Replace Your Ride California in 2026 and Other CA EV Incentives

Replace Your Ride applications are temporarily paused as of August 2026. Learn who qualifies, which vehicles and dealers are eligible, how the application works and what current funding plans suggest about the program's future.

Replace Your Ride California in 2026 – and Other CA EV Incentives

Replace Your Ride can provide up to $12,000 toward an eligible electric or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle when an income-qualified Southern California resident retires an eligible older gasoline or diesel vehicle. 

Qualifying participants can choose a new or used battery-electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid or fuel-cell vehicle. A $7,500 e-bike or alternative-mobility option and up to $2,000 for an eligible Level 2 charger may also be available.

Already applied? Use the official Replace Your Ride login and application page to check the status shown in your account.

New applicant? Use this guide to determine whether you appear to fit the rules and prepare—but wait for intake to reopen before relying on an award.

For a broader look at programs outside the South Coast region, see our guide to California EV rebates and incentives in 2026.

Photo illustration: Replace Your Ride may provide eligible Southern California residents with up to $12,000 to retire an older, high-polluting vehicle and choose a cleaner transportation option. The vehicles shown are illustrative; eligibility and incentive amounts vary.

The vehicles shown are illustrative; eligibility and incentive amounts vary.

 

 

Replace Your Ride California at a glance

Last updated: August 18, 2026

Question Current answer
How much is available? Up to $9,500 or $11,500 for a qualifying plug-in hybrid; up to $10,000 or $12,000 for a qualifying battery-electric or fuel-cell vehicle; $7,500 for an eligible mobility option; and potentially up to $2,000 for eligible Level 2 charging
Who administers it? South Coast Air Quality Management District, as the South Coast regional Clean Cars 4 All program
Where is it available? All of Orange County and qualifying urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties; the exact address must pass the program's checker
Income limit Household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level; for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, that is $47,880 for one person and $99,000 for four people
Old vehicle Generally a model-year 2010 or older gasoline or diesel vehicle, titled to the applicant and owned and operated in California for at least 24 months, operational throughout the process, with additional title, registration and completeness rules
Replacement vehicle A qualifying new or used model-year 2019 or newer PHEV, BEV or FCEV from a participating dealer; additional price, mileage, title, recall and retention rules apply
Can you apply after buying? No. Applicants must qualify before shopping and receive final program approval before completing the transaction
Current application status Temporarily suspended for new applications; existing users can log in; no reopening date is published. Recent multi-year contracting and case-management funding actions indicate that the broader program is intended to continue.
 

In this guide

Haven’t Switched to An EV Yet?

You can also use our nonprofit's checklist for finding other state and local EV incentives and our free EV Cost Savings Calculator. 

When you are ready to shop, you can compare new and used EV deals near you.

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Replace Your Ride Paused? Check These Other California EV Incentives

A pause in Replace Your Ride does not necessarily mean that no EV assistance is available. California incentives come from state agencies, air districts, electric utilities, community-choice energy providers, cities and limited private programs. Eligibility depends on your address, electric utility, income, vehicle, purchase date and whether you are buying new or used.

Start by checking the electric company named on your bill. Then review Coltura's complete guide to California EV rebates and incentives in 2026.

