If you’ve been thinking about buying your first electric vehicle, California’s new MyFirstEV Instant Incentive Program is making the switch cheaper and easier. Governor Gavin Newsom officially launched the MyFirstEV Instant Incentive Program on August 7th, 2026. The program provides roughly $270 million in EV purchase incentives through a combination of state funding and matching automaker contributions. For many Californians, it’s making EV ownership more accessible than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know about the program that’s putting “cash on the hood” for first-time EV buyers.
What Is California’s MyFirstEV Program?
Unlike previous EV tax credits, the MyFirstEV incentive offers instant, point-of-sale discounts. You won’t have to file paperwork or wait for the funds to roll in. Instead the incentive is deducted directly from the vehicle’s purchase price at the dealership.
New Electric Vehicles
- Up to $3,500 off
- Vehicle MSRP must be under $50,000 for non-California headquartered-zero-emission companies
- Must be a qualifying battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
- Vehicle must be modeled year 2026 or newer
Used Electric Vehicles
- Up to $1,750 off
- Sale price must be under $25,000
- Vehicle must be sold through an eligible certified pre-owned program
- Model must be at least two model years older than the purchase year
Availability will vary by manufacturer and dealership, and incentives are available on a first-come first-served basis, so don’t wait!
Who Qualifies to Save Thousands?
The program is specially designed to bring new buyers into the EV fold. To qualify, participants must:
- Be a California resident
- Be a first-time ZEV buyer or lessee
- Complete the simple self-attestation form affirming that this is your first electric vehicle
- Purchase or lease a Battery Electric (BEV) or Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle (Plug-in hybrids do not qualify)
Which Automakers Are Participating?
- Available now: Tesla, Hyundai, Lucid
- Coming later in August: Ford, Rivian, Chevrolet, Kia
- September: Toyota/Lexus, Honda, Subaru
- November: Mitsubishi
- TBD: Nissan and Volvo are still determining launch timelines
How to Claim the MyFirstEV Incentive
- Choose an Eligible Vehicle: Ensure the model you want applies for savings
- Verify Dealer Participation: Confirm your dealer has available funds for your specific make and model.
- Complete the Self-Attestation Form: You’ll complete a quick form at the dealership confirming it’s your first EV.
- Receive Your Discount: The $3,500 (or $1,750) is deducted from your final price right then and there
Can MyFirstEV Be Combined with Other California EV Incentives?
One of the biggest advantages of the MyFirstEV program is its ability to be used alongside other clean transportation incentive programs offered in California. According to CARB, the program can potentially be stacked with programs including the Driving Clean Assistance Program and Clean Cars 4 All.
You’ve Got the Car, Now Get the Chargers
EV ownership can be heavily dependent on reliable charging. For drivers who don’t have access to charging at home, work, or in the places they visit the most, Chargie can help get stations installed where you need them most. Check if Chargie stations are already at your home, work, or anywhere in between, and if not, provide a bit of information about the property and we’ll get to work on getting them installed.
