If you’re shopping for your first electric car in California, you can walk into a Hyundai, Lucid, or Rivian store right now. You’ll get $3,500 knocked off the price before you even sign paperwork. Tesla offered the same deal for exactly four days before running out of money. That’s the reality of California’s new MyFirstEV rebate: real savings, but only for buyers who know which brands are actually participating this week.
What exactly is the MyFirstEV rebate?
MyFirstEV is a California state program that pays first-time electric vehicle buyers $3,500 off a new EV. Used qualifying EVs get $1,750 off instead. The discount applies instantly at the dealership, not as a tax credit you claim later. Governor Gavin Newsom signed it into law as Senate Bill 168, and it officially launched on August 7, 2026.
The program exists because Washington killed the federal EV tax credit last year. California decided to fill some of that gap itself. The state backed the rebate with a $270 million fund, split between the state budget and matching dollars from participating automakers.
Unlike the old federal credit, there’s no income cap. There’s also no waiting for tax season. The discount gets built directly into your sales contract. You just sign a declaration confirming this is genuinely your first zero-emission vehicle purchase or lease.
Which EVs qualify for the MyFirstEV rebate right now?
As of late August 2026, only three automakers have active, funded rebates: Hyundai, Lucid, and Rivian. Tesla launched too, but already burned through its allocation in four days. Ten other automakers are still rolling out. That list includes Ford, GM, Kia, Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, all phasing in over the next few months.
| Automaker | Status (late August 2026) | Example qualifying models |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | Live | Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Kona Electric |
| Lucid | Live, no price cap (CA-based) | Air Pure, Air Touring |
| Rivian | Live, no price cap (CA-based) | R1S, R1T |
| Tesla | Funds exhausted | Model 3, Model Y (pending refund of funds) |
| Ford / Chevrolet / Kia | Launching late August | Mustang Mach-E, Equinox EV, EV6, Niro EV |
| Toyota/Lexus, Honda, Subaru | Launching September | bZ4X, Solterra |
| Mitsubishi | Launching November | TBD |
| Nissan, Volvo | No launch date set | Leaf, EX30 |
Note that if you’re eyeing an affordable Honda EV, that plan hit a snag. Honda already discontinued the Prologue. Its MyFirstEV lineup will look different once it launches in September. If you’re comparing cheap EV options in the meantime, our breakdown of the Chevy Bolt vs. Nissan Leaf is worth a read.
Why did Tesla’s rebate money disappear so fast?
Tesla’s funds ran out within four days. The program splits its automaker-matched pool evenly per manufacturer, not by demand. Tesla shoppers simply moved fastest. Model 3 and Model Y buyers who ordered after August 3 and took delivery before the funds dried up got the full $3,500. Anyone who waited missed it.
That’s a warning sign for every other brand on this list. Once GM, Ford, and Kia go live later in August, expect the same rush. Dealers and automakers have confirmed funding is allocated per brand. It won’t be replenished once it’s gone.
How are Rivian and Lucid exempt from the $50,000 cap?
Both companies are headquartered in California. That means they aren’t held to the standard $50,000 MSRP limit that applies to other automakers under the program. Pricier vehicles like the Rivian R1S and Lucid Air Pure can still qualify for the full $3,500. Anywhere else on this list, they’d be disqualified as EVs over the price cap.
Should you buy now to catch the MyFirstEV rebate, or wait?
If you want a Hyundai, Lucid, or Rivian and you’ve never owned a ZEV, go now. The rebate is live and funded, but there’s no guarantee it lasts through fall. Waiting on Ford, GM, Toyota, or Honda means betting their allocations survive longer than Tesla’s did. Given the demand we’ve already seen, that’s a real gamble.
Used EV shoppers get a smaller but still useful $1,750 off certified pre-owned models priced under $25,000. If you’re weighing a used EV purchase, our used EV buying guide walks through how to combine that rebate with other savings. It’ll help you avoid getting burned on battery health, too.
Before you commit to any EV purchase this year, run the numbers first. Our EV decision framework can help. A rebate is only worth chasing if the total ownership math actually works for your driving habits. See our full guide on EV total cost of ownership for that side of the equation. And if you’re outside California, check what your own state offers. Colorado’s incentive, for instance, has already shrunk to just $750.
You can read the state’s own announcement on the Governor’s official MyFirstEV release. It includes the current participating-brand list, but check before heading to a dealership since availability changes week to week.
FAQ
Do I need to file anything to get the MyFirstEV rebate?
No. The rebate is applied instantly at the dealership as part of your sales contract. You simply sign a declaration confirming this is your first zero-emission vehicle purchase or lease.
Can I combine MyFirstEV with other California incentives?
Yes. The MyFirstEV discount can stack with income-based programs like the Driving Clean Assistance Program or Clean Cars 4 All. That can add thousands more in savings for qualifying lower-income buyers.
Does a plug-in hybrid qualify for MyFirstEV?
No. The program only covers battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are excluded entirely, regardless of price.
What happens if my preferred automaker’s funds run out?
You won’t get the rebate until that automaker’s allocation is replenished, if it ever is. Tesla’s funds ran dry within four days of launch. It’s smart to check directly with the dealership on current fund availability before you commit to an order.