California began implementing MyFirstEV in August, a new program that allows you to obtain an immediate discount of up to $3,500 when purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle for the first time.

The benefit also includes a $1,750 rebate for certain used electric vehicles. Unlike other incentives, the money will not be given months later nor will it work as a credit on the tax return: it must be deducted directly from the price at the point of sale.

However, interested parties should proceed with caution. Although the program entered its launch stage during August, the California Air Resources Board, known as CARB, has yet to publish final details on the availability of funds, qualified concessionaires and the procedure that buyers must follow.

How much money does California offer to buy an electric car?

MyFirstEV establishes two main levels of help:

In the case of used cars, the California government indicated that they must be sold through participating manufacturers' certified used or pre-owned vehicle programs.

The discount will be applied during the purchase or lease transaction. This means that the beneficiary must see the reduction reflected in the contract and in the final price agreed with the concessionaire.

Who qualifies for the $3,500 refund

The program is aimed at California residents purchasing or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle.

The legislation establishes that the buyer must sign a declaration or certification confirming that this is their first vehicle of this type. The car must be registered in the name of a California resident.

So far, the announced rules do not establish a family income limit. Therefore, the main personal requirement is not how much the applicant earns, but that he has never owned a zero-emission vehicle and that he meets the residency and registration conditions.

However, funds are limited. California allocated approximately $135.5 million, which will be matched by participating manufacturers, to reach approximately $270 million in incentives.

Which brands participate in MyFirstEV

Gavin Newsom's government confirmed the participation of 13 manufacturers: Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volvo.

This doesn't necessarily mean that all electric models from those companies qualify. In general terms, the new vehicle should not exceed the suggested price of $50,000 and the used one should cost up to $25,000.

The law includes an exception to the price cap for certain companies dedicated exclusively to manufacturing zero-emission vehicles and based in California. The specific application of that exception will depend on the final rules and the agreements that CARB establishes with each manufacturer.

How to get the discount to buy an electric car

The buyer should not request a check after purchasing the vehicle. The incentive was designed as an immediate discount within the transaction carried out with the participating manufacturer or dealer.

Before signing, you should follow these steps:

Buyers should not accept a verbal promise to receive money later. Until CARB issues final instructions, it is advisable to ask the dealer for written confirmation that the operation is covered by MyFirstEV.

Is the discount already available at all dealerships?

Not necessarily. California started the program during August. However, the latest available official statements indicated that CARB would announce later this month when the funds would be available and how they could be used.

For this reason, the launch can be carried out gradually and will depend on each manufacturer completing its agreements with the State and enabling its dealers.

Those considering purchasing an electric car should consult with the agency first and avoid closing the transaction until verifying that the discount can be applied directly to the final price.

Why California created MyFirstEV

The program was approved through SB 168 as part of the 2026-2027 state budget and seeks to sustain electric vehicle sales after the elimination of the previous federal incentive.

California recorded 86,857 zero-emission vehicle sales during the second quarter of 2026, equivalent to 19.1% of all new car sales in the state. Officials hope MyFirstEV will help reduce the initial cost for those who have not yet made the transition from a gasoline vehicle.

The key for consumers will be to confirm availability before purchasing. The program promises a significant reduction, but the benefit will only be guaranteed when it is expressly included in the purchase or lease contract.

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