What Are Clean Vehicle Incentives?

If you buy a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid car, you may be eligible to reap the extra rewards of a clean vehicle incentive. This extra monetary bonus will be awarded to you after applying for one of the many clean vehicle programs throughout California. Programs include the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project™, Clean Cars for All, and the California Clean Fuel Reward, among a handful of other programs.

You may receive up to $7,000 back after you purchase or lease an eligible vehicle. It all depends on the vehicle, battery size, where you live in the Bay Area, your household income, and other factors. What have you got to lose?

How Do I Apply for One of These Programs?

All it takes is filling out an online form for one of these programs on their participating websites after you purchase your electric or hybrid vehicle. Documentation must be submitted, too, including lease or purchase agreement, proof of registration, copy of your California driver’s license, income verification, and household size. This can be done separately within 14 days of applying online.

Make sure you apply within three months of purchasing or leasing your vehicle. Read the application guidelines carefully in case one program requires additional information. Your car must be on the list for eligibility as well. Check each program to ensure that the vehicle you’re driving may qualify. Some programs may differ in their requirements.

What Advantages Come With Buying a Hybrid?

You likely already know the advantages that stem from buying your electric or hybrid vehicle. Let’s go over the perks in case you’re on the fence about going electric or simply do not know what they are. 

Beyond getting a rebate, you can get a federal tax credit and lower the expenses you accrued in fueling up at the gas station. Depending on where you’re driving, city or highway, you could save nearly $400 per year on fuel. You’ll never be responsible for remembering to schedule an oil change or paying for one at a service center. 

Your car will not emit any carbon emissions and shrink your footprint on Mother Earth. That should make you feel great and free to breathe in fresh, pure air. Since you bought this amazing vehicle, you may even be eligible to ride in the HOV lane with decals from the California Department of Motor Vehicles tacked onto your car.