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California's $3,500 First-Time EV Rebate: What San Diego Chevy Buyers Should Know

Chevrolet EV at Bob Stall Chevrolet, eligible for California's $3,500 first-time EV rebate

If you have been waiting for the right moment to go electric, California just gave you 3,500 reasons to stop waiting. With the federal $7,500 EV tax credit gone since last September, the state is stepping in with a new program called MyFirstEV - giving first-time electric vehicle buyers an instant $3,500 rebate on a new EV. As reported by CBS 8 San Diego, the savings are built right into the sale - and several Chevy EVs, led by the budget-friendly Bolt EV, fit the bill. Here is what it means for you.

What is California's MyFirstEV program?

Signed into law by Governor Newsom in mid-July 2026, MyFirstEV gives Californians an instant rebate - right at the dealership - when they buy or lease their first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). There is no waiting for a check and no filing months later. The savings are built into the sale.

The program is funded by a $135 million state investment, matched dollar-for-dollar by 13 participating automakers for a combined $270 million in savings for California families. General Motors, Chevrolet's parent company, is one of the participating automakers - so Chevy EVs are eligible.

The timing matters. With the federal EV credit expired, this state rebate is one of the best EV incentives California buyers have right now. As Josh Boone of the EV nonprofit Veloz put it, "that little incentive up front is a key motivator... $3,500 off a new EV or $1,750 off a used EV helps people save."

How much can you save?

  • $3,500 off a new EV with an MSRP up to $50,000
  • $1,750 off a used EV sold for up to $25,000 through a manufacturer's certified pre-owned program

The rebate is applied instantly at the point of sale, so you see the savings right on your paperwork.

Which Chevy EVs qualify?

The rebate applies to eligible new EVs priced under the program's $50,000 MSRP cap, and Chevrolet offers several EVs that fit. The most affordable ones land comfortably under the cap:

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV - one of Chevy's most affordable EVs and a favorite for first-time buyers
  • Chevrolet Equinox EV - a roomy, family-friendly compact SUV priced under the cap

Chevy's lineup also includes larger and higher-performance electric models like the Blazer EV and the Silverado EV. Some of those trims are priced above the $50,000 new-vehicle cap, so they may not qualify for the new-EV rebate. The simplest way to know is to ask us - we will tell you exactly which vehicles on our lot fall under the cap and qualify.

Why the Bolt EV is a great first EV

If this is your first electric vehicle, the Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the easiest ways to make the jump. It is one of Chevy's most affordable EVs, it is easy to drive and park around La Mesa and San Diego, and it is priced well under the program's $50,000 cap - which makes it a strong candidate for the full $3,500 rebate. Pair that instant savings with lower fuel and maintenance costs, and going electric starts to make a lot of sense. Ask our team about current Bolt EV availability and pricing.

What San Diego drivers are saying

For a lot of local families, an incentive like this is the tipping point. North Park resident Casey Brock told CBS 8 that he and his wife once looked at an EV but chose a hybrid instead - and the new rebate could change that: "It definitely changes the math on whether it makes sense to buy an EV."

If you have run that same math before and it did not quite add up, it is worth a fresh look now.

Stack even more savings

The $3,500 state rebate may not be the only incentive you qualify for. Depending on where you live in San Diego County, you may also be eligible for local and utility rebates. You can search what is available in your ZIP code at ElectricForAll.org - and our team is happy to help you find every dollar you are entitled to.

Who is eligible, and when

The rebate is open to any Californian buying or leasing their first ZEV. The program is expected to launch in late summer 2026; the state has not announced an exact start date yet, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will release full details in the coming weeks. The best move is to reach out now - we will notify you the moment it goes live and help you be first in line.

Why buy your first EV at Bob Stall Chevrolet

We have been family-owned in La Mesa since 1959, and looking out for our customers is the whole job. When a new program like MyFirstEV comes along, we track it closely and share every detail the moment we have it - so you always know exactly what you qualify for and how to claim it. We believe in passing savings straight through to you, and we think this rebate is a fantastic opportunity for first-time EV buyers.

