California Air Resources Board

Background 

For a specific vehicle type to be an eligible purchase under several CARB purchase incentive programs, the vehicle must meet the criteria below. Once a vehicle meets these criteria, it is listed as an ‘eligible vehicle’. Please note, vehicles and participants must meet each program's eligibility requirements (e.g., price caps, MSRP, income limits, etc.). For more information about vehicle and participant eligibility requirements, visit Clean Cars 4 All Implementing Air Districts.

Vehicle Eligibility Criteria

Vehicles must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Have a base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the following vehicle categories:​​​​​​
   • Base MSRP of $60,000 or less for vehicles that fall under the large vehicles category, including minivans, pickups, and SUVs.
   • Base MSRP of $45,000 or less for vehicles that fall under the cars category, which includes all other light-duty vehicle classes (e.g., hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, and two-seaters).
   • Except for fuel-cell electric vehicles, all vehicles must meet the base MSRP caps based on vehicle categories above. Vehicle categories are based on EPA class.
2. Be CARB approved/certified.
3. Meet prescribed performance, emissions, service, and warranty thresholds.

Manufacturer Application Process

To qualify for CARB incentive programs, vehicle manufacturers must submit a Vehicle Eligibility Application and all required documents for each model year. CARB will review the materials, request any missing information, and work with the manufacturer to complete the eligibility process.

If a vehicle meets the requirements, it will be added the vehicle to the List of Eligible Vehicle Models. This list is updated regularly as new applications are approved. A vehicle is only eligible once its model and model year appear on the list.

For detailed information on the vehicle eligibility criteria and the application process for manufacturers, see the implementation manuals below.

• Light-Duty Vehicle Purchase Incentive Program Implementation Manual for Automakers
• Purchase Incentive Programs Implementation Manual for Manufacturers of Zero Emissions Motorcycles 

Manufacturers can contact LDVehicleEligibility@arb.ca.gov to request and submit applications and supporting documents or ask any questions.

Current Eligible Vehicles

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Battery-Electric Vehicles

Fuel-Cell Electric Vehicles

Zero-Emission Motorcycles

Previously Eligible Vehicles