  • Southern California Edison EV rebates: If your home receives electricity from SCE, a qualifying used EV purchase or lease may be eligible for a $1,000 SCE Pre-Owned EV Rebate or a $4,000 income-qualified Rebate Plus. SCE also offers Charge Ready Home assistance of up to $4,200 for qualifying electrical-panel and circuit upgrades, a Charge Smart reward of up to $100 and EV-oriented time-of-use rates. Each program has separate account, income, vehicle and application requirements.
  • LADWP used-EV rebates: Los Angeles residents whose electricity comes from LADWP—not SCE—may qualify for $1,500 toward an eligible used EV or $4,000 if the service address is enrolled in EZ-SAVE or Lifeline. LADWP's program covers qualifying used battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and the application generally must be submitted within 12 months of purchase.
  • LADWP home-charger assistance: LADWP residential customers may qualify for up to $1,000 toward an eligible residential charger and installation. EZ-SAVE or Lifeline customers may qualify for another $500, and a separate $250 dedicated-meter rebate may apply. LADWP also offers a separately metered EV rate discount.
  • Other utility and local EV programs: Residents served by Anaheim Public Utilities, Burbank Water and Power, Glendale Water and Power, Pasadena Water and Power, Riverside Public Utilities or another municipal utility should check for vehicle, charger and installation rebates. If a community-choice provider supplies your electricity, check both that provider and the utility that delivers the power because they may offer different programs.
  • MyFirstEV for first-time EV buyers: An eligible first-time buyer or lessee may receive $3,500 toward a qualifying new zero-emission vehicle or $1,750 toward a qualifying used vehicle. The discount is delivered at the point of sale through participating manufacturers and dealers. Availability depends on the manufacturer, model, dealer, vehicle price and remaining manufacturer allocation. Confirm availability before ordering or paying a nonrefundable deposit.
  • DCAP financing assistance: DCAP's no-scrap pathway can provide a qualifying applicant with up to $7,500 toward an eligible cleaner vehicle and potentially up to $2,000 in charging support. Because of high demand, the financing pathway is currently limited to its highest-priority applicants and is expected to close soon. Submission does not guarantee an award or loan.
  • DCAP scrap-and-replace assistance outside regional Clean Cars 4 All districts: Income-qualified residents outside a participating regional Clean Cars 4 All district may qualify for up to $10,000 or $12,000 toward an eligible replacement vehicle, plus potential charging support. South Coast residents generally cannot use this pathway instead of Replace Your Ride because South Coast AQMD operates its own regional program.
  • South Coast AQMD's residential charger rebate: Income-qualified residents may qualify for up to $500 toward a new, hard-wired Level 2 charger. Applicants must document qualifying participation in CARE, FERA, CalWORKs or TANF. A licensed electrician, eligible equipment and required electrical permits are necessary; plug-in chargers connected to an existing outlet do not qualify.
  • Uber's Go Electric incentive: Qualifying Uber Pro Platinum or Diamond drivers may be able to earn a one-time $4,000 incentive. Drivers must apply and receive confirmation before adding the EV, add an eligible personally owned or leased battery-electric vehicle within 90 days and complete 100 qualifying trips by December 31, 2026. Rentals do not qualify, and the offer is limited to the first 2,500 eligible drivers.
  • California vehicle-retirement assistance: The Bureau of Automotive Repair may pay an eligible owner $1,350, $1,500 or $2,000 to retire an operational vehicle. The amount depends on household income and Smog Check history. This is a retirement payment, not assistance toward purchasing a replacement EV.
  • PG&E EV rebates: PG&E does not serve the same electric account as SCE or LADWP, so its rebates normally will not apply to a South Coast resident. Readers elsewhere in California can check PG&E's $1,000 or $4,000 used-EV rebate and its current home-charging and electrical-upgrade programs. Important PG&E eligibility changes are scheduled for fall 2026.

Do not automatically add every advertised amount together. Some incentives can be combined, while others are mutually exclusive or require approval before the purchase, lease, charger installation or retirement of the old vehicle. Confirm the applicant, address, electric account, vehicle, dealer and transaction timing with every program before relying on the money.

EVs Are More Affordable Than You Think - With Or Without Incentives

Upfront incentives are only part of the financial picture. An all-electric vehicle does not require oil changes and generally has fewer moving parts and fluids to maintain. Regenerative braking can also reduce brake wear.

Consumer Reports estimated that a typical EV owner may save $6,000–$10,000 over the vehicle’s lifetime compared with owning a comparable gasoline vehicle. Savings vary by vehicle, mileage, charging costs, gasoline prices, and ownership period. Savings can be greater for high-mileage drivers.

View our guide to the least expensive electric cars, how to find EV lease deals and our guide to used EVs.

Coltura's EV Cost Savings Calculator also lets you compare estimated gasoline, electricity and maintenance costs using your own driving information.

 

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It’s a must-read for people considering an EV.

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What is the Replace Your Ride program?

Replace Your Ride is a South Coast AQMD vehicle-replacement program for lower-income households. It helps an approved participant retire an older, higher-polluting gasoline or diesel vehicle and replace it with cleaner transportation.

The program is designed around a controlled sequence: qualify the applicant and old car, authorize shopping, approve the exact replacement transaction, deliver the replacement and then send the old vehicle to an authorized dismantler. That sequence is why a person who has already bought an EV cannot apply retroactively.

Is Replace Your Ride the same as Clean Cars 4 All?

Replace Your Ride is the South Coast region's version of California's Clean Cars 4 All framework. Other California air districts use names such as Clean Cars for All or Drive Clean in the San Joaquin. Residents inside South Coast AQMD territory use Replace Your Ride rather than choosing a different regional Clean Cars 4 All administrator.

California's Driving Clean Assistance Program, or DCAP, is related but separate. Residents of an air district with its own Clean Cars 4 All program generally must use that regional program for scrap-and-replace assistance. However, DCAP's separate no-scrap financing pathway may serve qualifying applicants inside those districts. That pathway is currently restricted because of high demand. Prior participation also matters: the live Replace Your Ride rules generally limit a participant or IRS household to one lifetime Replace Your Ride or Clean Cars 4 All incentive.

Will Replace Your Ride reopen in 2026 or 2027?

South Coast AQMD has not announced a reopening date, but the available evidence indicates that this is a temporary intake suspension rather than the end of Replace Your Ride.

The program began in 2015 and has received multiple rounds of state funding. CARB allocated approximately $40 million in Clean Cars 4 All funding and $1.4 million in Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program funding to South Coast AQMD in 2023. In August 2024, South Coast AQMD recognized another $5.9 million from CARB to continue implementing Replace Your Ride.

More recent administrative actions point toward continued operation:

These plans provide substantial evidence that South Coast AQMD intends to continue the program, but they do not guarantee that new applications will reopen in 2026 or 2027. Funding generally moves through several stages: California adopts its budget around June, CARB allocates funds or executes grant agreements, South Coast AQMD recognizes the money, and the district establishes sufficient administrative and case-management capacity.

Those steps commonly occur from summer through fall, but contracting, case-management and implementation work can extend into the following year. New intake could reopen in late 2026 or 2027, but no official schedule has been announced. Readers should not make a purchase decision based on that possibility.

Practical takeaway: prepare now, but rely on the live Replace Your Ride portal for whether applications can actually be submitted.

 

How much does Replace Your Ride pay?

Approved replacement Outside a qualifying disadvantaged community Inside a qualifying disadvantaged community
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Up to $9,500 Up to $11,500
Battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle Up to $10,000 Up to $12,000
E-bike or approved alternative mobility $7,500 face value $7,500 face value
Eligible Level 2 charger purchase and installation Potentially up to $2,000 in addition to an approved PHEV or BEV transaction Potentially up to $2,000 in addition to an approved PHEV or BEV transaction

The extra $2,000 vehicle amount is tied to an eligible address in a qualifying disadvantaged-community census tract, not simply to living anywhere in one of the four counties. Use the program's address checker and let the case manager determine the award.

This is not a $12,000 cash payment for every applicant. The amount depends on the replacement type and address. The vehicle benefit is used in an approved dealership transaction after qualification. It cannot reimburse a purchase you made earlier.

 

Who qualifies for Replace Your Ride California?

A strong potential applicant satisfies all four of these tests:

  1. Address: the residence is inside South Coast AQMD's eligible territory.
  2. Income: household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.
  3. Old car: the applicant owns an operational, eligible 2010-or-older gasoline or diesel vehicle that meets the 24-month and registration rules.
  4. Participation: the applicant and IRS household have not already used a disqualifying Replace Your Ride or Clean Cars 4 All incentive.

Passing a quick checker is not approval. The case manager verifies documents, old-vehicle history and the proposed replacement transaction.

Eligible counties and cities

South Coast AQMD covers all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. County or ZIP code alone is not enough because district boundaries can split communities. Enter the full residential address in the official Replace Your Ride eligibility checker.

If the address is outside South Coast AQMD, use California's Clean Cars 4 All air-district list and Coltura's California incentives guide to identify the correct regional or statewide pathway.

2026 Replace Your Ride income limits

The live portal says the following limits apply to applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026. South Coast AQMD generally uses the most current IRS Form 1040 to determine income and household size and may consider other government documentation case by case.

