Electric Vehicle Incentive Program

The Electric Vehicle Incentive Program FY 2026-2027 (EVIP) is now open. Only vehicles purchased or leased on or after July 1, 2026 will be eligible. As of November 5th, 2026, there are 54% of project funds remaining.

 

Purchase/lease date must be on or after July 1 , 2026.

The primary buyer/lessee (usually the first name on the sales agreement and registration) must be the one to apply for EVIP. If there is a co-buyer/lessee, the incentive will be issued in the form of a dual party check.

Eligible and complete applications are reviewed in order of submission. Residential incentives are limited to one (1) per address within the same program year. Non-profit and public entity incentives are limited to three (3) per Employer Identification Number (EIN) within the same program year.

 

Incentive Amounts*

 Vehicle Type  Incentive Amount (New)  Incentive Amount (Used)
Public Agency & Non-Profits $5,000  N/A
Hydrogen Fuel Cell  $2,500  N/A
 Battery Electric  $2,000  $1,000
 Plug-In Hybrid  $1,000  $500
 Electric Motorcycle  $750   $500

*The total incentive amount cannot exceed the price of the vehicle.

Low-income residential applicants will receive an extra $500 in addition to the regular residential applicant incentive. Eligibility for the low-income residential applicant incentive is determined by being approved for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the Central Coast Energy Services (https://energyservices.org/). Applicants must apply for LIHEAP through the online form (https://www.caliheapapply.com/). The results of the LIHEAP review will be available to both the applicant and MBARD staff. If applying as a low-income applicant, we will not process your application until we have received confirmation that you are enrolled in LIHEAP.

  • Applicants who apply for the low-income EV incentive authorize CCES to provide MBARD with status updates on their LIHEAP application.
  • LIHEAP's Maximum Gross Monthly Income Limits by size of household are available at https://energyservices.org/.

 

What are electric vehicles?

Electric vehicles are powered by rechargeable battery packs. The benefits of EVs include:

  • Lower fuel costs
  • Lower maintenance costs
  • Zero air emissions
  • Fuel while you sleep

How far can I drive an electric vehicle?

It depends upon your choice of electric vehicle and your driving style. Pure battery electric vehicles can generally go 60 to 310 miles on a full charge, which is plenty of range for most people. If more range flexibility is needed, however, a plug-in hybrid might be a better fit. They can generally run on battery alone for 10 to 40 miles, and then continue up to 400 miles as a gasoline-electric hybrid.

Where can I plug in my electric vehicle?

Most people will charge their electric vehicles at home; however, there are many public charging stations available in our area and beyond. To find a charging station near you go to: http://www.plugshare.com/

May I get help picking an EV and applying for incentives?

The Central Coast EV Purchase Guidance Program helps low-to-middle income residents through the entire process of buying an electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Staffed by bilingual community-based organizations and professional advisors. https://www.evsforeveryone.org/

 

Other Incentive Programs:

Additional Resources:

 

Questions?  Contact our EVIP Team: