Electric Vehicle Incentive Program

The image promotes an electric vehicle incentive program for residents and agencies in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties.

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.

 

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

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: