The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) offers rebates for the purchase or lease of qualified vehicles. Qualified vehicles are light-duty zero emission vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) the California Air Resources Board (ARB) has approved or certified. The rebates are for up to $5,000 for fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), $2,500 for battery electric vehicles, $1,500 for PHEVs, and $900 for zero emission motorcycles. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals, business owners, and government entities in California that purchase or lease new eligible vehicles. Residents of San Diego County may be eligible for a preapproved rebate through the CVRP Rebate Now pilot. Manufacturers must apply to ARB to have their vehicles included in the CVRP.

Individuals are eligible for the rebate based on gross annual income, as stated on the individual's federal tax return. Individuals with a gross annual income above the following thresholds are only eligible for rebates for FCEVs:

$150,000 for single filers
$204,000 for head-of-household filers
$300,000 for joint filers

For individuals with low and moderate household incomes of less than or equal to 300% of the federal poverty level, rebates are increased by $2,000, for a total rebate amount of up to $7,000. Increased rebates are available for ARB-approved FCEVs, PHEVs, and battery electric vehicles. ARB must provide outreach to low income households and communities to raise awareness about CVRP. Through January 1, 2022, ARB must prioritize rebate payments for low income applicants.

ARB determines annual funding amounts for the CVRP, which is expected to be effective through 2023. ARB must submit a report to the State Legislature on the environmental and economic impacts of the CVRP by December 31, 2018. For more information, including information on income verification, a list of eligible vehicles, and instructions on how to apply, see the CVRP website.

(Reference Assembly Bill 2885, 2018, and California Health and Safety Code 44274 and 44258)