Niro Plug-In Hybrid

Make
Kia
Segment
SUV

California has long been the most progressive state when it comes to environmental regulations. Most recently, it was the first state to announce a ban on new combustion-engined vehicle sales after 2035 (newly moved forward to 2030). Several other states soon adopted similar measures. And now the Golden State has expanded funding on an incentive program dubbed Clean Cars for All.

Per Car And Driver, the program first got underway in 2019 but recently received $8.3 million in new funding in this year's state budget. It's funded by the state's cap-and-trade program. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) has modified the program so that there are now more grants available.

It's aimed at those who want to buy a new or used plug-in (a Kia Niro PHEV) or hydrogen vehicle (Toyota Mirai) if their trade-in is a 2005 model or earlier. To qualify, buyers need to live in the Bay Area that includes a total of 76 zip codes. Obviously, you'll need to ditch your existing pre-2005 car and your maximum yearly income comes to $51,520 for singles and $69,680 for two people. A family of four has a maximum of $106,000. You cannot have received any previous state-funded rebate from the program.

Lastly, fleet vehicles and those registered to any business, including non-profits, don't qualify.

Those who do qualify can get up to $9,500 to buy or lease something more modern. Plug-in buyers can get an additional rebate valued at $2,000 to install a home charger, $600 to purchase the Level 2 charger, or a $500 charging cord. The average Clean Cars for All vehicle costs, according to BAAQMD, comes to $28,000. The average incentive is $8,500.

Bay Area residents will also be happy to know Clean Cars for All can be combined with the Vehicle Buyback Program. Participants can get $1,200 if they get rid of a 1997 or older vehicle for something newer and electrified.