  • EV experts you can trust - our team knows Chevy's electric lineup inside and out, from range and charging to which models fit the rebate
  • First to know, first to share - we announce new offers and program details as soon as they are available, so you never miss out
  • Savings passed straight to you - we work to stack every rebate and incentive you qualify for
  • No pressure, ever - we help you decide at your pace, whether it is your first EV or your fifth

Going electric for the first time should feel exciting, not confusing. That is exactly the kind of thing our team is here to make easy.

Frequently asked questions

How much is California's first-time EV buyer rebate?

$3,500 off an eligible new EV with an MSRP up to $50,000, or $1,750 off an eligible used EV sold for up to $25,000 through a manufacturer's certified pre-owned program. The rebate is applied instantly at the dealership.

Which Chevrolet EVs qualify?

Eligible new Chevy EVs priced under $50,000. The Bolt EV and Equinox EV fit comfortably under the cap; some larger or higher-performance trims like the Blazer EV and Silverado EV may be priced above it. Ask our team to confirm which specific vehicles qualify.

Is the Bolt EV a good first electric vehicle?

Yes. It is one of Chevy's most affordable EVs, priced well under the $50,000 cap, which makes it a popular and budget-friendly first EV - and a strong candidate for the full $3,500 rebate.

Who is eligible?

Any Californian buying or leasing their first zero-emission vehicle. If this is your first EV, you are likely eligible.

When does it start?

Late summer 2026. The exact start date has not been announced; CARB is finalizing the details.

Whenever you are ready to see what going electric could look like for your family, we would be glad to help - serving San Diego, Santee, El Cajon, and Chula Vista with straight answers and no pressure.

See Chevy's EV Lineup in Person

Take a look, ask questions, and go for a no-pressure test drive. We will show you which Chevy EVs qualify and how California's first-time EV rebate can lower your cost.

California's MyFirstEV program is a state program administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Rebate amounts, MSRP and price caps, vehicle and buyer eligibility, funding availability, and start date are set by the State of California and are subject to change and to CARB's final program guidelines. Details described here are based on information available as of July 2026 and may be updated as the state finalizes the program. Which specific vehicles qualify depends on final program rules and each vehicle's price.

Bob Stall Chevrolet is not affiliated with, or acting on behalf of, the State of California or CARB, and does not determine rebate eligibility. This post is for general information only and is not tax, legal, or financial advice. New-vehicle pricing, EV model availability, and financing are subject to change; not all customers qualify for all rebates or incentives, and offers cannot always be combined. All financing is subject to credit approval. Confirm current program terms at ElectricForAll.org and current vehicle pricing and eligibility with Bob Stall Chevrolet. © 2026 Bob Stall Chevrolet, La Mesa, CA.

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Chevy lease specials San Diego at Bob Stall Chevrolet July 2026

Chevy Lease Specials in San Diego: New 2026 Offers From $209/mo

Looking for Chevy lease specials near San Diego this month? Bob Stall Chevrolet has six new 2026 lease deals right now, from a Trax at $209 a month to a family-ready Traverse, all backed by our no-pressure, family-owned team in La Mesa. Here are all the offers up front, followed by a plain-English guide to how Chevy leasing works so you can decide with confidence. This Month's Chevy Lease Specials These are our current 2026 Chevrolet lease offers, good through 8/3/26. Payments are plus tax; the full details for each numbered offer, including the amount due at signing, are in the disclosure at the bottom of this page. July 2026 Chevrolet Lease Specials - Bob Stall Chevrolet (through 8/3/26) Model Lease Payment Term 2026 Trax LS 1 $209/mo + tax 24 months 2026 Trailblazer 2 $219/mo + tax 24 months 2026 Equinox LT 3 $245/mo + tax 36 months 2026 Colorado 4 $299/mo + tax 24 months 2026 Silverado 1500 Custom 5 $299/mo + tax 24 months 2026 Traverse 6 $369/mo + tax 36 months You can see every current offer, including finance and cash deals, on our Chevrolet specials page. Availability is limited to specific in-stock vehicles, so the sooner you reach out, the better. Why lease a Chevy? Leasing is a great fit if you like driving a newer vehicle every few years and prefer a lower, predictable monthly payment. Because you pay for the vehicle's depreciation during the lease term rather than the full price, monthly payments are usually lower than financing the same model. You also stay under the factory warranty for the whole term, which keeps surprises to a minimum. If you drive well under the mileage limit each year, like the latest safety and technology features, and want to keep your options open, a lease often makes more sense than a purchase. For a deeper look at how the numbers work, GM Financial's lease overview is a helpful, unbiased starting point. What's included in these July lease deals Every lease in the table above shares the same customer-friendly terms: $0 security deposit on all offers 10,000 miles per year, with $0.25 per excess mile 24- or 36-month terms, depending on the model Payments are plus tax; the amount due at signing is listed for each vehicle Is leasing right for you? Leasing is not for everyone, and we would rather help you pick the right path than push a payment. A lease tends to fit best when you: Drive fewer than about 10,000 to 12,000 miles a year Like a new vehicle every two to three years Want a lower monthly payment and full warranty coverage If you drive a lot of miles, plan to keep your vehicle for many years, or want to build equity, buying may be the better move. Our team is glad to run both options side by side for the exact Chevy you want. How to start your Chevy lease You can get most of the way from your couch: Browse the offers above and on our specials page, then check new inventory Get pre-qualified from home through our secure credit application Come see us in La Mesa and we will have your Chevrolet ready for a test drive Chevy lease FAQs (San Diego) How much does it cost to lease a Chevy in San Diego right now? This month, new Chevrolet lease payments at Bob Stall start at $209 per month plus tax for a 2026 Trax LS (24 months) and go up to $369 per month for a 2026 Traverse (36 months). Each offer has a set amount due at signing, shown in the table above. Which Chevy has the lowest lease payment this month? The 2026 Trax LS, at $209 per month plus tax for 24 months with $3,499 due at signing. It is Chevrolet's most affordable SUV and a popular first lease. What is included in a Bob Stall lease? A $0 security deposit, 10,000 miles per year, and a $0.25 per excess mile charge, on a 24- or 36-month term. Payments are plus tax, and the amount due at signing excludes tax, title, license, and an $85 documentation fee. Do I need good credit to lease a Chevy? These offers are for well-qualified buyers with above-average credit approved through GM Financial. Not everyone will qualify for every offer, but our finance team works with a range of situations. Call 619-460-1311 to talk it through. What happens when my Chevy lease ends? At lease end you can return your Chevy and lease or buy a new one, purchase your current vehicle, or in some cases extend. It is a big enough topic that we are giving it its own guide next - watch the blog for a full walk-through of your lease-end options. Family-owned in La Mesa since 1959, we serve San Diego, Santee, El Cajon, and Chula Vista with straight answers and no pressure. However you like to shop, we would be glad to help you find the right Chevy and the right way to drive it home. See This Month's Chevy Lease Specials Browse every current lease, finance, and cash offer in one place, then reach out and we will confirm what you qualify for - no obligation. View July Specials Shop New Inventory 1 $209 per month plus tax for 24 months on a new 2026 Trax LS. $3,499 due at signing, which includes $2,999 customer cash and $500 in rebates, plus tax, title, license, and an $85 dealer documentation fee. 10,000 miles per year, $0.25 per excess mile. On approved credit through GM Financial. 2 available at this offer. Offer ends 8/3/26. 2 $219 per month plus tax for 24 months on a new 2026 Trailblazer. $5,499 due at signing, which includes $2,999 customer cash and $2,500 in rebates, plus tax, title, license, and an $85 dealer documentation fee. 10,000 miles per year, $0.25 per excess mile. On approved credit through GM Financial. 2 available at this offer. Offer ends 8/3/26. 3 $245 per month plus tax for 36 months on a new 2026 Equinox LT. $3,999 due at signing, which includes $2,999 customer cash and $1,000 in rebates, plus tax, title, license, and an $85 dealer documentation fee. 10,000 miles per year, $0.25 per excess mile. On approved credit through GM Financial. 1 available at this offer. Offer ends 8/3/26. 4 $299 per month plus tax for 24 months on a new 2026 Colorado. $5,269 due at signing, which includes $2,769 customer cash and $2,500 in rebates, plus tax, title, license, and an $85 dealer documentation fee. 10,000 miles per year, $0.25 per excess mile. On approved credit through GM Financial. 3 available at this offer. Offer ends 8/3/26. 5 $299 per month plus tax for 24 months on a new 2026 Silverado 1500 Custom. $6,499 due at signing, which includes $2,999 customer cash and $3,500 in rebates, plus tax, title, license, and an $85 dealer documentation fee. 10,000 miles per year, $0.25 per excess mile. On approved credit through GM Financial. 2 available at this offer. Offer ends 8/3/26. 6 $369 per month plus tax for 36 months on a new 2026 Traverse. $2,999 due at signing, plus a $995 bank acquisition fee, tax, title, license, and an $85 dealer documentation fee. 10,000 miles per year, $0.25 per excess mile. Lease through Mission Federal Credit Union; available to San Diego residents only. On approved credit. 1 available at this offer. Offer ends 8/3/26. All leases require a $0 security deposit and are for well-qualified buyers on approved above-average credit. Not all customers will qualify for all rebates or offers; offers cannot always be combined. Offers apply to specific in-stock vehicles only and availability is limited. Must take new retail delivery by 8/3/26. See Bob Stall Chevrolet for complete details. © 2026 Bob Stall Chevrolet, La Mesa, CA. Posted by Rebecca Coates Lapidario, Bob Stall Chevrolet - La Mesa, CA