Household size Maximum annual household income
1 $47,880
2 $64,920
3 $81,960
4 $99,000
5 $116,040
6 $133,080
7 $150,120
8 $167,160
Each additional person Add $17,040

Do not assume that every person at the address counts the way you expect. The program reviews the IRS household. If an applicant uses a notarized income affidavit, the live rules say it must be accompanied by Social Security cards, IRS non-filing transcripts for household members and proof of the income sources used in the affidavit.

What old car qualifies for Replace Your Ride?

The vehicle being retired must meet a detailed set of rules. Under the live eligibility page, it generally must:

  • Be model year 2010 or older.
  • Run on gasoline or diesel.
  • Have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
  • Have a title issued in the applicant's name at least 24 months before the application date.
  • Have been owned and operated in California for the previous 24 months.
  • Have no lienholder shown on the title.
  • Remain operational from qualification through surrender to the authorized dismantler.
  • Be roadworthy, complete, untampered and expected to have at least 30 months of useful life.
  • Have valid California operational registration with no lapse longer than 120 days during the prior 24 months, unless the program accepts the specified alternative operating-history evidence.
  • Have a recent operational or smog test.

Does the old car have to pass smog?

No. The test documents operation; the car does not have to pass. There is a timing inconsistency worth knowing: the live 2026 eligibility page asks for a vehicle operational test or smog check performed during the 90 days before applying, while the January 2025 FAQ says it may be within 90 days before or after submission. Follow the newer live instruction or get written guidance from a case manager before paying for a test.

What if the registration history has a gap?

A lapse longer than 120 days can be a problem, but the live rules describe potential alternative proof of operation in California. That may include insurer-issued documents and/or qualifying repair invoices from a Bureau of Automotive Repair-registered shop. Repair evidence must span at least two calendar years and include specified shop, vehicle, service and date information. Planned non-operation, or PNO, is not accepted as proof of operation.

If registration cards are missing, the program points applicants to a California DMV vehicle history record. The DMV's online record request currently costs $2 and allows one opportunity to print the record, so save the PDF or print it immediately.

Can an old car with a salvage title qualify?

Potentially. The old vehicle may have a salvage title if it has been re-registered with the DMV as operable and otherwise meets the rules. That exception applies to the car being retired. A replacement vehicle with a branded title—such as salvage or lemon-law buyback—is not eligible.

Which replacement vehicles qualify?

An eligible replacement must be purchased or leased from a current participating Replace Your Ride dealership after authorization. The live rules generally require the replacement to:

  • Be a new or used plug-in hybrid, battery-electric or hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.
  • Be model year 2019 or newer.
  • Have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less.
  • Have fewer than 100,000 miles and fewer miles than the retired vehicle.
  • Have zero active safety recalls, documented with an NHTSA recall report.
  • Have a total vehicle cost no greater than $65,000 before payments, credits, promotions, rebates or incentives.
  • Have a clean, non-branded title.
  • Never have been purchased with Replace Your Ride funds.
  • Not have been previously titled or registered to the participant or anyone in the participant's household.
  • Be registered to and retained by the participant for at least 30 months.

For a lease, the vehicle must be new, the lease must be at least 30 months and the model must be on CARB's eligible-new-vehicle list. The participant must review the program's consumer-protection form.

A qualifying model is not the same as a qualifying transaction. Before committing, verify the exact VIN, mileage, title, recall report, total cost, dealer participation and program approval. Search the VIN on the official NHTSA recall checker yourself, then ask the dealer and case manager to confirm it.

 
 

How to apply for Replace Your Ride

New applications cannot currently be started or submitted. When the program reopens, use this order:

  1. Check the live status. Go directly to ReplaceYourRide.com. Do not rely on a dealer or third-party “open” label.
  2. Check the full address. Use the official eligibility page to confirm that the residence is inside South Coast AQMD territory and see whether it appears to be in a qualifying priority area.
  3. Screen the household and old vehicle. Review the income, title, 24-month operating history, registration, lien and vehicle-completeness rules before gathering documents.
  4. Create an account and submit the two-step application only when intake allows it. The official portal says the application is free. Save a copy and confirmation.
  5. Wait for case-manager assignment. Applications are assigned first-come, first-served. Monitor the account, email and spam folder and respond promptly to document requests.
  6. Complete verification. The case manager determines whether the applicant, household and old car qualify. Keep the old car registered, insured as required, complete and operational.
  7. Receive the pre-qualification or preliminary purchase authorization. The official step guide says qualified applicants initially receive 90 days to find a replacement at a participating dealership.
  8. Shop only within the approved window and rules. Confirm the live dealer list, exact VIN, recall status, mileage, title and total cost. Get an insurance quote and compare the complete out-the-door price and loan terms.
  9. Wait for final approval. Do not take delivery merely because a dealer says the vehicle “should qualify.” The exact transaction must complete the program's final approval process.
  10. Take possession, then surrender the old vehicle as directed. The official flow guide puts old-car surrender after delivery of the replacement. Use only the authorized dismantler and instructions provided by the case manager.

The program offers free bilingual assistance. You do not need to pay a person or company to apply.

Replace Your Ride documents to prepare

The exact request depends on the household and vehicle history, but likely documents include:

  • Valid California driver's license or acceptable government ID for a mobility option.
  • Old-vehicle title showing the required ownership period and no lienholder.
  • California registration and operating-history records for the previous 24 months.
  • Recent smog or vehicle inspection record meeting the live timing rule.
  • Most current federal Form 1040 and documents needed to establish IRS household size.
  • IRS non-filing transcripts and other income proof if the case manager permits a non-filer or affidavit pathway.
  • Old vehicle's VIN, license plate, make, model and mileage.
  • Proof of current address if the DMV history record does not display it.
  • Alternative insurance or repair invoices if the program allows them to establish operation during a registration gap.

Upload legible, complete pages. The official FAQ says missing or unreadable documents delay review. Name files clearly, keep a copy of everything and use the same legal name and address across the application, tax, title and DMV records wherever accurate.

The live eligibility page also warns that Hotmail, Outlook, Live, Passport and MSN email domains have caused problems with its security portal. If possible, use a different email address and still monitor spam.

 

How long does Replace Your Ride take?

There is no reliable current end-to-end promise, especially while new intake is suspended.

  • New applications: no wait estimate applies because new submissions are temporarily blocked and no reopening date is published.
  • Case-manager assignment: South Coast AQMD's January 2025 FAQ says approximately four to six months after submission. That is an estimate, not a guarantee.
  • Eligibility review: variable. Complete, legible documents can shorten review; follow-up requests extend it.
  • Vehicle-shopping window: the official step guide says qualified applicants initially receive 90 days to find a replacement at a participating dealership.
  • Charger reimbursement: the live rules say payment is mailed about three to four months after all required charger documents are complete.

When could new applications reopen?

No official date has been announced. California transportation-incentive funding generally begins with the state budget in June, followed by CARB allocations or grant agreements and then South Coast AQMD funding and contracting actions. That makes fall an important period to watch, but funding approval and application reopening are not the same event.

The present suspension appears to involve processing capacity as well as funding. South Coast AQMD said additional case-management support was needed after a surge of applications. The district may therefore continue processing existing applicants before accepting another large group of new applications.

Check for updates most closely during fall 2026 and again in early 2027. This is a suggested monitoring window, not a promised reopening schedule.

What applicants report about the timeline

Public discussion threads are useful for anticipating friction, but they are anecdotal and are not program rules. In recent Southern California and CarMax-focused Reddit threads, some participants described roughly six months or longer from application to case-manager contact, repeated document requests, delays in final vehicle approval and eligible inventory selling before the process finished. Older discussions show the same recurring confusion about geography, dealer participation and whether the benefit is cash.

Use those experiences as planning signals, not promises. Keep the old car operational, avoid a purchase deadline you cannot control, have more than one acceptable EV in mind and do not count on a dealer holding a vehicle without written terms you understand.

Replace Your Ride participating dealerships

Replacement vehicles must come from a participating dealership on the live program list. Private-party purchases do not qualify.

The list changes and is too long to reproduce safely in an evergreen article. As of this update, it includes numerous independent dealers, manufacturer franchises, CarMax locations and Tesla locations. Some entries have restrictions—for example, the live list labels one Hyundai location as eligible for new vehicles only. Confirm the dealer on the day you shop and ask the case manager whether the exact location and transaction are approved.

Can you buy a Tesla with Replace Your Ride?

Potentially, yes. The official participating-dealer page currently lists multiple Tesla locations. That does not mean every Model 3, Model Y or used Tesla qualifies. The exact vehicle and transaction still must meet the model-year, mileage, $65,000 total-cost, clean-title, zero-active-recall and program-approval rules.

Do not place a nonrefundable Tesla order or take delivery before your case manager confirms the sequence and exact transaction. If buying a used Tesla through another participating dealer, that dealer, vehicle and VIN must all qualify.

How to compare participating dealers

  • Ask for the full out-the-door price before discussing a monthly payment.
  • Separate the vehicle price, taxes, registration, warranty, add-ons and finance charges.
  • Ask whether optional products can be removed.
  • Compare the interest rate, loan term and total of payments—not only the grant-adjusted amount due.
  • Get an insurance quote for the exact VIN. Some forum participants were surprised by higher EV insurance costs.
  • Check battery health, charging speed, remaining warranties and recall status on a used EV.
  • Keep backup vehicles in mind because used inventory can sell during final review.

Replace Your Ride EV charger incentive

A participant who purchases or leases a qualifying battery-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid through Replace Your Ride may be eligible for up to $2,000 toward a Level 2 charger and installation.

The live rules require an EVITP-certified electrician and a finalized local permit. Purchase, installation and submission must be completed within six months after the retired vehicle is surrendered. Required materials include paid charger and installation invoices, California Form 590, the EVITP electrician estimate, a load calculation, finalized permit and photos of the panel, conduit, charger and vehicle plugged in and charging.

Use the official EVITP contractor finder and verify certification before authorizing work. Do not assume a general electrician, unpermitted installation or charger bought too early will be reimbursed.

E-bike and alternative-mobility option

An approved participant may choose a $7,500 e-bike or alternative-mobility benefit instead of a replacement passenger vehicle. The old qualifying vehicle still must be retired. South Coast AQMD says the e-bike option begins after a case manager qualifies the application.

The participant shops at an approved or willing-to-participate brick-and-mortar e-bike shop and obtains a detailed invoice. The broader portal also references approved public transit, car-sharing or vanpooling options. Ask the case manager what is currently offered before choosing mobility over a car.

This path can be valuable for a household that can realistically live without the old car, but it is not free money with no transportation tradeoff. Price the e-bike, accessories, secure storage, transit coverage and occasional ride needs together.

 
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 Can Replace Your Ride stack with other incentives?

Some combinations may be possible, but never assume stacking from a marketing headline. Every program must approve the same buyer, vehicle, seller, timing and transaction.

MyFirstEV

CARB's current MyFirstEV FAQ says MyFirstEV may be combined with Clean Cars 4 All. Because Replace Your Ride is South Coast AQMD's regional Clean Cars 4 All program, an otherwise qualifying transaction may potentially receive both incentives. MyFirstEV has its own first-time-ZEV, model, price, manufacturer, funding and ordering rules, and manufacturer allocations can run out. Obtain Replace Your Ride authorization first and have the case manager, dealer and manufacturer confirm the paperwork.

SCE used-EV rebate

Many South Coast residents receive electricity from Southern California Edison. SCE currently offers $1,000 or $4,000 for an eligible pre-owned BEV or PHEV and applicant. The SCE rebate has separate service, vehicle, prior-rebate, income and application rules. Ask both programs whether the exact used-EV transaction can receive both before treating the SCE amount as part of the budget. See Coltura's SCE EV rebate guide.

Clean Cars 4 All partial sales-tax exemption

California provides a partial sales-and-use-tax exemption through December 31, 2027 for a qualified Clean Cars 4 All buyer with an air-district award letter purchasing an awarded qualifying zero- or near-zero-emission vehicle. The current exemption removes 3.9375 percentage points from the statewide rate; local district taxes can still apply. Ask the case manager and participating dealer whether the transaction qualifies and whether the dealer will complete CDTFA-230-ZEV.

