California’s new MyFirstEV program gives first-time EV buyers an instant rebate at the dealership.

Eligible buyers can receive:

• $3,500 off a new EV
• $1,750 off a used EV

The rebate is applied immediately at the time of purchase.

To qualify, a new EV must have an MSRP of $50,000 or less, while a used EV must be priced at $25,000 or less.

There’s one major exception.

California-headquartered automakers that exclusively build zero-emission vehicles are exempt from the $50,000 MSRP cap. That means models like the Rivian R1T, R1S, R2, Lucid Air, and Lucid Gravity can still qualify for the full rebate, even if they exceed the normal price limit.

What Pushed California to Do This?

The rebate comes after the federal EV tax credits were eliminated, leaving many buyers without a purchase incentive. California says the program is designed to help make EVs more affordable for first-time buyers while continuing the state’s push toward greater electric vehicle adoption.

The California-headquartered manufacturer exemption also gives companies like Rivian and Lucid a unique advantage over many competitors. Supporters may view that as a way to strengthen California’s EV industry, while critics could see it as preferential treatment.

Whether you see it as smart economic policy or preferential treatment, one thing is clear: California’s newest EV rebate isn’t just encouraging electric vehicle adoption—it’s also shaping which automakers stand to benefit the most.

When Does the Rebate Start?

While no official date has been announced yet, the rebate is expected to take effect later this summer.