Last updated: 14 July 2026
MyFirstEV is California’s new point-of-sale rebate programme for residents buying their first zero-emission electric vehicle. Signed into law on 13 July 2026, the programme is expected to provide $3,500 towards an eligible new electric vehicle or $1,750 towards an eligible used electric vehicle when it begins later in summer 2026.
Unlike a tax credit claimed after filing a tax return, the MyFirstEV incentive is designed to reduce the vehicle price directly at the dealership. However, California has not yet announced the exact launch date, participating manufacturers or complete buyer verification process.
This article explains what California has officially confirmed, who the programme is intended for, which vehicles may qualify and which details buyers still need to wait for.
MyFirstEV at a Glance
| Programme detail | Official information available as of 14 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Programme name | MyFirstEV |
| Signed into law | 13 July 2026 |
| Expected launch | Later in summer 2026 |
| New EV incentive | $3,500 |
| New EV price limit | MSRP of up to $50,000, subject to a statutory exception described below |
| Used EV incentive | $1,750 |
| Used EV price limit | Sale price of up to $25,000, subject to a statutory exception described below |
| Intended buyers | California residents buying their first zero-emission electric vehicle |
| How the benefit is applied | At the point of sale |
| New vehicles covered | Purchase or lease |
| Used vehicles covered | Purchase |
| State investment | $135.5 million |
| Manufacturer match | Dollar-for-dollar contributions from participating manufacturers |
| Combined projected savings | $270 million |
| Exact launch date | Not yet announced |
| Participating manufacturers | Not yet announced |
The main rebate figures and launch timing come from the California Governor’s Office announcement published on 13 July 2026. The legal framework comes from the official text of California Senate Bill 168.
What Is MyFirstEV?
MyFirstEV is a California incentive programme intended to lower the upfront cost of an eligible electric vehicle for people purchasing their first zero-emission electric vehicle.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 168 into law on 13 July 2026. The legislation requires the California Air Resources Board to establish a new incentive programme for first-time zero-emission electric vehicle buyers.
Under the law, the state will enter into grant agreements with participating light-duty passenger vehicle manufacturers. Those manufacturers will then provide the consumer incentive at the point of sale.
This structure means that MyFirstEV is not designed as a traditional tax credit. Eligible buyers are expected to receive the discount as part of the dealership transaction rather than waiting to claim it through a later tax return.
California says the programme is coming later in summer 2026, but it had not published an exact public launch date as of 14 July 2026.
How Much Is the MyFirstEV Rebate?
California says MyFirstEV will provide $3,500 towards an eligible new electric vehicle and $1,750 towards an eligible used electric vehicle.
According to the Governor’s Office:
- A qualifying new electric vehicle can receive a $3,500 point-of-sale incentive.
- A qualifying used electric vehicle can receive a $1,750 point-of-sale incentive.
- A new vehicle generally must have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of no more than $50,000.
- A used vehicle generally must have a sale price of no more than $25,000.
SB 168 also states that the incentive amount for a used vehicle must be lower than the amount offered for a new vehicle. Participating manufacturers are required to match the programme incentives and disclose how much of the consumer benefit comes from the State of California.
The $3,500 and $1,750 figures therefore represent the announced consumer incentives under the state-and-manufacturer matching structure, rather than an additional manufacturer discount added on top of those amounts.
Who Is MyFirstEV For?
MyFirstEV is intended for California residents acquiring their first zero-emission electric vehicle.
The Governor’s Office describes the programme as open to any Californian buying their first ZEV. SB 168 provides more specific legal detail: the programme is for first-time zero-emission electric vehicle buyers, with first-time status confirmed through a buyer attestation.
The legislation also states that qualifying vehicles must be registered to California residents.
This wording is important. “First-time buyer” does not necessarily mean someone buying their first vehicle of any kind. It refers to someone acquiring their first qualifying zero-emission electric vehicle.
California has not yet published the complete verification process. As a result, buyers should not assume what documents will be required to prove:
- California residency;
- first-time ZEV buyer status;
- vehicle eligibility;
- participation by the manufacturer or dealership.
Those operational requirements are likely to appear in future programme guidelines from the administering agency.
Does MyFirstEV Cover New and Used Electric Vehicles?
Yes. SB 168 requires the programme to support both new and used light-duty passenger electric vehicles.
The law authorises incentives for:
- the purchase of a new eligible electric vehicle;
- the lease of a new eligible electric vehicle;
- the purchase of a used eligible electric vehicle.
The Governor’s Office announcement focuses mainly on buyers receiving an instant discount at the dealership, but the legislation expressly includes new vehicle leases.
Used vehicle leasing is not included in the statutory wording. The law refers to the purchase of used vehicles.
Which Vehicles May Qualify?
The programme is intended for light-duty passenger electric vehicles that meet the final requirements established by California and participating manufacturers.
The initial official rules include several important limits.
Vehicle price
A new vehicle generally cannot have an MSRP above $50,000.
A used vehicle generally cannot have a sale price above $25,000.
However, SB 168 includes a specific exception for qualifying California-headquartered zero-emission vehicle companies. Vehicles from those companies may receive programme incentives regardless of the standard new or used vehicle price cap.
Because this exception is part of the enacted law, an article should not state that the $50,000 and $25,000 limits apply without exception.
Vehicle weight
SB 168 states that a vehicle with a curb weight exceeding 8,500 pounds cannot receive the incentive.
Vehicle type
The legislation refers specifically to light-duty passenger electric vehicles. It does not create a general incentive for every type of zero-emission transportation equipment.
California has not yet published a final list of eligible vehicle models, manufacturers or powertrain categories. Buyers should therefore wait for the programme’s official vehicle eligibility guidance before making a purchase decision based on the expected rebate.
How Will the Point-of-Sale Discount Work?
The MyFirstEV incentive is intended to be applied during the vehicle transaction rather than claimed later on a tax return.
California says an eligible buyer will receive the discount “right at the dealership.” Under SB 168, the California Air Resources Board must enter into agreements with participating vehicle manufacturers, which will provide the incentives to consumers at the point of sale.
Participating manufacturers must also tell consumers what portion of the incentive comes from the State of California.
The exact transaction process remains unclear. California has not yet confirmed:
- whether buyers will need to apply before visiting a dealership;
- whether dealers will verify eligibility in real time;
- which dealerships will participate;
- how first-time buyer status will be checked;
- whether funds will be reserved before a vehicle is ordered;
- what happens if programme funds are exhausted.
Until the administering agency publishes programme guidance, buyers should treat the announced rebate as an upcoming benefit rather than one that is already available.
When Will MyFirstEV Start?
California says MyFirstEV will begin later in summer 2026, but no exact launch date had been announced as of 14 July 2026.
The programme was signed into law on 13 July 2026 through SB 168. The legislation took effect immediately as a budget-related bill, but that does not mean dealerships could immediately begin issuing MyFirstEV rebates.
The California Air Resources Board must still establish and administer the programme, enter into agreements with participating manufacturers and issue the standards needed for implementation.
Consumers should therefore wait for an official launch announcement before assuming that a vehicle purchase will qualify.
How Much Funding Is Behind MyFirstEV?
California is investing $135.5 million in MyFirstEV, with participating vehicle manufacturers expected to match the investment dollar for dollar.
The Governor’s Office says this structure is expected to create $270 million in combined savings for California families at the point of sale.
The programme is funded through California’s 2026–27 state budget and forms part of a broader $600 million clean transportation investment package.
That broader package also includes funding for programmes such as:
- Clean Cars 4 All;
- the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project;
- the Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program;
- clean off-road equipment;
- community air protection projects.
These other funding lines are separate from the consumer MyFirstEV rebate. A buyer should not add them together when calculating the expected discount on a personal vehicle purchase.
Why Did California Create MyFirstEV?
California says MyFirstEV is intended to make electric vehicles more affordable after the end of federal clean vehicle tax credits for vehicles acquired after 30 September 2025.
The Internal Revenue Service’s current clean vehicle guidance states that the federal New Clean Vehicle Credit and Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Credit are not available for vehicles acquired after 30 September 2025.
The IRS explains that a vehicle generally had to be acquired through a binding written contract with a payment made on or before that date to remain potentially eligible, even when the buyer took possession later.
MyFirstEV is therefore a separate California state programme. It is not an extension, replacement claim or continuation of the former federal credits.
The main practical differences are:
| Feature | MyFirstEV | Former federal clean vehicle credits |
|---|---|---|
| Government level | California state programme | Federal programme |
| Current status | Announced; expected later in summer 2026 | Not available for vehicles acquired after 30 September 2025 |
| Main audience | California residents acquiring their first qualifying ZEV | Previously depended on federal buyer, income and vehicle rules |
| Delivery | Intended as a point-of-sale incentive | Could previously be claimed or transferred under federal rules |
| New vehicle amount | $3,500 | Former federal amount depended on federal eligibility rules |
| Used vehicle amount | $1,750 | Former federal amount depended on federal eligibility rules |
MyFirstEV vs CALeVIP
MyFirstEV supports vehicle purchases, while CALeVIP supports EV charging infrastructure projects.
| Programme | What it supports | Main audience |
|---|---|---|
| MyFirstEV | Eligible new and used electric vehicles | California residents acquiring their first ZEV |
| CALeVIP | Eligible EV charging equipment and installation projects | Site owners and authorised infrastructure applicants |
This distinction matters because MyFirstEV is a demand-side consumer incentive. CALeVIP is an infrastructure programme designed to help deploy charging stations at qualifying sites.
