Last researched 2026-05-16. Ride and Drive Clean runs rotating EV discount campaigns (typically every 1–3 months) in partnership with Cartelligent (new vehicles) and eMotion Autos (pre-owned). Campaign names, vehicles, and deadlines change. Always check rideanddriveclean.org for the campaign that is active today.
Save on an EV through Ride and Drive Clean
Ride and Drive Clean is a California nonprofit that helps people lease or buy electric vehicles below market price, with the dealer paperwork handled for you. Discounts can be stacked with state and federal incentives — including income-based programs that may apply to you.
What is active right now (as of May 2026)
Spring 2026 Pre-Owned EV Savings — sign up by May 31, 2026
This is the campaign with an active deadline right now. It is run with eMotion Autos, a California dealer that specializes in used EVs.
- Deadline to sign up: May 31, 2026
- What you get: Help finding, inspecting, and buying a used EV, with the dealer making sure you receive any federal and local rebates you qualify for
- Service fee: $99 (paid after a free 15-minute consultation, when you sign a Letter of Intent)
- Return policy: 10-day "no questions asked" return, $500 restocking fee
- Pickup locations: Alameda (Northern California) or El Cajon (Southern California)
[Source: rideanddriveclean.org/spring-2026-pre-owned-ev-savings/ (accessed 2026-05-16)]
EV Discounts Winter 2026 — new-vehicle campaign (deadline already passed)
The most recent new-vehicle campaign with Cartelligent featured the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9, 2026 Subaru Solterra, and 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz, with a contract deadline of February 28, 2026. That deadline has passed. Watch rideanddriveclean.org/ev-discounts/ for the next new-vehicle campaign.
[Source: rideanddriveclean.org/ev-discounts-winter-2026/ (accessed 2026-05-16)]
How the new-vehicle campaigns work (when one is open)
When a Cartelligent new-vehicle campaign is open, the basic deal is:
- You fill out a form on rideanddriveclean.org
- Cartelligent contacts you within 24 hours to configure your car and review pricing
- Cartelligent waives their usual $595 service fee for vehicles bought through the campaign
- No deposit is required to order
- You pick up the car at one of four California Cartelligent locations: Irvine, Menlo Park, Sausalito, or Walnut Creek
- Cartelligent gives you a new-car orientation when you pick it up
Each campaign features a different list of EVs and PHEVs, with discounts and rebates that vary by vehicle and trim. Past campaigns have included lease rebates ranging from a few thousand dollars up to ~$17,400 on individual models, but specific amounts depend on the campaign that is active when you sign up.
Stacking with low-income California programs
If your household income qualifies, you may be able to stack a Ride and Drive Clean discount with a much larger state assistance program:
Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)
- Up to $7,500 in down-payment assistance plus a low-interest loan capped at 8% APR
- Income limit: household income below 300% of the federal poverty level (e.g., about $99,000 for a 4-person household; updated yearly)
- Must apply before you buy or lease — incentive is not retroactive
- California residents 18+, including AB60 and ITIN holders, may qualify
- More info: drivingcleanca.org
[Source: ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/fact-sheets/driving-clean-assistance-program, drivingcleanca.org (accessed 2026-05-16)]
Clean Cars for All
- Up to $12,000 when you trade in an older vehicle for a cleaner one
- Administered regionally by California air districts — eligibility and rules vary by region
- Check baaqmd.gov/funding-and-incentives/residents/clean-cars-for-all (Bay Area) or your local air district
MCE EV Instant Rebate (for MCE Clean Energy customers)
- Up to $3,500 instant rebate, stackable with the Ride and Drive Clean discount
- Check eligibility at mcecleanenergy.org/ev-rebate
Federal Home EV Charger Tax Credit
- 30% of the cost of installing a home EV charger, up to $1,000
Should I wait for the next campaign?
- If you need a used EV and can act by May 31, 2026: Sign up for the Spring 2026 Pre-Owned campaign now.
- If you want a new EV: No Cartelligent new-vehicle campaign is open as of May 16, 2026. Check rideanddriveclean.org every few weeks — campaigns rotate often.
- Either way: If your household income is under 300% of the federal poverty level, apply for DCAP first — its $7,500 in down-payment assistance is much larger than a typical Cartelligent campaign discount, and you must apply before buying.
Learn more
Ride and Drive Clean offers free webinars on EV basics, incentives, and home charging. See the events page for the schedule.
Freshness update (2026-05-30): Confirmed Ride and Drive Clean is still active. Two timing notes: the Spring 2026 Pre-Owned EV Savings sign-up deadline (May 31, 2026) is expiring now, and the Winter 2026 new-vehicle campaign (Feb 28, 2026 deadline) has already closed. As always, campaigns rotate every 1–3 months, so the live page at rideanddriveclean.org/ev-discounts/ is the source of truth for whatever is open today. The stackable income-based programs below (DCAP, Clean Cars for All) are the bigger savings and are worth applying for first.