Stacking checklist: write down each incentive, administrator, application deadline, required approval date, vehicle price/mileage limits and payment method. Get uncertain combinations confirmed by both administrators in writing before signing.

Nine Replace Your Ride mistakes to avoid

  1. Buying first. Replace Your Ride is not retroactive.
  2. Trusting a stale “open” label. The live portal currently suspends new applications.
  3. Ignoring short document-response deadlines. Applicant reports and program notices indicate that a case manager may require additional documents quickly. Monitor your inbox, spam folder and portal even after a long period with no activity.
  4. Letting the old car stop running. It must remain operational through surrender.
  5. Assuming the smog test must pass. It does not—but the test and timing rules still matter.
  6. Shopping outside the participating list. Private-party and nonparticipating-dealer transactions do not qualify.
  7. Checking only the model, not the VIN. Mileage, title and active recalls can disqualify an otherwise eligible model.
  8. Negotiating only the monthly payment. Compare out-the-door price, interest rate, loan term, insurance and optional add-ons.
  9. Assuming “up to $12,000” means $12,000 cash. The award depends on address and vehicle type and is used through the approved transaction.

What to do while new applications are paused

  1. Bookmark the official status page and check it periodically.
  2. Run the full address through the eligibility checker.
  3. Confirm title issue date, lien status, registration history and whether the old car can remain operational.
  4. Order a DMV record only if needed and save it immediately.
  5. Gather tax and household documents, but do not send personal information to unofficial helpers.
  6. Research several qualifying EVs and insurance costs without ordering or buying one.
  7. Review other programs in case a different pathway is available sooner.

Replace Your Ride contact information

  • Official portal and status: ReplaceYourRide.com
  • Application and existing-account login: official application page
  • Phone: 844-797-2223
  • Call hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9–11 a.m. and 2–4 p.m. Pacific
  • Email: info@replaceyourride.com
  • Languages: free bilingual assistance is available; se habla español
  • Mail: South Coast AQMD, Attention: Replace Your Ride, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
 

Conclusion: Take the next step

 
 

Switching to an EV can reduce gasoline spending while helping improve air quality for California communities. Take advantage of these incentives and feel great about driving your EV.

Replace Your Ride is not accepting new applications right now, but eligible residents can prepare their documents, keep their older vehicle operational and check other California incentives in the meantime. Do not purchase a replacement vehicle or retire your current car based on a possible future award.

You can also check other  California EV incentives you may qualify for. You can then compare new and used EVs or ask Coltura’s EV assistant about your next step. 

The most important rule is simple: check incentives before you buy. Confirm the official Replace Your Ride requirements, then compare eligible vehicles and other California programs before completing a transaction. A few minutes spent confirming eligibility, funding and application timing could be worth thousands of dollars.

 

About Coltura: Coltura is a nonprofit working to accelerate the transition beyond gasoline to cleaner, cheaper, locally produced electricity. We provide independent EV information and tools, but we do not administer California incentive programs, approve applications, guarantee eligibility or funding, or provide tax or legal advice.

Disclaimer: Incentive funding, eligibility, deadlines, approved vehicles and stacking rules can change. This guide provides general information and does not guarantee eligibility. Confirm all requirements with the official program before completing a vehicle purchase, lease, charger installation or vehicle retirement.

 

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Imagine cleaner air for your children to breathe, a quieter neighborhood, and fewer trips to the mechanic. EVs aren’t just about saving money — they’re about creating a better future.

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Search Used EV Prices Near You In California

If you are hunting for the most affordable EVs in California, it's worth considering a used EV. Enter your ZIP code to browse local used EV prices for sale near you. The default search below starts with used EV listings within 100 miles of ZIP code 94025.

Once Replace Your Ride authorizes you to shop, compare eligible inventory at participating dealers and confirm the exact VIN with your case manager. Coltura's search can help you understand local pricing, but a listing does not establish program eligibility.

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Haven't switched to an EV yet?

Imagine never having to visit a gas station again, or needing an oil change again or worrying about unpredictable gas prices. With an electric vehicle, this could be your reality—while potentially saving thousands of dollars a year.

 Curious how much you could save switching to an EV? Get a quick estimate of your savings below!