 July Chevy deals near San Diego at Bob Stall Chevrolet

New July Chevy Deals Near San Diego: 0% APR or Up to $10,000 Off

Our new July Chevy deals are here, and this is one of the strongest sets of offers we have run all summer near San Diego. From 0% APR for up to five years on the Silverado 1500 to up to $10,000 off MSRP on select models, there is a real reason to stop by Bob Stall Chevrolet this month. Here is a quick tour of what is on the table, plus how to shop it all from home. The 2026 Silverado 1500 leads our July offers with 0% APR for up to five years. What's in our July Chevy deals? We pulled our strongest current offers into one place on our new specials page, now organized so you can shop by model and see every offer on a vehicle at a glance. Highlights this month include: July Chevrolet Offer Highlights (good through 8/3/26) Offer Details 0% APR financing Up to 5 years on the Silverado 1500, and up to 3 years on the Trax and Equinox, for well-qualified buyers Save off MSRP Up to $10,000 off select in-stock models Trade Assistance $1,000 on the Silverado 1500 with an eligible trade-in Conquest cash $2,000 on the Colorado if you currently own or lease an eligible non-GM truck No payments to start Up to 90 days on select models through GM Financial Military & First Responder $500 GM appreciation cash for eligible members One thing to know: the 0% APR financing and the cash savings off MSRP are separate offers, so you pick the one that fits rather than combining them. Most offers run through 8/3/26, though a few have different end dates. Check the specials page for the full fine print before you visit. Why buy or lease a Chevy right now? Midsummer is one of the best windows of the year to get into a new vehicle. Manufacturers add incentives to move current model-year inventory, and those offers stack on top of already competitive pricing. When you can choose between 0% APR and thousands off in the same month, that is the moment to act. The exact incentives change with each program cycle, so the smart move is to shop while an offer that fits you is live. A thank-you to San Diego's military and first responders We are proud to call America's Navy town home. This month, eligible active-duty, reserve, and veteran service members may qualify for $500 in GM Military appreciation cash, and the same $500 offer is available to eligible first responders. You can review the details through the official GM Military Appreciation program. Ask our team how to apply your offer when you visit. How to shop our July deals You do not have to wait in a showroom to get started: Browse online - start at our specials page and our new inventory Get pre-qualified from home through our secure credit application Schedule a test drive and we will have your Chevrolet ready when you arrive Family-owned in La Mesa since 1959, we serve San Diego, Santee, El Cajon, and Chula Vista with a no-pressure approach. Whether you want a truck, an SUV, or your first EV, our July Chevy deals give you a lot of ways to save. Shop Our July Chevy Deals See every July offer in one place, then reach out and we will confirm what you qualify for - no obligation. View July Specials Contact Our Team Offers valid through August 3, 2026, except where a different date is noted on the specials page; military and first responder offers run through January 4, 2027, and the Costco member offer through August 31, 2026. Savings reflect the Bob Stall dealer discount plus available Chevrolet factory rebates off MSRP and vary by VIN; maximum savings apply to a limited number of vehicles. APR, trade, conquest, and appreciation offers require eligibility and credit approval through GM Financial; not all customers qualify for all rebates, and some offers cannot be combined. See Bob Stall Chevrolet and /new-specials for complete details. © 2026 Bob Stall Chevrolet, La Mesa, CA. Posted by Rebecca Coates Lapidario, Bob Stall Chevrolet - La Mesa, CA -->-->-->-->

