Under the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP), California residents can receive up to $7,000 to purchase or lease a new, advanced technology vehicle. This includes plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric or fuel-cell electric vehicles (EVs). Through June 2018, CVRP provided rebates for over 256,000 vehicles at a cost of over $570 million since the project’s launch in 2010.
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project hopes to promote electric vehicle adoption, especially among lower-income buyers, with its new CVRP Rebate Now program. The pilot program launched in San Diego County in January 2018. Consumers can now complete a simple online registration process, and once pre-approved, they are eligible for an immediate discount toward the purchase or lease of eligible models. Making the process of buying a new electric vehicle easier will attract more lower-income customers and lead the way towards reaching the State’s goal to put at least 5 million zero-emission vehicles on California roads by 2030.
The president of the Center for Sustainable Energy, Lawrence Goldenhersh, explains the simple process: “Car shoppers in San Diego can now get pre-approved before they purchase or lease an EV and then transfer the rebate amount directly to the dealership rather than applying for the rebate after the transaction. In just a few simple steps, the car dealership can claim the transferred rebate and use it to lower the customer’s down payment.”
Erica, from San Diego, took advantage of CVRP and got a new Kia Soul electric vehicle. Her monthly budget for gas was $250 and the lease on her new Kia is $206.
“The financial benefits were what persuaded me to give this car a shot, but I have been pleasantly surprised with other bonuses that come with an EV,” she said. “Our car has become a source of pride for our family. It feels good to break our dependency on gas. Plus, the kids love this car. It definitely has the ’cool’ factor. I can’t believe it took me so long to make the switch. Going back to a gas-powered vehicle is not even an option. Want my advice? Run the numbers for your family and do it today. The results just might surprise you.”