Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on long-term vehicle costs. With zero emissions at the tailpipe and lower maintenance expenses compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars, EVs present a compelling option for the environmentally conscious consumer. For those interested in exploring incentives and charging options in the Santa Clarita Valley and beyond, details are provided below.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Incentives
While the federal tax credit for purchasing new or used electric vehicles will no longer be available in 2026, having expired on September 30, 2025, there are still several financial incentives to consider:
Federal EV Charger Credit: Homeowners can benefit from a federal tax credit covering up to $1,000 (or 30 percent of the cost) for installing EV charging equipment, applicable for installations completed before July 1, 2026.
California State and Local Incentives: California offers a robust selection of utility rebates and state programs that deliver immediate savings. These incentives, which can come in the form of cash back or rebates, are tailored based on criteria like income or location. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website or check out the DriveClean California website.
California EV Programs
Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A): Designed for low-income residents in select areas, this program offers up to $12,000 towards a new EV, PHEV, e-bike, or transit passes, and an additional $2,000 for home charging.
Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP): Provides financial assistance and grants for low-income Californians to purchase or lease new or used zero emission vehicles (ZEVs), along with incentives for home chargers.
Consumer Assistance Program (CAP – Vehicle Retirement): Eligible residents can receive $2,000 (or $1,350) to retire an old vehicle, an ideal option for those considering a car-free lifestyle or households with multiple vehicles.
Local & Utility Programs
Air Districts: Programs like South Coast AQMD’s “Replace Your Ride” and San Joaquin Valley’s “Drive Clean!” offer local incentives.
Utilities: Local utilities also provide rebates, such as Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offering $4k for used EVs to income-qualified customers, PG&E with rebates ranging from $1k-$4k for used EVs, and Silicon Valley Power offering charging rebates. SCE (Southern California Edison) provides a $1,000 or $4,000 (Rebate Plus) for pre-owned EVs to income-qualified customers, in addition to incentives for panel upgrades and chargers.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Valencia Hyatt – 24500 Town Center Drive
Public charger with two plugs available 24/7, free of charge.
Nissan of Valencia – 24111 Creekside Road
Public charger available 24/7 at no cost.
Kohl’s Santa Clarita – 19307 Golden Valley Road
Free charging while shopping at Kohl’s; otherwise requires an RFID card. Open during store hours.
Castaic Lake RV Park – 31540 Ridge Route Road
Access to 30 and 40 amp circuits, requires own charger. Available 8am-8pm daily, $15 flat fee.
Whole Foods Valencia – 24130 Valencia Blvd
Two chargers available 24/7, free of charge.
Canyon Country Plaza – 19186 Soledad Canyon Road
Three ports (EV Plug J1772, CHAdeMO DCFC, SAE Combo DCFC) available 24/7 with NRG EVgo membership pricing.
Bridgeport Marketplace – 23811 Newhall Ranch Road
Fast-fill charger available 24/7 with NRG EVgo membership pricing.
Bridgeport Marketplace – Tesla Superchargers – 24061 Newhall Ranch Road
24 Tesla connectors available 24/7.
Skyline Ranch Plaza – 19355 Plum Canyon Road
Two chargers with four ports near Grocery Outlet.
Alternative Fueling Station Finder
CNG: A public compressed natural gas station is located at the City of Santa Clarita’s Transit Maintenance Facility, 28250 Constellation Road. Note: As of December 2018, this CNG station is compatible only with 3600 psi.
To find EV charging stations or alternative fueling stations beyond the Santa Clarita Valley, click HERE.
Original Story at scvnews.com