California Helps Nearly 12,000 Residents Switch To EVs With MyFirstEV Rebates

California continues to advance electric vehicle adoption as Governor Gavin Newsom and the state Legislature help residents escape rising gasoline prices through financial incentives for zero-emission vehicles. On October 16, 2026, the Governor announced that nearly 12,000 Californians have already used the state’s MyFirstEV rebate program to purchase their first zero-emission vehicle, saving thousands of dollars at the point of sale. Despite federal cutbacks on clean vehicle manufacturing and jobs, zero-emission vehicles accounted for nearly one in five new cars sold in California during the third quarter of 2026.

Newsom announced the milestone as zero-emission vehicles reached 19.1% of California’s new-car sales in Q3 2026, while U.S. electric vehicle sales climbed to their highest quarterly level in a year. Californians have now purchased nearly 2.8 million zero-emission vehicles, and more than 25,000 jobs have been announced in the state’s clean vehicle manufacturing and infrastructure industries.

How MyFirstEV Works

Launched in August 2026 by Newsom and the California Air Resources Board, the MyFirstEV rebate program provides discounts directly at the point of sale, whether consumers purchase vehicles at dealerships or directly from automakers. The program eliminates lengthy application periods and is supported by a $135.5 million state investment matched dollar for dollar by participating automakers, delivering a combined $271 million in savings to California families.

Eligible buyers can receive $3,500 off new zero-emission vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of up to $50,000. Eligible used zero-emission vehicles priced up to $25,000 through manufacturers’ pre-owned vehicle programs qualify for $1,750 rebates. The program is open to Californians purchasing their first zero-emission vehicle.

Rebates remain available through participating manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota, Lucid, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, and Volvo.

“Californians are tired of skyrocketing gas prices. They also deserve a healthy environment and to breathe clean air, in addition to lower costs,” said Yana Garcia, California’s Secretary for Environmental Protection. “That’s why we will continue investing in innovative policies that protect Californians on multiple fronts: from their wallets to their health.”

California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez said the state continues to advance clean transportation, reduce harmful vehicle pollution, and deliver cleaner air despite federal opposition. She added that the global market is moving forward and California will continue to lead.

Toyota recently introduced its own privately funded incentives to complement MyFirstEV. The MyNextEV and MyLexusEV programs provide Californians who have previously owned an EV with an instant $2,500 discount on eligible Toyota or Lexus electric vehicles, whether purchased or leased.

California Is Racing To Win The Global ZEV Market

Newsom also announced California’s 2026 Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Strategy, developed by the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. The comprehensive, statewide strategy provides a framework for equitable growth in the zero-emission vehicle market, focusing on four pillars: vehicles, infrastructure, end users, and workforce development.

“Zero-emission vehicles prove that what is good for our climate can also be good for our economy. They create good-paying jobs and catalyze economic development while cleaning our air and protecting our health,” said Dee Dee Myers, senior advisor to Newsom and director of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. She said California remains committed to achieving its zero-emission future.

The California Energy Commission also released its latest electric vehicle charging assessment, finding that the state is nearly halfway toward meeting its projected 2030 charging requirements. California has installed 224,438 shared charging ports statewide, approaching the 478,000 ports projected to support 6.8 million EVs by 2030. Continued charging network expansion is expected to support employment in manufacturing, construction, and installation.

California Energy Commission Commissioner Nancy Skinner described MyFirstEV as an opportunity for drivers to join the transition while taking advantage of California’s extensive publicly accessible charging infrastructure.

California has invested nearly $6.6 billion in zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure since 2021, with support from the state Legislature. Key developments include:

Jobs: More than 25,600 Californians work in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing across 52 ZEV-related manufacturers based in the state.

Drivers: Californians have purchased nearly 2.8 million zero-emission vehicles.

Trucks: Nearly one in four new trucks, buses, and vans sold in California in 2024 were zero-emission vehicles, more than double the state’s target.

EV Chargers: California has 224,438 public and limited-access charging ports, including approximately 23,000 fast chargers, as well as nearly 1.2 million estimated home chargers. Fast-charger installations have increased 221% since 2021.

Regional Growth: Six of California’s 13 Jobs First regions identified zero-emission vehicles as a priority growth industry, while 12 identified the clean economy as a strategic sector. The state’s Jobs First economic blueprint identifies ZEVs as an industry positioned for additional investment and job creation.

Drivers Are Tired Of Paying More At The Pump

California officials argue that American families have long borne the costs of overseas conflicts through higher fuel prices. The Iran war is the latest example, with a Brown University analysis estimating more than $135 billion in additional fuel costs nationwide, equivalent to over $1,000 per household.

The International Energy Agency reported that the conflict caused the largest disruption to global oil supplies in history. Meanwhile, oil and gas companies earned $85.2 billion in profits during the second quarter of 2026, approximately $39 million per hour, according to Climate Power.

Drivers across the country are increasingly considering electric vehicles for several reasons:

Cheaper to Fuel: Electric vehicle drivers can save up to $2,000 annually on fuel alone, according to Electric For All.

Cheaper to Own: EVs eliminate oil changes, spark plugs, and tune-ups. Regenerative braking also helps extend brake-pad life.

More Choices: California consumers can choose from 145 light-duty EV models. Buyers can check participating manufacturers to determine which vehicles qualify for MyFirstEV rebates.

No More Price Shocks: Electricity costs are not directly tied to volatile global oil markets that can trigger sudden gasoline price increases.

Consumers can estimate potential savings from switching to an electric vehicle using Electric For All’s free EV savings calculator.

California’s MyFirstEV program demonstrates how point-of-sale incentives, expanding charging infrastructure, and a growing selection of electric vehicles can help reduce the financial barriers to adoption. As gasoline prices remain vulnerable to global conflicts and oil-market disruptions, California continues to promote electric transportation as a way to lower household costs, improve air quality, create jobs, and strengthen energy security.