 

 

*Disclaimer: This tool is only intended to provide an estimate of potential savings. Actual results will vary. Learn more about the calculation and the Electric vs Gas Calculator here.

 

 
 

Frequently asked questions

Is Replace Your Ride accepting applications in 2026?

Not new applications as of August 18, 2026. The official portal says intake is temporarily suspended because of high volume. Existing users can log in, but people cannot start or submit a new application during the suspension. No reopening date is published.

When will Replace Your Ride reopen?

South Coast AQMD has not announced a reopening date. Recent multi-year contracting, additional case-management funding and CARB participation projections indicate that the program is intended to continue, but they do not establish a reopening date.

How much can I get from Replace Your Ride?

An approved applicant may receive up to $9,500 or $11,500 for an eligible plug-in hybrid and up to $10,000 or $12,000 for an eligible battery-electric or fuel-cell vehicle. The higher amount depends on a qualifying disadvantaged-community address. A $7,500 mobility option and potentially up to $2,000 for eligible charging are separate choices or benefits.

Is Replace Your Ride really free?

Yes. South Coast AQMD says applying is free and free bilingual help is available. Do not pay an unofficial person to file the application.

How do I log in to Replace Your Ride?

Use the official application page at xappprod.aqmd.gov/RYR/Home/Application and select Login. Existing applicants can see the current status in their account and contact an assigned case manager.

How long does Replace Your Ride take?

South Coast AQMD's January 2025 FAQ estimates approximately four to six months from submission to case-manager contact, but review and final transaction time vary. Current new intake is paused, and some forum participants report longer waits. Qualified applicants initially receive 90 days to find a replacement vehicle.

What income qualifies for Replace Your Ride?

Household income must be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. For applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, that is $47,880 for one person, $64,920 for two and $99,000 for four, with higher limits for larger households.

What year car qualifies for Replace Your Ride?

The gasoline or diesel vehicle being retired must generally be model year 2010 or older. The replacement PHEV, BEV or FCEV must be model year 2019 or newer and meet all mileage, cost, title, recall and dealer rules.

Does the old car have to pass smog?

No. A recent smog or operational test is required, but the vehicle does not have to pass. Follow the live portal's current timing instructions.

Can I apply after buying an EV?

No. Replace Your Ride is a voucher program, not a retroactive rebate. You must apply, qualify and receive authorization before completing an eligible transaction at a participating dealer.

Where can I find the Replace Your Ride dealership list?

Use the Participating Automotive Dealerships table on the official Participant Resources page. Check it again when authorized to shop because locations and restrictions can change.

Does Replace Your Ride work at CarMax?

Several CarMax locations appear on the current participating-dealer list. The specific location and vehicle must still be approved, and the exact VIN must satisfy every replacement-vehicle rule.

Can I buy a Tesla through Replace Your Ride?

Potentially. Multiple Tesla locations appear on the current dealer list, but the exact Tesla, transaction and location still require approval. Do not order or take delivery before the case manager confirms the process.

Can I buy from a private seller?

No. The official FAQ says the replacement must come from a participating dealership.

Can a salvage-title car qualify?

The old car may potentially qualify if it is properly re-registered with the DMV as operable and meets every other rule. The replacement vehicle cannot have a branded title.

Can I use Replace Your Ride for an e-bike?

Yes. An approved participant may choose a $7,500 eligible e-bike or alternative-mobility option instead of a replacement passenger vehicle. The old qualifying car still must be surrendered.

Can I get $2,000 for an EV charger?

Potentially. An approved PHEV or BEV participant may receive up to $2,000 for an eligible Level 2 charger and installation if the EVITP electrician, permit, timing and documentation rules are satisfied.

Can Replace Your Ride be combined with MyFirstEV?

Potentially. CARB says MyFirstEV may stack with Clean Cars 4 All, and Replace Your Ride is the South Coast Clean Cars 4 All program. Every buyer, vehicle, manufacturer, dealer, timing and paperwork rule still must be met.

Is Replace Your Ride a cash-for-clunkers program?

It is an income-qualified vehicle-retirement and replacement program, but it is not an unrestricted cash payment. An applicant must qualify before shopping, use an approved dealer and replacement, and surrender the old vehicle through the authorized process.

 
 
 
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