California Offers $3,500 EV Rebates to First-Time Buyers
By Reuters | 13 Jul, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a $270 million rebate program for new EVs priced up to $50,000 and $1,750 for EVs costing up to $25,000.

A view shows a parking sign for electric vehicles only at San Diego International Airport's New Terminal 1 in San Diego, California, U.S. August 26, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday to create state rebates of $3,500 on new electric vehicles for first-time buyers later this summer as U.S. sales have slowed.

The $270 million rebate program for California residents is funded by the state budget and automakers and applies to new vehicles with a suggested retail price of up to $50,000. It also includes a separate $1,750 rebate for used EVs costing up to $25,000. Last year, President Donald Trump signed legislation killed the federal $7,500 EV tax credit.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)