Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Clean Cars for All program.
Am I eligible?
To participate in Clean Cars for All, you must own a model year 2005 or older passenger vehicle that has been registered or operated in California for more than 2 years, live in an eligible zip code (see Eligibility Page for details) within the Air District’s jurisdiction, and have a qualifying household income, which is calculated based on 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Check if you qualify by applying.
What is the process?
- Complete an application to verify your eligibility.
- Bring your vehicle to an authorized dismantler to verify your vehicle is eligible.
- Sign a contract agreeing to the terms and conditions of the program.
- Receive an Award Letter from the Air District.
- Secure a loan if needed.
- Purchase your replacement vehicle or get a pre-paid mobility options card.
- Turn in your old vehicle to an authorized dismantler.
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What vehicles are eligible?
New or used hybrid, plug-in, battery electric, or fuel cell electric vehicles are eligible for purchase with Clean Cars for All program funds. Used vehicles must be 8 years old or newer. Applicants may also lease a new plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicle, or fuel cell electric vehicle. Hybrid vehicles may not be leased.
How much funding can I receive towards a new vehicle?
Grants for hybrid electric cars range from $5,000-$7,000. Grants for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles range from $5,500-$9,500. Grants of $7,500 are available for mobility options (e.g. public transit, e-bikes, car sharing).
Do you offer financing?
Financing is provided through our lending partner, Beneficial State Bank. You may also get financing from other sources, but all loans must have an interest rate less than 16 percent to be eligible under this program.
Do I need to repay the incentive?
This is a one-time grant and does not need to be re-paid if the grantee abides by the program’s Terms and Conditions.
Can I use my Clean Cars for All program incentive at any dealership?
No. Our incentives can only be used at our network of approved dealers. We have agreements with approved dealers to ensure that customers are treated fairly.
What do I need to bring to the dealership?
Bring your Award letter and your loan pre-approval letter to any approved dealer. In order to provide a better experience for customers, you must contact the authorized contact person at each dealership to purchase a vehicle. See our list of participating dealerships, and our clean vehicle checklist(139 Kb PDF, 1 pg, revised 02/01/21) for more information.
Can I get funding for a home EV charger?
If you purchase a new or used plug-in hybrid electric or battery electric vehicle, up to $2,000 of funding is available for an at-home Level 2 charger. Visit the Home Charger page to learn more. The eligible applicant must own the property where the charger will be installed or provide evidence from the property owner allowing the applicant to install and operate the charger. This funding is paid on a reimbursement basis. Applicants are required to pay for the equipment and installation costs up-front – upon completion, award funding will be reimbursed to the applicant. Find out more by downloading the Home Charging Manual(498 Kb PDF, 15 pgs, revised 07/14/20).
Do I need to pay taxes?
You are required to submit a W-9 to participate in this program. Funding from this program is required to be reported as taxable income. The Air District will send you a Form 1099-G (typically in January or February) next year for you to report on.
What vehicle is best for me?
We want you to choose a vehicle that best fits your situation and your needs. My Green Car is an app that can help you find a vehicle that works best for you. More information about the types of vehicles available through Clean Cars for All can be found in our Electric Vehicle Information Handout(4 Mb PDF, 4 pgs, revised 09/10/20)
( Español ).
Can I stack a Clean Cars for All grant with other clean vehicle incentives?
A Clean Cars for All grant cannot be stacked with funds from the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program, Rebate Now, Tune in Tune Up and Replace your Ride. Other programs may be able to stack with the Clean Cars for All Program, such as the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, Drive Forward Electric, or the Federal Income Tax Credit. You can explore a full list of clean vehicle incentives available in California by clicking here.
Can I submit more than one application?
No. Applicants may only apply for the Clean Cars for All program once. Additionally, only one application may be submitted per household. A household may include a spouse and/or dependents. Applicants that have received incentives from the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program, Rebate Now, Tune in Tune Up and Replace your Ride are not eligible for the Clean Cars for All program.
How long is the Clean Cars for All Program open?
The Clean Cars for All program is open until available funds are exhausted. Applications are processed on a first come first served basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Can I go to any dismantler?
No. Your vehicle must be brought to an authorized Clean Cars for All dismantler. Infinity Salvage and Pick-N-Pull are the only authorized dismantlers participating in the Program.
What if I decide the new vehicle I chose is not right for me?
Authorized dealerships participating in the Program provide a minimum 3-day return period for used vehicles. The dealership will specify the exact return-by date at the point of sale. Dealerships may have restrictions that may void the 3-day return period, such as a limit on miles driven or condition of vehicle.
What if my PEX card is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Please contact immediately AND contact PEX immediately at 866-685-0898 to report lost, stolen, or damaged cards, as well as fraudulent charges.
How can I check the status of my application?
Applicants can check the status of their application in the Air District’s Grantee Portal.
Email us at or call 855-256-3656.
How do I receive my Clean Cars for All grant award?
Grant funds are paid directly to the dealership, on behalf of the grantee. You will need to bring your award letter to an authorized Clean Cars for All dealership and the dealer will verify your award and deduct the award amount from the selling price. If you select the Mobility Option , Air District staff will issue a PEX public transit card directly to you.
How do grants work?
Grants do not need to be repaid. To get a grant, you must receive an award letter prior to purchasing the vehicle and comply with all program requirements throughout the program term. The grant will be given to the dealer to lower the overall cost of the new or used clean vehicle.
I just purchased a new car. Can I still apply?
No. You must apply first and receive an award letter before you purchase a vehicle to be eligible for an incentive.
How do I scrap my car?
You have to purchase your replacement vehicle before scrapping your car. After you purchase your EV, you will go to an authorized dismantler for a post-inspection. You will need to bring in a completed pre-inspection checklist, blank post-inspection list, driver's license, and certificate of title for your post-inspection. After the post-inspection, you will leave your car at the dismantlers for scrapping.
You must scrap the vehicle through the Clean Cars for All program. Selling the vehicle to the dismantler or retiring the vehicle through a different program, such as Vehicle Buy Back or Consumer Assistance Program, is prohibited.