CA EV rebate to launch July 1?

[tivoboy]

It does seem off that if rivian WERE NOT involved, how they managed to be one of the TWO OEM in CA that have an exemption on retail price not to exceed 50K.. I mean Tesla still builds a lot of cars here, and even though their official HQ might be in TX now, they are a builder and selling of cars in the state. Lucid is the other OEM excluded from the cap (I think maybe its up to 85K) but while their HQ IS still in the state, their entire production facility is in AZ.

So, CA COULD have possibly just picked OEM with HQ in the state, regardless of jobs for production or production in the state, but I would think to get on that list, SOME lobbying was done.

Sponsored

 

[runwithscissors]

Rivian did the same thing in NY with the "Drive Clean Rebate" 60+ models but Rivian missing. Audi, BMW, MB, Land Rover, Porsche all there but not Rivian...

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

It does seem off that if rivian WERE NOT involved, how they managed to be one of the TWO OEM in CA that have an exemption on retail price not to exceed 50K.. I mean Tesla still builds a lot of cars here, and even though their official HQ might be in TX now, they are a builder and selling of cars in the state. Lucid is the other OEM excluded from the cap (I think maybe its up to 85K) but while their HQ IS still in the state, their entire production facility is in AZ.

So, CA COULD have possibly just picked OEM with HQ in the state, regardless of jobs for production or production in the state, but I would think to get on that list, SOME lobbying was done.

Or they, the lawmakers, being predominantly D are snubbing Musk... for obvious reasons. Plus, since Tesla is no longer HQ'd in CA, it probably doesn't pay as much tax in CA than it did before. So why then would CA write a law to benefit a company that is no longer HQ'ed in the state?

Straight from InsideEVs article:

Tesla was founded in Silicon Valley and still makes cars at its original Fremont, California, factory. But in 2021 Elon Musk moved the carmaker's headquarters from Palo Alto to Austin, Texas, so it won't get the benefits of the special carve-out. Many versions of its new cars fall under the price cap anyway.

But Tesla and other automakers may take issue with the special status given to California-based companies. State lawmakers seem to expect some pushback, clarifying in the bill: "If a court of competent jurisdiction holds that the application of paragraph (2) is invalid, the remainder of this section shall remain in force and effect as if this section had not included paragraph (2)."

The possibility is there, so is the possibility of reading too much into what is not known.

 

[TheLTrain]

Bummer for us early buyers, but Rivian has confirmed they will participate in the rebate program.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars.../rivian-california-ev-tax-rebate/90918260007/

 

[carnewsrundow]

Since the program seems to rely on carmakers paying for half the rebate, I'm curious to see if carmakers can pick and choose which models they include in the program (ex: R1 and not R2). But Gov Newsom did do what looks like a ceremonial bill signing with an R2, so maaaaybe?

 

[BanditTA]

Dammit I should have waited and not bought my R1T a couple weeks ago, and then had it registered under my wife’s name. I’ve been the only one registered on our EVs to date.

Well our BMW I4’s lease is up in 2 years -hopefully I can use this benefit then.

 

[origin808]

Bummer for us early buyers, but Rivian has confirmed they will participate in the rebate program.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars.../rivian-california-ev-tax-rebate/90918260007/

Ah ha! I hope they announce details soon. Thanks for the link. I was hoping they would participate.

 

[TheLTrain]

Ah ha! I hope they announce details soon. Thanks for the link. I was hoping they would participate.

For any other CA buyers in the purchase process, here’s what my guide said when I asked if our purchase agreement could be updated to include the rebate:

We have yet to be part of this program just yet. Once we have more information we'll be sure to let you know.

Not an outright “no” so I’m hopeful. Curious what responses others might get.

 

[bpwwer]

Keep in mind that this is the state government. The funds for the program were approved in the state budget, but the actual implementation of the program is still be developed.

The folks working on the implementation are in discussions with all EV manufactures to determine if they will participate. It seems likely that they will and all vehicles that qualify will be included.

My expectation is that it will be at least a couple of months before the implementation plan is finished and approved.

 

[soysaucing]

For any other CA buyers in the purchase process, here’s what my guide said when I asked if our purchase agreement could be updated to include the rebate:

We have yet to be part of this program just yet. Once we have more information we'll be sure to let you know.

Not an outright “no” so I’m hopeful. Curious what responses others might get.

I just don't see how Rivian doesn't participate when Newsome literally signed the bill surrounded by Rivians and made the exemption for CA based companies. He's sure not looking out for Lucid that's for sure.

 

[tivoboy]

Keep in mind that this is the state government. The funds for the program were approved in the state budget, but the actual implementation of the program is still be developed.

The folks working on the implementation are in discussions with all EV manufactures to determine if they will participate. It seems likely that they will and all vehicles that qualify will be included.

My expectation is that it will be at least a couple of months before the implementation plan is finished and approved.

We already had this type of program with the last EV P.O.S rebates that were managed at the dealership through the states registration and title systems. So ”turning the machines back on” Doesn’t seem like it should be that difficult. the only real changes are who the END payer is (the CA state vs. the treasury) and the dealer “discount” contribution to the total rebate amount?

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

If Rivian does participate. I’d expect there to be some way of claiming for those who took delivery on or after 7/1. Delivery numbers should be low enough for it to be financially acceptable.

 

[bpwwer]

My insights are from having a spouse that works in that area of the state government, but has no involvement with this program at all. So I'm just guessing at time frames based on a general idea of how these things work.

See the recent news release here:
https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/13/a...th-instant-zev-rebates-for-first-time-buyers/

It doesn't offer much real detail, but does say "Coming later this summer, California families buying their first zero-emission vehicle can get $3,500 off at the dealership."

To me, that implies late August/early September time frame and that there'd be no way to apply this to a previously purchased vehicle. Again, opinions and suppositions, not fact.

 

[origin808]

Think this is new news. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/16/g...er-instant-rebates-for-first-time-zev-buyers/

The key line for me: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is overseeing the program. Details on when the funding will be available and how to access it are expected next month.

Oof ... quick glance and I don't see the line about no limit for auto companies with HQ in California. Maybe that's in the details next month.

 

[TheLTrain]

Curious if Rivian will let us delay delivery to take advantage of this.

Sponsored