1. Who is eligible for the Monterey Bay Air Resources District’s EVIP incentive?

 A: Residents with a driver’s license, non-profits, and public entities of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties who purchase or lease exclusively on or after July 1st, 2025. Without exception, any purchase or lease made before July 1st, 2025 is not eligible for an incentive in this program. Applicant’s may qualify for other incentives. Information about incentives is available here: https://driveclean.ca.gov/search-incentives.

2. I didn’t make a payment or receive my vehicle until on or after July 1st, 2025, but I signed a purchase/lease agreement or contract before July 1st, 2025. Am I eligible for an EVIP incentive?

A: The purchase/lease date is the day the agreement or contract is signed. EVIP incentives cannot be awarded when a purchase/lease agreement or contract is signed before July 1st, 2025. PURCHASE/LEASE DATE IS THE DAY THE AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT IS SIGNED.

3. How do I qualify for the increased low-income incentive?

A: Eligibility for the EVIP low-income residential incentive is determined by approval in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is reviewed by Central Coast Energy Services. Applicants seeking to apply for the increased low-income incentive must first apply for LIHEAP through this online form (link to online form: https://www.caliheapapply.com/) available on the Central Coast Energy Services website (https://energyservices.org/). The results of the LIHEAP review will be available to both the applicant and MBARD staff.

4. How do I know if there are funds left and if I should apply?

A: The amount of remaining project funds will be available on the program webpage (https://www.mbard.org/electric-vehicle-incentive-program) and the amount will be regularly updated. Please do not call to ask if there are funds left. If there are remaining funds, funds may be committed to your application.

5. My application for an incentive was rejected, how do I find out why?

A: A statement explaining why an incentive application was rejected will be included in the email informing the applicant of their rejected application.

6. Must a vehicle be purchased directly from a dealership? Is it eligible for a vehicle to be purchased from a third or private party?

A: From any party, but there needs to be a bill of sale that includes: The buyer’s name, the seller’s name, the equipment (make, model, year, color, VIN), sale price, date of sale, and the signature of both parties.

7. Are used vehicles with open recalls eligible for an incentive?

A: Yes, used vehicles with open recalls are eligible. Recalls happen, owners should follow manufacturer guidance to keep vehicles running safely. Owners are expected to maintain a safely operating vehicle to be aligned with the requirement that applicants must retain ownership of the vehicle for a minimum of 24 consecutive months immediately after the purchase or lease of the vehicle.

8. How long must lease terms be?

A: Lease term must be a minimum of 24 months.

9. A resident who got the MBARD rebate last program year and is looking to get another car. Is there still an opportunity for a rebate?

A: Yes, applicants can receive a rebate in the cycle following the program year in which they received a rebate. Importantly, every rebate is attached to the requirement that the applicant retain the vehicle for 24 months. If an applicant does not retain the vehicle for 24 months, the second rebate received by the applicant will be pro-rated with respect to the amount of time that applicant did retain the vehicle from the initial rebate.

10. For residential applicants, that options are there for new vehicles?

A: Residential applicants must purchase or lease an eligible vehicle (including motorcycles) per the New Vehicle Eligibility List for Purchase Incentive Programs or the Eligible Carpool Sticker List. The sale price (that excludes taxes, fees, warranties, and accessories) of a new vehicle purchase or lease must not exceed $60,000.

• Link: New Vehicle Eligibility List for Purchase Incentive Programs | California Air Resources Board (Link Text: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/ZEV-eligibility-list).
• Link: Eligible Carpool Sticker List | California Air Resources Board (Link Text: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/eligible-carpool-sticker-list).

11. What options are there for used vehicles?

A: Eligible original equipment manufacturers (OEM) of fully electric or plug-in hybrid used vehicles do not need to be listed on the New Vehicle Eligibility List for Purchase Incentive Programs. Sale price (excludes taxes, fees, warranties, and accessories) of a used OEM full electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle must not exceed $60,000.