A person buying an EV would look at MyFirstEV. A business, property owner or charging project developer planning a public charging installation would instead review CALeVIP and the requirements of its individual funding windows.
What Has Not Yet Been Announced?
California has confirmed the programme’s basic rebate values, funding structure, vehicle price limits and first-time buyer purpose. However, several operational details were still unavailable as of 14 July 2026.
California had not yet published:
- the exact programme launch date;
- the final list of participating manufacturers;
- the final list or requirements for participating dealerships;
- the complete buyer application process;
- the documents needed to prove California residency;
- the method used to verify first-time ZEV buyer status;
- a complete list of eligible makes and models;
- detailed rules for vehicle leases;
- the process for reserving or claiming available funding;
- guidance on whether MyFirstEV can be combined with other state, local, utility or manufacturer incentives.
These points should not be guessed or presented as confirmed until California releases the relevant programme guidelines.
What Should Buyers Do Now?
Potential buyers should wait for California to publish the formal MyFirstEV launch information before relying on the rebate in a purchase budget.
In the meantime, buyers can:
- Confirm that they are purchasing or leasing their first zero-emission electric vehicle.
- Compare new vehicles with an MSRP of $50,000 or less and used vehicles priced at $25,000 or less, while recognising the statutory exception for qualifying California-headquartered ZEV companies.
- Avoid assuming that a specific manufacturer, dealer or vehicle model will participate.
- Ask the dealership whether it has received official MyFirstEV programme guidance.
- Check the California Governor’s Office, California Air Resources Board and California Legislative Information websites for updates.
- Keep in mind that programme funding may be limited and final procedures may affect when an incentive can be reserved or issued.
Key Takeaway
MyFirstEV is California’s upcoming point-of-sale incentive for residents acquiring their first zero-emission electric vehicle.
The programme is expected to offer:
- $3,500 towards an eligible new EV;
- $1,750 towards an eligible used EV;
- direct savings at the point of sale;
- support for new vehicle purchases and leases, as well as used vehicle purchases.
Governor Newsom signed the programme into law on 13 July 2026, and California says it will begin later in summer 2026. However, the exact launch date, participating manufacturers, dealership procedures and complete eligibility rules have not yet been published.
Buyers should rely on official programme guidance once it becomes available rather than assuming that the announced incentive can already be claimed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MyFirstEV?
MyFirstEV is California’s new point-of-sale electric vehicle incentive for residents acquiring their first zero-emission electric vehicle. It was created through SB 168, which Governor Gavin Newsom approved on 13 July 2026.
Has MyFirstEV already launched?
No exact launch date had been published as of 14 July 2026. California says the programme is expected to begin later in summer 2026.
How much is the MyFirstEV rebate?
California has announced $3,500 for an eligible new electric vehicle and $1,750 for an eligible used electric vehicle.
What is the vehicle price limit?
A new vehicle generally must have an MSRP of no more than $50,000, while a used vehicle generally must have a sale price of no more than $25,000. SB 168 includes an exception for qualifying California-headquartered zero-emission vehicle companies.
Can MyFirstEV be used for a vehicle lease?
SB 168 authorises incentives for the purchase or lease of a new light-duty passenger electric vehicle. For used vehicles, the law refers to purchases rather than leases.
Who qualifies for MyFirstEV?
The programme is intended for California residents acquiring their first zero-emission electric vehicle. First-time status will be confirmed through a buyer attestation, but the complete verification process has not yet been published.
Is MyFirstEV a tax credit?
No. It is designed as a point-of-sale incentive delivered through participating manufacturers and dealerships, rather than a credit claimed later on a tax return.
Is MyFirstEV the same as the former federal EV tax credit?
No. MyFirstEV is a California state programme. According to the IRS, federal new and previously owned clean vehicle credits are not available for vehicles acquired after 30 September 2025.
Is every EV manufacturer participating?
California had not yet announced the final list of participating manufacturers as of 14 July 2026.
Can MyFirstEV be combined with other rebates?
California had not yet published complete stacking or combination rules. Buyers should wait for official programme guidance before assuming that MyFirstEV can be combined with another incentive.
Official Sources
- California Governor’s Office: MyFirstEV announcement, 13 July 2026
- California Legislative Information: SB 168 official bill text
- Internal Revenue Service: Clean vehicle tax credits
- IRS guidance on the termination dates for federal clean vehicle credits
Programme details may change as the California Air Resources Board publishes implementation guidelines. This article should be updated when the exact launch date, participating manufacturers and complete eligibility rules become available.
