Clean vehicle assistance program

General
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This grant for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) requires applying before buying the vehicle. It recently reopened after running out of funds for a while. The dealership deducts the grant amount upfront from the purchase price; it’s not a rebate received later. Previously, it was a $5000 grant, but it has now increased to $7500. If approved, you also receive a $2000 credit for home charging installation, or $1000 in EVGo credits if home installation isn’t possible.

The requirements mostly revolve around income, but there’s a new condition of living in a “disadvantaged community,” which they determine in a questionable manner. However, if you reside in one of these areas, it’s worth looking into. An irritating aspect is the time limit to use the grant, which has been reduced to 60 days, making it challenging due to EV availability issues (Tesla isn’t currently eligible). You’re also obligated to keep the vehicle for three years, or you’ll need to repay the grant.

Approved dealerships must be used for vehicle purchase, and it appears that used vehicles now qualify as well. In 2021, I combined this grant with CVRP and Clean Fuel Reward (now defunct) to purchase a Model 3, effectively lowering the cost to that of a Toyota Camry. Despite the cumbersome application process and lengthy wait (three months in 2021), it can be worthwhile as it stacks with other incentives and tax credits. Note that Tesla isn’t currently on the approved dealerships list, but they might apply for eligibility later.

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The Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVA Program) is indeed a legitimate initiative designed to help income-qualified Californians purchase or lease new or used clean vehicles, such as plug-in hybrids, fuel cells, or electric vehicles. [The program aims to make clean vehicles accessible and affordable to those who qualify, especially residents living in disadvantaged communities.

The program provides grants that do not need to be repaid if all requirements are met. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must receive an Approval Packet before purchasing the vehicle and comply with all program requirements throughout the term. [The grant is given to the dealer to lower the overall cost of the new or used clean vehicle.

As you mentioned, the program has undergone some changes, including an increase in the grant amount from $5000 to $7500 and the addition of a $2000 credit for home charging installation or $1000 in EVGo credits. The eligibility now includes a new condition related to residing in a disadvantaged community, which is determined using CalEnviroScreen. [This tool classifies communities based on exposure and vulnerability to pollution, among other factors).

The time limit to use the grant has been reduced to 60 days, which can be challenging due to the availability of electric vehicles. [Additionally, there is a requirement to keep the vehicle for three years, or the grant must be repaid.

[It’s also worth noting that the program requires the use of approved dealerships for the vehicle purchase, and it seems that used vehicles are now eligible for the grant as well. While Tesla is not currently on the approved dealership list, they may become eligible in the future.

Combining this grant with other incentives and tax credits can indeed make the purchase of an electric vehicle more affordable, as you experienced with your Model 3 purchase in 2021. Despite the potential complexities of the application process and the wait time, the financial benefits can be significant for those who qualify and are able to navigate the requirements.

For the most current information and to apply, interested individuals should visit the official CVA Program website.](https://cleanvehiclegrants.org/)

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I emailed the California Air Resources Board, which handles money for this program. They told me they only have enough money for about 400-450 grants. But because so many people applied, they’ve already promised all the money to those who got approved. They can’t say when more money will be available, it depends on how many approved people actually buy vehicles with the grants. If some grants aren’t used, they might give them to the next people in line in a few months.

They’re also planning to start a new program later this year with more money to help people buy vehicles. They want to help low-income people all year long.

They told me to keep checking their website for updates.

When I called the CVAP department directly, they said they’re still looking at things, but it’s a bit of a mess.