Chevy financing options at Bob Stall Chevrolet in La Mesa, CA

How Chevy Financing Works: Lease, Buy, Rates, and Current Offers

Wondering how Chevy financing actually works? At Bob Stall Chevrolet, our family-owned team in La Mesa makes it simple - we explain leasing, buying, rates, and every number before you sign, so you can drive home with confidence and no surprises. Lease vs. buy: which is right for you? The first big choice in Chevy financing is whether to lease or buy. Both are good options. The right one depends on how you drive and what you want long term. Leasing usually means a lower monthly payment and a newer vehicle every few years. You return it when the term ends. It fits drivers who like the latest features and a predictable budget. Buying means the vehicle is yours once the loan is paid off. There is no mileage limit, and you build ownership over time. It fits drivers who keep their vehicles for years. Leasing vs. Buying a Chevy at a Glance What to weigh Leasing Buying Monthly payment Usually lower Usually higher At the end of the term Return it or buy it The vehicle is yours Mileage Set yearly limit No limit Up-front cost Often lower Often a larger down payment Best if you Like a new vehicle every few years Plan to keep it long term What affects your rate and payment A few things shape your monthly payment and your interest rate. Knowing them helps you plan before you ever walk in. Credit: a stronger credit history often means a lower rate. Loan term: a longer term lowers the monthly payment but adds interest over time. Down payment: more money up front means you finance less. Trade-in: the value of your current vehicle can reduce what you owe. Our team is happy to walk through each of these with you. There is no pressure, just plain answers. Financing offers happening now Right now we have some great Chevy financing offers worth a look. These are for well-qualified buyers, and not all customers qualify for all rebates. 0% APR for up to 60 months on the Silverado 1500 (or 1.9% for up to 72 months) for well-qualified buyers. Up to 120 days with no payments to start on select models financed through GM Financial. You can find these and more on our 4th of July specials page. All financing is subject to credit approval through GM Financial. For full model details and the latest national programs, you can also visit chevrolet.com. How to apply Applying is easy. You can start a secure online credit application from home, or call us at 619-460-1311. You are also welcome to visit us at 7601 Alvarado Road in La Mesa. We submit your application through GM Financial and explain every number before you sign. No fine print surprises - just a clear, friendly process. Financing is always subject to credit approval. Have questions first? Contact our team any time. See your Chevy financing options Take a look at our current offers, with no obligation and no pressure. See Current Offers Contact Our Team Offers good through 7/7/26 unless noted. Offers subject to change and credit approval; not all customers qualify for all rebates. See Bob Stall Chevrolet for details. © 2026 Bob Stall Chevrolet, La Mesa, CA. Posted by Rebecca Coates Lapidario, Bob Stall Chevrolet - La Mesa, CA