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Silicon Valley Clean Energy EV Rebate Program
Become a Participating Dealership Today!
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is partnering with local car dealerships to provide $2,000 point-of-sale rebates to income-qualified customers for the purchase or lease of new or pre-owned electric vehicles (EV).
Learn more about the EV Rebate.
Already a participating dealership and looking for reimbursement info? See here.
Why Participate?
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- Gain free exposure through SVCE marketing. Participating dealerships will be featured prominently on SVCE customer communications, including website, email, events, and social media ads, promoting the rebate across our 13 Santa Clara County communities.
- Boost sales of high-margin EVs by becoming one of the select authorized dealerships offering this exclusive on-site rebate.
- Attract new customers with the EV rebate which help make higher-priced EVs accessible to more customers.
- No hassle for your customers. Minimal paperwork and instant point-of-sale discounts (no waiting for rebate checks!).
- It’s free! SVCE covers the full cost of the rebate with timely reimbursements. There is no additional fee or minimum sales requirement.
Requirements:
- Be a franchised new car dealer, franchised used car dealer, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or a used car dealer (restrictions apply).
- If the dealer is a used car dealer, the dealer must be an EV-only used car dealer OR be in business for more than 5 years.
- Be located in or near Santa Clara County
- Provide your dealership’s DMV License Number and a copy of your Business License
- Provide a program point of contact (Sales Manager or Office Manager)
Our team will review your application within 3-5 business days. Approved applicants will receive a short onboarding training session to cover program logistics. If you have any questions, please email svceprograms@smud.org or call 916-732-7268.
About EV Rebates: How It Works
STEP 1: Customers visit your dealership
STEP 2: Inform customers about the SVCE EV rebate for qualifying vehicles
- Qualifying vehicles include new or pre-owned Electric Vehicle (EV) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) of 2010 model or newer
- Vehicles can be purchased or leased
STEP 3: Verify customer eligibility through a simple lookup tool provided by SVCE
- To be eligible, customers must meet income requirements and be a SVCE residential customer
STEP 4: Apply the rebate as a point-of-sale discount for customers
STEP 5: Submit documentation of sale to SVCE
- Once approved, your dealership can expect payment within 2-3 weeks by mail or direct deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
For further questions, please email svceprograms@smud.org or call 916-732-7268
SVCE is the public, not-for-profit agency that provides clean electricity for 96% of residents and businesses across 13 Santa Clara County communities. Our mission is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by providing carbon free, affordable, and reliable electricity and innovative programs for the SVCE community. Learn more here.
We are offering the EV Rebate to help reduce the cost barrier to EV adoption for low-income residents.
To be eligible for the SVCE EV Rebate, customers must reside in SVCE service territory and meet the following income-qualifying criteria.
| Household Size | Maximum Gross Annual Household Income (80% Area Median Income) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $102,300 |
| 2 persons | $116,900 |
| 3 persons | $131,500 |
| 4 persons | $146,100 |
| 5 persons | $157,800 |
| 6 persons | $169,500 |
| 7 persons | $181,200 |
| 8 persons | $192,900 |
To be eligible for the SVCE EV Rebate, customers must reside in SVCE service territory and meet the income-qualifying criteria.
- Participating dealerships are provided with an online tool to verify that the customer’s address is within SVCE service territory.
- Customers self-attest their income eligibility, with no income documentation required at point of sale.
- Customers must sign a Participant Agreement confirming they meet all qualifications.
Dealerships should inform customers that they may be subject to an audit and required to repay the rebate if they cannot provide proof of address and income.
The vehicle must be:
- An Electric Vehicle (EV) or Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)*
- A highway capable, four-wheeled passenger vehicle
- A 2010 model year or newer
- Purchased or leased at a participating dealership (for Point-of-Sale Rebate) or with a licensed dealer or online retailer (for Post-Purchase Rebate). Private vehicle sales do not qualify.
- Purchased or leased on or after October 1, 2024.
*EVs are fully electric and powered exclusively by a battery, with no use of gasoline.
PHEVs use both gasoline and electricity, equipped with both a gas tank and a charging port.
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and gas hybrids without a plug-in option are not eligible.
- For the Silicon Valley Clean Energy EV Rebate, you can purchase a vehicle at any price. We do not have any maximum purchase price as of October 1, 2024.
- The federal tax credit requires used vehicles to be under $25,000. If you purchase an eligible used vehicle and qualify for the Used Clean Vehicle Credit, you can combine the tax credit with the SVCE EV Rebate.
- Total possible savings: $6,000 (Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credits + SVCE EV Rebate)
- The federal tax credits require new vehicles to be under: $80,000 for vans, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks, and $55,000 for other vehicles. If you purchase an eligible new vehicle, and qualify for the New Clean Vehicle Credit, you can combine the tax credit with the SVCE EV Rebate.
- Total possible savings: $9,500 (New Vehicle Tax Credit + SVCE EV Rebate)
The EV Rebate may be considered income and may be taxable. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is not responsible for any tax liability or determining whether a tax liability exists and recommends you consult your tax preparer for implications.
Yes! The SVCE Rebate can be stacked onto other incentives a customer is qualified to receive. See a list of other regional and federal incentives here. Please note that some incentives require application and approval before purchase.
Yes. For purchases made on or after October 1, 2024 customers can individually complete a Reimbursement Form on our website within 120 days of purchase from any licensed dealer or retailer. We encourage all participating dealerships to apply the rebate at the point-of-sale when possible.
1. A complete copy of the Sales Contract
2. The signed Customer Participant Agreement
3. A copy of the DMV Application for Title or Registration
Specific instructions will be covered in onboarding for new participating dealerships.
You must submit documentation within 30 days of the sale to request reimbursement. Specific instructions will be covered in onboarding for new participating dealerships.
