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
- Significant California state incentives toward a used electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid (varies by income tier and program; potentially $5,000–$12,000+)
- 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:
- $25,000 or less sale price
- 2018–2023 model year
- 75,000 or fewer original miles
- Purchased from an approved dealer
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. Check current eligibility on the DCAP site.
Stack these incentives together for maximum savings:
30% off the top up to $4000 Federal Tax Credits for Pre-owned Plug-in Electric and Fuel Cell $1000 or $4000 off a Used Electric Vehicle 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?
Use KeySavvy for a safe private party transaction:
30% Off Used Electric Vehicle Discount up to $4000 | Use KeySavvyCheck registration transfer fees:
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