California offering $3,500 EV rebates to first-time buyers

WASHINGTON - California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday to create state rebates of $3,500 on new electric vehicles for first-time buyers later this summer as U.S. sales have slowed.

The $270 million rebate program for California residents is funded by the state budget and automakers and applies to new vehicles with a suggested retail price of up to $50,000. It also includes a separate $1,750 rebate for used EVs costing up to $25,000. Last year, President Donald Trump signed legislation killed the federal $7,500 EV tax credit.

(Reporting by David Shepardson)

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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 11:52 AM.