Get a low-cost electric car! By stacking available California incentives, income-eligible buyers can take significant savings off a used electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid — and even more if you trade in an old gas car.
Important federal update (2026): The federal Used EV Tax Credit (IRC Section 25E), which gave up to $4,000 off pre-owned EVs, ended September 30, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Vehicles purchased after that date are no longer eligible for this credit. California state incentives (DCAP, Clean Cars 4 All) remain active for income-qualified buyers.
Who is this for?
Everyone can benefit from EV incentives, with extra savings available for low-income households. You don't need to buy new — used EVs qualify too!
What you can get
- California state incentives toward a used electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid: up to $7,500 via DCAP Financing Assistance (currently closed to income tiers 2–3) or up to $10,000–$12,000 via Clean Cars 4 All scrap-and-replace (higher figure in disadvantaged communities), plus a $2,000 charging incentive (Level 2 home install or prepaid public-charging card)
- Additional incentive if you also trade in an old gas vehicle (via Clean Cars 4 All scrap-and-replace)
- A Level 2 EV charger at home through PG&E Empower EV (subject to availability — see Step 3)
- Special EV charging rates from PG&E to save on electricity
- Insurance discounts via the California Low Cost Auto program for income-eligible drivers
How to get your EV
Step 1: Find your vehicle
Look for a used electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid that meets these requirements:
- $45,000 or less purchase price (excluding taxes and fees)
- Model year eight (8) calendar years old or newer (a rolling rule — in 2026 that means 2019 or newer)
- 75,000 or fewer original miles
- Purchased or leased in California through an authorized dealership
Step 2: Apply for incentives
Apply here: drivingcleanca.org (the Driving Clean Assistance Program, DCAP)
DCAP update (2026): DCAP's Financing Assistance pathway is currently closed to applicants in tiers 2 and 3 (higher income tiers) due to extraordinary demand. The Clean Cars 4 All scrap-and-replace pathway remains open. Tiers and pathways open and close without warning — always check current program status at drivingcleanca.org before you apply.
Stack these incentives together for maximum savings:
ENDED Sept 30, 2025 — Federal Used-EV Tax Credit (was 30% up to $4,000)$1000 or $4000 off a Used Electric Vehicle PG&E rebate deadline note: the standard $1,000 used-EV rebate closes to new applications August 31, 2026; the income-qualified $4,000 tier continues.
Step 3: Register and get your rebate
Register your vehicle and apply through your power provider:
- PG&E EV charging rates (EV2-A time-of-use rate plan): pge.com/en/clean-energy/electric-vehicles.html
- PG&E Empower EV (free Level 2 charger up to $500 + up to $2,000 in panel upgrades): pge.com/en/clean-energy/electric-vehicles/empower-ev-program.html — wait times for assessments can be long; confirm program is still accepting enrollments at time of application.
Buying from a private seller?
KeySavvy (keysavvy.com) is a licensed-dealer escrow service (~$99 fee) that verifies title and payment for private-party sales — but note: private-party purchases do NOT qualify for the DCAP incentives above, and the old federal used-EV tax credit ended September 30, 2025.
KeySavvy — Safe Payment and Title Transfer for Private-Party Car Sales (~$99)Check registration transfer fees:
Calculate Used Vehicle FeesMore EV benefits
Low-cost auto insurance
California's Low Cost Auto InsuranceFree Level 2 EV charger at home
Free Electric Vehicle Charger (Level 2) - Empower EV ProgramFree Residential Charger and Splitter $700 RebateSpecial EV charging rates from PG&E
Smog repairs or retiring an old gas car (BAR CAP)
The state Bureau of Automotive Repair's Consumer Assistance Program helps with an old gas car even if you're not buying an EV: up to $1,450 in smog-check repair assistance (income-eligible, up to 225% of the Federal Poverty Level), or $1,350–$2,000 to retire (scrap) a qualifying vehicle — the higher amount for income-eligible households. Currently funded for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026. Apply at bar.ca.gov/cap.
Related EV resources
Resources
Kids & teens ride the bus FREE (Nevada County Connects)
Golden Ticket — free bus for life at 80+ (Nevada County Connects)
Low-Income Bus Pass (referral) — Nevada County Connects
Ask the Ref – Bereau of Automotive Repair Smog Check Referee Program
Lease EV Discounts – Ride and Drive Clean
Leasing New EVs and Incentives - Electric For All
eMotion Autos | Used Electric Vehicle Dealership
Eligibility and Application $12000 EV incentive
Sacramento's Clean Cars 4 All
Calculate Used Vehicle Fees
Auto Body Inspection Program - Bureau of Automotive Repair
Parts Locator Service (PLS) – Ask the Ref
Repair Cost Waivers – Ask the Ref
Free Medical Transportation Services
Home - North Lake Tahoe Express
California's Low Cost Auto Insurance
Vehicle to Everything (V2X) Pilot Programs for Ford F-150 Lightning
Free Residential Charger and Splitter $700 Rebate
Free Electric Vehicle Charger (Level 2) - Empower EV Program
ENDED Sept 30, 2025 — Federal Used-EV Tax Credit (was 30% up to $4,000)
$1000 or $4000 off a Used Electric Vehicle
KeySavvy — Safe Payment and Title Transfer for Private-Party Car Sales (~$99)
Vehicle Retirement $1500 - Bureau of Automotive Repair
Consumer Assistance Program Smog Repair Assistance - Bureau of Automotive Repair
Ride free with student id
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Incentivos para Vehículos Eléctricos y Híbridos Enchufables
Encuentra un Vehículo Eléctrico usado o un Híbrido Enchufable por $45,000 o menos (sin incluir impuestos y tarifas). Regístralo y solicita un reembolso a través de PG&E. Acumula incentivos para ahorrar hasta $14,000 si entregas un vehículo viejo.
Related guides
- Free Internet — save on electricity costs by charging during off-peak hours
- Free Cell Service and Smartphone — get connected
- How to use TechEMPOWER.org — find more resources like this