Search Federal and State Laws and Incentives

Air Quality Improvement Program Funding - Ventura County

The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) administers the Clean Air Fund, which provides grants for qualified air quality improvement projects located in Ventura County. The Clean Air Fund Advisory Committee is interested in projects that will have significant emissions reduction impacts or support innovative air pollution reduction technologies. For more information, see the VCAPCD Clean Air Fund website.

Employer Invested Emissions Reduction Funding - South Coast

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) administers the Air Quality Investment Program (AQIP). AQIP provides funding to allow employers within SCAQMD's jurisdiction to make annual investments into an administered fund to meet employers' emissions reduction targets. The revenues collected are used to fund alternative mobile source emissions and trip reduction programs, including alternative fuel vehicle projects, on an on-going basis. Programs such as low emission, alternative fuel, or zero emission vehicle procurement and old vehicle scrapping may be considered for funding. For more information, including current requests for proposals and funding opportunities, see the AQIP website.

Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Grant - Sacramento

The Sacramento Emergency Clean Air and Transportation (SECAT) Program provides grants to offset the costs of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles that reduce on-road emissions within the counties of El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba in California. Eligible projects include the purchase of battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell trucks, buses, and shuttles. Other advanced technology implementation projects may also qualify. For more information, including current funding opportunities, see the SECAT website. (Reference California Health and Safety Code 44299.50-44299.55)

Emissions Reductions Grants

The Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program (Program) provides incentives to cover the incremental cost of purchasing engines and equipment that are cleaner than required by law. Eligible projects include heavy-duty fleet modernization, light-duty vehicle replacements and retrofits, idle reduction technology, off-road vehicle and equipment purchases, and alternative fuel and electric vehicle infrastructure projects. The Program provides funds for significant near-term reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions, reactive organic gases, and particulate matter emissions. Funding is available until January 1, 2024. The California Air Resources Board, in consultation with local air districts, must convene working groups to evaluate the Program's policies and goals.

(Reference California Health and Safety Code 44275-44299.2)

Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Reduction Grants

The Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program (Program) provides funding for projects that reduce emissions from freight movement in the state, including truck stop electrification infrastructure development and heavy-duty truck replacement, repower, or retrofit. For more information about funding application opportunities, see the Program website. (Reference California Health and Safety Code 39625-39627.5)

Alternative Fuel and Vehicle Incentives

The California Energy Commission (CEC) administers the Clean Transportation Program (Program) to provide financial incentives for businesses, vehicle and technology manufacturers, workforce training partners, fleet owners, consumers, and academic institutions with the goal of developing and deploying alternative and renewable fuels and advanced transportation technologies. Funding areas include:

• Electric vehicles and charging infrastructure;
• Hydrogen vehicles and refueling infrastructure;
• Medium- and heavy-duty zero emission vehicles;
• Natural gas vehicles and refueling infrastructure;
• Biofuels; and,
• Workforce development.

(Reference California Health and Safety Code 44272 - 44273 and California Code of Regulations, Title 13, Chapter 8.1)

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Incentives - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District administers the Public Benefit Grant Program, which provides funding to cities, counties, special districts (such as water districts and irrigation districts), and public educational institutions for the purchase of new AFVs, including electric, hybrid electric, natural gas, and propane vehicles. The maximum grant amount allowed per vehicle is $20,000, with a limit of $100,000 per agency per year. Projects are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, see the Public Benefit Grant Program website.

Voluntary Vehicle Retirement Incentives - San Joaquin Valley and South Coast

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) administer Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) Pilot Retire and Replace programs, providing incentives to replace a vehicle eligible for retirement with a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Used vehicles must be no more than eight years old and applicants must live in the San Joaquin Valley or South Coast air basins. Eligible replacement vehicles must meet a minimum fuel economy average by model year or average at least 35 miles per gallon (mpg). Alternative fuel vehicles are also eligible, including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and battery-electric vehicles (EVs). Funding for alternative transportation mobility options, such as public transportation or car sharing, is also available in lieu of purchasing another vehicle. The incentive amounts vary by income level as compared to the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and replacement vehicle type. All eligible applicants must have a household income that is at or below 400% of the FPL.

Residents living in qualified disadvantaged communities may be eligible for higher incentive amounts and, for residents replacing their vehicles with a PHEV or EV, a rebate of up to $2,000 for the purchase of electric vehicle supply equipment. Residents of South Coast AQMD may also be eligible to receive a rebate of $7,500 for alternative transportation mobility options. For more information, including eligible vehicles and applicable requirements, see the California Air Resources Board EFMP, SJVAPCD Drive Clean, and South Coast AQMD Replace Your Ride websites. (Reference California Health and Safety Code 44062.3 and 44125)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Incentives - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Charge Up! Program, which provides funding for public agencies, businesses, and property owners of multi-unit dwellings for the purchase and installation of new EV charging stations. Rebates are available in the following amounts:

Annual funding is capped at $50,000 per applicant. For more information, including application requirements and restrictions, see the SJVAPCD Charge Up! Program website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Incentive Program Support

The California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), funded by the California Energy Commission, provides guidance and funding for property owners to develop and implement EV charging station incentive programs that help meet regional needs for Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Level 2 EV charging stations must be ENERGY STAR certified. CALeVIP evaluates proposed EV charging station incentive programs and solicits input from stakeholders to guide the development and implementation of the programs. CALeVIP also provides the incentive funding for each program. For more information, see the CALeVIP website.

