals. With that goal in mind, the legislature appropriated $135.5 million for the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Additionally, incentive funding for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles is currently available through long-standing programs such as the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program and the newly launched California Clean Fuel Reward.