Newsom signs SB 168: Creating instant rebates for EV buyers
Updated: 3:56 PM PDT Jul 13, 2026
California is stepping in to advance its position in the global clean transportation race.Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 168 on Monday, a bill that will allow California families buying their first electric vehicle (EV) to walk into participating automakers and get an instant rebate. This is part of California’s newest zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) instant rebate program, dedicating $135.5 million, which will require automakers to match it dollar-for-dollar. The rebate will allow first-time EV buyers to receive an instant rebate of $3,500 for a new vehicle with an MSRP up to $50,000 and $1,750 for a used electric vehicle sold for up to $25,000. “This will make it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean, and keep more money in their pockets,” the governor’s office said in a news release Monday. The bill reflects an ongoing debate between Governor Newsom and President Trump as they continue to clash. This comes after the elimination of the federal government’s EV tax credit, part of the major tax overhaul passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, and what is formally known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
California is stepping in to advance its position in the global clean transportation race.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 168 on Monday, a bill that will allow California families buying their first electric vehicle (EV) to walk into participating automakers and get an instant rebate. This is part of California’s newest zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) instant rebate program, dedicating $135.5 million, which will require automakers to match it dollar-for-dollar.
The rebate will allow first-time EV buyers to receive an instant rebate of $3,500 for a new vehicle with an MSRP up to $50,000 and $1,750 for a used electric vehicle sold for up to $25,000.
“This will make it easier for families to drive clean, breathe clean, and keep more money in their pockets,” the governor’s office said in a news release Monday.
The bill reflects an ongoing debate between Governor Newsom and President Trump as they continue to clash.
This comes after the elimination of the federal government’s EV tax credit, part of the major tax overhaul passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump, and what is formally known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel