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.
