California creates $3,500 rebate for first-time electric vehicle buyers
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law creating a $3,500 rebate for new EVs and $1,750 for used EVs for first-time buyers, after the federal tax credit was eliminated.
After the federal electric vehicle tax credit was abolished last September, EV adoption in the US plummeted. The credit, which had provided up to $7,500 for qualifying purchases, was eliminated under President Trump and congressional Republicans as part of efforts to roll back energy efficiency and pollution controls. In response, California has launched its own incentive program.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the “MyFirstEV Zero Emissions Vehicles instant rebate” program into law. It offers a $3,500 rebate at the point of sale for California residents purchasing their first EV, provided the new vehicle costs less than $50,000. For used EVs priced under $25,000, the rebate is $1,750.
Newsom stated that the move counters the Trump administration’s actions to pollute the air and hand the clean car industry to China. He emphasized that the rebate makes it easier for families to choose cleaner, more affordable vehicles while keeping money in their pockets. California continues to lead toward a clean future, undeterred by federal opposition.
