California launches $3,500 EV rebate

A new rebate program aims to maintain momentum for EV adoption as the federal government eliminates other incentives.

1 minute read

July 16, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up on red and white electric cars parked next to each other with charging cables plugged into them.

Electric cars at a charging station. | Jub-Job / Shutterstock

After the federal government ended their incentive program for electric car buyers, California launched its own rebate for first-time EV buyers.

According to an article by Lauren Lawrence in F&I Magazine, "The MyFirstEV program is set to take effect later this summer, participating automakers matching the state’s monetary investment to deliver a combined $270 million in total savings." It offers rebates of up to $3,500 for new EVs and $1,750 for used cars.

The program is part of a broader $600 million initiative to build the state's clean vehicle future. "The full package includes a Community Air Protection Program for those with lower incomes, a program for 'clean' off-road equipment, a Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Program, and a plan to replace heavy-duty engines." The state is also investing in expanding its network of 200,000 public and shared EV chargers. 

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 in F&I Magazine

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 20, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A row of tiny homes in Denver

Denver is solving homelessness. Why aren't the rest of us?

Since 2023, Denver's street homeless population has decreased by 64%, proving that effective tools exist to support those in need of housing.

October 14, 2026 - New York Times

A cracked sidewalk in Los Angeles.

LA accused of breaching $1.4 billion sidewalk repair settlement

The city faces a backlog of nearly 5,000 street repair requests.

October 25 - LAist

A woman descends into Spring Street station in NYC.

MTA kicks off six-year, $1 billion transit upgrade project

The authority is replacing the roughly 90-year-old train signals on the A and C line with modern technology.

October 25 - Gothamist

A hub for the NW pipeline, in front of a massive forest with the leaves on the trees turning orange.

Developers may expand largest gas pipeline network in Northwest

Pipeline giant Williams has proposed new expansions for its Northwest Pipeline from the Colorado Rockies through Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

October 25 - Oregon Capital Chronicle