New Electric Vehicle Incentive Offers $1,500 Off Dealer Price

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and electric utilities are teaming up to offer the California Clean Fuel Reward of up to $1,500 off the purchase or lease of an eligible new Battery Electric (BEV) or Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) vehicle. The California Clean Fuel Reward, which began November 17, is available to Californians who buy or lease a new electric vehicle with a battery capacity greater than 5 kWh. The customer must be a California resident and register the vehicle in the state.

This instant electric vehicle reward is offered on a sliding scale, depending on battery size, up to $1,500. This new incentive is being offered by participating dealers and is directly taken off the price of the vehicle. So far in Kern County, participating dealerships include Bakersfield Hyundai, Three-Way Chevrolet in Bakersfield and Richland Chevrolet in Shafter.

The California Clean Fuel Reward cannot be combined with existing local utility rebates, but it is in addition to other available federal tax credits (up to $7,500) and state and regional rebate programs. Federal tax credits for Tesla and GM vehicles have been phased out due to higher sales numbers, but vehicles from both manufacturers do qualify for this new program.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Drive Clean! rebate program offers $3,000 for BEVs and $2,000 for PHEVs. The state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) offers $2,000 for BEVs and $1,000 for PHEVs, with an additional $2,500 CVRP rebate for qualifying low-income households. The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provides grants and affordable financing to help low-income Californians purchase a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle. To search available incentives in your area and eligible vehicles, go to driveclean.ca.gov. Go to the program website and to view a video on the new program.

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