California commits US$135 million to MyFirstEV rebate scheme with matched industry funding
By Eve
California governor Gavin Newsom announced on 16 July a US$135 million state investment in the MyFirstEV programme, offering first-time EV buyers US$3,500 off new EVs priced up to US$50,000 and US$1,750 off used EVs up to US$25,000. The funding will be split evenly across 13 automakers (Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota and Volvo), each matching the state contribution dollar for dollar. The instant rebate applies at point of sale, with access details to be published next month.
Why it matters
A US$270 million combined public and private rebate pool will accelerate first-time EV adoption in the largest US auto market, driving near-term demand for charging infrastructure from CPOs and fleet operators. The point-of-sale structure removes upfront cost barriers, likely increasing the pace of network expansion requirements across California.
Source
- Original title
- “california invests us 135 million in state ev rebate scheme”
- Published
- 17 July 2026
- Updated
- 18 July 2026
- Also covered by
- current-news.co.uk
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- United States
- Tag
- California
Related news
California opens 28 million dollar fund paying up to 100,000 dollars per DC fast charging port
California has launched a 28 million dollar funding round that covers up to 100 percent of eligible costs for public DC fast charging infrastructure, with grants reaching 100,000 dollars per port. The highest payment tier applies only to ports rated above 275kW, despite charger manufacturers' data indicating that the number of plugs at a site drives utilisation more effectively than individual port power ratings.
Why it matters
The programme represents significant public capital available to charge point operators and contractors, though the emphasis on high power ratings over plug density may shape project economics and site design decisions for applicants seeking maximum grant support.
California opens $28 million fast charger scheme with up to $100,000 per port
California's Fast Charge California Project launched on 7 October, offering up to $100,000 per port for public DC fast chargers, with the total pot worth at least $28 million. Ports delivering 150 kW to under 275 kW qualify for up to $55,000, while those at 275 kW or above can claim the full $100,000, covering up to 100% of approved costs including hardware, installation, planning and engineering. Applicants must be businesses, nonprofits, public agencies or eligible tribes with shovel ready projects, meaning final utility service design or confirmation and permits already in place.
Why it matters
The scheme removes upfront capital barriers for site hosts and CPOs willing to deploy high power infrastructure, though the per port caps mean larger or more complex builds may still require co funding. Ready to build criteria and the focus on 150 kW plus ports signal California's push to accelerate corridor and destination charging with minimal procurement lag.
EU to cap Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 vehicles per year from December
The European Commission has confirmed a quota limiting Chinese hybrid electric vehicle imports to 350,000 units annually, down from an expected 800,000 battery and plug-in hybrids this year. The measure, agreed in Beijing last week and enforceable from December under WTO safeguard rules, aims to halve China's EU market share from 6% to 3% over a four year period. Volkswagen's leadership has backed the plan to support domestic manufacturing.
Why it matters
The quota will reshape EV supply chains and may accelerate local manufacturing investment by Chinese OEMs seeking to maintain EU sales, directly affecting charging infrastructure planning as fleet composition shifts. CPOs and site hosts should anticipate changes in vehicle mix and charging demand patterns as the policy takes effect.