City of Santa Barbara

Before You Apply!​

1. Please review the “Pre-Application Terms and Conditions” on the SBCE’s site for full eligibility*, and make sure you have the following documents available. Incorrect or missing information and/or documentation may delay the processing of your application. If you have questions or issues regarding the completion of this application, contact SBCEPrograms@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.

Documents required for upload:

1. Car Registration (temporary is acceptable)
2. A full copy of the sales/lease agreement
3. Valid CA Driver’s license (current, not expired)
4. Proof of income for income-qualified applicants (a copy of your 2023 Tax Return (Form 1040) with Social Security Numbers Redacted)

 *See “Income Qualification Requirements" below for explanation of the criteria for income-qualified customers.

2. Applicants must be enrolled in Santa Barbara Clean Energy's (SBCE) generation services to qualify. Your electric bill should say “Santa Barbara Clean Energy Electric Generation Charges” if you are an SBCE member. After reviewing your bill, if you are unsure of your status, please email SBCEPrograms@SantaBarbaraCA.gov for assistance.
3. Applicants may only apply for one rebate per EV purchase/lease per SBCE account (the vehicle registration address should match the applicant’s address).
4. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the EV must be less than $80,000 to qualify. This does not include destination charges or optional items added by the dealer, or taxes and fees.
5. Vehicle must be purchased after April 22,2024. (Vehicles purchased between 11/15/2023 and 04/21/2024 will qualify under the previous incentive rate.)
6. Vehicle must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to an address enrolled in SBCE service.
7. Vehicle must be one of the following types: Battery Electric Vehicles (“BEV”), Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (“PHEV”), Electric Motorcycles (new only).
8. Eligible pre-owned vehicle must meet the following requirements: Must be 8 model years old or newer (e.g., Year 2018-2025 or newer), less than 75,000 original miles, no modifications to chassis or emission control systems, clean Title (cannot be salvaged), no open recalls (closed recalls must show proof of repairs).
9. Remember - This rebate is available while funds last!!

Income Qualification Requirements

1. If you are already registered as a CARE/FERA customer, you are considered income-qualified; and do not need to submit a tax return.
2. If you meet the income requirements outlined below, please submit a copy of your 2023 federal income tax return (Form 1040) with social security numbers redacted.
   
   a.  Tier 1: Household gross anual income is between 201-400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
   
   b. Tier 2: Household gross annual income is at or below 200% of the FPL, equivalent to California Alternate Rates for Energy Program (CARE) or Family Electric Rate Assistance Program (FERA) eligibility.

*Any submitted documents with confidential information will be destroyed after SBCE staff review.

By submitting this application, APPLICANT agrees to the following Post-Application TERMS and CONDITIONS:

1. APPLICANT agrees to indemnify and defend SBCE and its agents or representatives from all claims, demands, and liabilities, including bodily injury claims arising out of or in connection with the APPLICANT’s participation in the Program.
2. Submittal of this Application does not commit SBCE to any financial obligation to any APPLICANT. SBCE will only commit to award funds to APPLICANT upon written confirmation that all program eligibility conditions are met and all required documents and information pertaining to this Application have been provided to SBCE.
3. Application Approval does not guarantee funding. Funding is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, while funds last. Rebate amounts are subject to change without prior notice.
4. SBCE reserves the right to discontinue the Program at any time for any or no reason and remove all available non-reserved funds.
5. SBCE reserves the right to change the requirements and/or due dates as necessary.
6. SBCE reserves the right to consider factors other than those specified within this Application and to request additional information from APPLICANT that are pertinent to the Program.
7. SBCE reserves the right to reject any or all applications received in relation to the Program for any reason.
8. SBCE does not issue a 1099 for the rebate and SBCE cannot offer tax advice of any kind. It is APPLICANT'S responsibility to contact a tax professional regarding the taxability of the provided rebate. SBCE is not responsible for any tax liability which may be imposed as a result of payment of any rebates. The City is not providing tax advice, and any communication by the City is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.
9. APPLICANT shall retain ownership of the new vehicle for a minimum of 24 consecutive months following the vehicle purchase or lease date. Applicant must notify SBCE in writing if the applicant intends to resell the vehicle or return the vehicle to a dealer within this 24-month period prior to taking any such action. Resale of the vehicle or return to a dealer is allowed within this 24-month period if necessitated by unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances and has been given prior written approval by SBCE. However, resale of the program-funded vehicle for financial gain within 24 months is not allowed. If the vehicle is returned or sold within 24 months after the purchase or lease date, SBCE reserves the right to recoup all or a pro-rated amount of the original incentive amount from the applicant and/or pursue any other legal actions deemed appropriate.
10. APPLICANT agrees to remain enrolled in SBCE service for a minimum of 24 consecutive months following the vehicle purchase or lease date.
11. APPLICANT shall insure the new vehicle as required by the California State law for a minimum of 24 consecutive months immediately after the vehicle purchase or lease date.
12. APPLICANT certifies that all information provided as part of this Application, including any attachments, are true and correct.
13. By signing below, the APPLICANT represents that the APPLICANT has read and agrees to these “TERMS and CONDITIONS” of the Electrify Santa Barbara Rebate Program and acknowledges that failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions is automatic grounds for disqualification from the program.

SBCE staff requires scans or images of the following documents: 

1. Car registration (temporary is acceptable)
2. Full agreement for sale or lease contract
3. CA drivers license 
4. 2023 Tax Return - Form 1040 (if applicable)