Heavy-Duty Truck Emission Reduction Grants - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Truck Replacement Program, which provides funding for fleets to replace old vehicles with lower emitting vehicles or to purchase new zero emission, hybrid, or low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) vehicles. Funding is available for the following projects:

• Replacement of model year (MY) 2009 or older diesel trucks with new trucks that meet or exceed the 2010 NOx emissions standard;
• Replacement of MY 2010 or newer trucks with new zero emission, hybrid, or low-NOx trucks; and
• Purchase of new zero emission, hybrid, or low-NOx trucks.

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Technical Training - San Joaquin Valley

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) administers the Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Mechanic Training Program, which provides incentives of up to $15,000 per fiscal year to educate personnel on the mechanics, operation safety, and maintenance of AFVs, fueling stations, and tools involved in the implementation of alternative fuel technologies. For more information, see the SJVAPCD AFV Mechanic Training Component website.

Air Quality Improvement Program Funding - San Luis Obispo County

The San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District (SLOAPCD) administers the Clean Air Fund, to provide grants for qualified air quality improvement projects located in San Luis Obispo County. SLOAPCD funds projects to significantly reduce emissions impacts or support innovative air pollution reduction technologies, including the purchase of alternative fuel school buses or alternative fuel infrastructure development. For more information, see the SLOAPCD Clean Air Incentives website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Grant - Bay Area

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s (BAAQMD) Clean Cars for All program offers grants up to $9,500 to income-eligible residents to replace a vehicle eligible for retirement with a EV or FCEV. Eligible vehicles for replacement should be model year 2005 or older. Recipients may buy or lease a new or used EV or FCEV. Grants vary depending on the household income and vehicle technology. Vehicles that are replaced must be turned in at an authorized dismantler.

For more information, including additional eligibility requirements and how to apply, see the BAAQMD Clean Cars for All website.

Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Grant – Santa Barbara County

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) provides grants to offset the costs of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles that reduce on-road emissions within Santa Barbara County. Eligible projects include the replacement of commercial trucks and buses, transit buses, authorized emergency vehicle, transportation refrigeration units, and more. Eligible technology includes the purchase of battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Priority will be given to projects located in multi-unit dwellings or low-income communities. For more information, including current funding opportunities, see the SBCAPCD Clean Air Grants website.

Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grant – Santa Barbara County

The Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (SBCAPCD) provides grants for the installation of alternative fuel infrastructure located in Santa Barbara County. Grants may cover 80% of project cost, up to $250,000. Eligible projects include electric vehicle supply equipment, hydrogen, and natural gas fueling stations. Priority will be given to projects located at multi-unit dwellings or low-income communities. For more information, including current funding opportunities, see the SBCAPCD Clean Air Grants website.

Bus Replacement Grant

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) offers grants for the purchase of new zero-emission buses to replace old gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas, or propane buses. Grants are available in the following amounts:

Non-compliant school buses are vehicles that are not compliant with the CARB Truck and Bus Regulation. Eligible applicants include owners of transit, school, and shuttle buses. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first served basis. The program is funded by California’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including funding availability, see the CARB’s Volkswagen Settlement website.

Heavy-Duty Low Emission Vehicle Replacement and Repower Grants

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) offers grants for the replacement or repower of eligible class 7 and 8 heavy-duty vehicles with low oxide of nitrogen (NOx) vehicles. Grants may cover up to 50% of non-government project costs and up to 100% of government project costs; up to $3 million per entity. Eligible vehicles include, Class 7 and 8 freight trucks, drayage trucks, dump trucks, waste haulers, and concrete mixers, freight switcher locomotives. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is funded by California’s portion of the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust. For more information, including program guidance and application, see the California Air Resources Board’s Volkswagen Settlement website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Grant – Antelope Valley

Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) offers grants for the installation of public EV charging stations, up to 80% of the total costs of infrastructure, equipment, and installation of eligible projects. Preferred project sites include retail centers, multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, hospitals, public transit stations, and park & rides. For more information, including application criteria and eligibility requirements, visit the AVAQMD Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Program website.

Electric School Bus Grant - Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE)

CCCE offers grants to school districts for the purchase of an electric school bus. Grants may cover up to 50% of the cost of an electric school bus, up to $200,000. For more information, see the CCCE Electric School Bus Program website.

Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Financing Program

The California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA) must develop and implement a purchasing assistance program for MHD ZEV fleets. CPCFA must consult with stakeholders to design a program that provides financial support and technical assistance to fleet managers deploying MHD ZEVs. CPCFA must designate high-priority fleets, considering implications for climate change, pollution, environmental justice, and post-COVID economy recovery. A minimum of 75% of financing products must be directed towards operators of MHD ZEV fleets whose fleets directly impact, or operate in, underserved communities. CPCFA must establish the program by January 1, 2023, and provide annual reports on program outcomes to the California Air Resources Board. (Reference Senate Bill 372, 2021)

California’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to submit an EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office by August 1, 2022, describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. Plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.

For more information about California’s NEVI planning process, see the Caltrans Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Implementation website. For more information about California’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office’s State Plans for EV Charging website.