Residential EV pages:
Visit our Q&A on Facebook.
Listen to an interview on KMUD with Matthew Marshall.
RCEA’s Public Rebate for Electric Vehicles
To our valued customers,
RCEA’s first round of Electric Vehicle (EV) rebates ($50,000) is fully subscribed as of February 14, 2023. We were excited to provide 43 RCEA customers with EV rebates between April 15, 2021 and February 14, 2023. The average rebate amount was $1,128. RCEA staff are evaluating the effectiveness of this first round of funding as we consider a future EV rebate program. For example, early findings show a need to focus future efforts toward low-income qualified customers. RCEA staff hopes to offer more EV rebates to our customers in the future, if and when any new EV rebate program is launched by RCEA we will provide updates via this webpage. We hope to have more information available in 2024.
We still have funding for our residential EV Charging Equipment Rebate.
A bit of background on the EV Rebate:
The Redwood Coast Energy Authority launched a public rebate for electric vehicles on December 1, 2020. The rebate, funded by RCEA’s Community Choice Energy program, aimed to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles in Humboldt county and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The program incentivized community members to purchase EVs by adding an additional rebate to the state Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) as a limited time offer. RCEA customers were eligible for a rebate totaling 50% of whatever incentive amount they received from the CVRP. Applicants could only apply for RCEA’s rebate if they had already been approved by the CVRP. CVRP applications dated 9/1/20 or later were accepted.
The Federal Tax Credit is another way to bring down the cost of purchasing an EV.
$50,000 in funding was initially available for the program. The rebate program, which is the first of its kind in the county, accepted applications on a first come, first served basis for vehicles registered in Humboldt County.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) offer incentives and rebates as well. Visit here to learn more.
For answers to questions about the CVRP, please click the accordion and read through the Rebate FAQ below.
Who is eligible for the rebate?
Anyone who is an RCEA Customer and has been approved for a rebate by the California Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) is eligible to apply for this rebate.
Can I qualify for the RCEA rebate if I don’t qualify for the CVRP?
No, the RCEA rebate is only available for those who have been approved for a rebate by the CVRP.
What vehicles are eligible for the rebate? Are used cars covered?
No, used cars are not eligible for the CVRP and therefore not eligible for this RCEA rebate. You can view the CVRP’s eligible vehicles list on their website.
Are rebates per customer ID or service ID? Can multiple people at once address apply for rebates?
Rebates are limited to one per residential or business service address. For multifamily residences with a shared electric account, one rebate per unit number is allowed.
Can you apply more than once?
Only one rebate is allowed per residential or business service address. You cannot apply more than once for the same service address.
Why can’t I submit my application online or email it in?
Your application will contain sensitive personal information that cannot be guaranteed secure if submitted via email. You can drop off in the mailbox by our front door, send via USPS mail, or by send via fax.
How long until I receive the rebate?
Once your application has been approved, you should receive your rebate check within 30 days.
Is there a way to check my rebate status?
You will be notified by RCEA when your application has been reviewed and either approved or denied. If you have any further questions about your rebate status, you can email our staff at ev@redwoodenergy.org.
What dealerships can I purchase from?
Several local dealerships carry new electric vehicles, and you can also explore options at dealerships in nearby counties. Usually a good first step is determining the type of EV you’d like to buy, and then searching for dealerships that carry that vehicle.
What are the benefits of an electric car?
To find information and presentations about the benefits of driving an EV, including cost savings and other EV incentives, visit our Owning an EV page.
Tips for first time EV drivers and buyers?
For more information regarding electric vehicles, please visit our EV FAQ page.
What is the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project?
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) is a state rebate program that promotes clean vehicle adoption in California by offering rebates of up to $7,000 for the purchase or lease of new, eligible zero-emission vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles. More information about the program can be found on the CVRP website.
What are the CVRP eligibility requirements?
A complete list of CVRP eligibility requirements can be found on their website. Applicants can be individuals, businesses, nonprofits, or government entities based in California. They must meet income eligibility requirements and submit a CVRP application within 3 months of the vehicle purchase or lease. Applicants must purchase a vehicle that has been deemed eligible by the CVRP.
Will you have another rebate if you run out of money?
These rebates are funded by RCEA’s Community Choice Energy program. Based on community interest and the availability of funds, RCEA may run another round of the program next year.
Is there a waitlist?
If RCEA implements a waitlist for this program, information about it will be posted on our website. For more information, you can contact program staff at ev@redwoodenergy.org.
What is an EV?
Electric vehicles are vehicles that are powered all or in part by electricity. For more details on the different types of electric vehicles, questions about battery maintenance, and other incentives that are available, please check out our EV FAQ page.
Electric vehicles are becoming more accessible. California is set to phase out the sale of gasoline-powered cars by 2035 in an effort to put more electric vehicles on the road. Check out our pages on Owning An EV and EV FAQs to learn more about benefits of electric vehicles.
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