Governor Newsom has released details on his $200 million budget proposal for a light‑duty zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) incentive program, designed to replace lost federal funds. The details were published last week following the initial announcement in his January 10 budget proposal.

As proposed, the program would offer point‑of‑sale discounts for new or used light‑duty electric vehicles (EV), limited to first‑time EV purchasers, with automakers required to match the state’s incentive amounts. Used vehicles would qualify for a lower incentive than new ones, and all vehicles receiving the discount must be registered to a California resident. The proposal also sets vehicle price caps—new EVs must fall below $55,000 or $80,000 depending on vehicle type, and used EVs must be priced at $25,000 or less. CARB would administer the program and it would run through September 1, 2031 be repealed on January 1, 2032.

While the plan outlines the general structure, key details such as the exact incentive amount, how “first‑time EV buyer” status will be verified, and how long funds will last each year remain undefined.

It is also noteworthy that the proposal includes no funding for medium‑ or heavy‑duty trucks, a point already raised by both chairs of the relevant budget subcommittees. Leaving out investments for the vehicles that contribute nearly half of the state’s smog‑forming NOx emissions creates a significant gap in achievable pollution reductions and undermines progress toward California’s clean‑transportation goals.

CRTA’s budget request directly tackles this issue by urging Legislators to dedicate $100 million to accelerate the deployment of low‑NOx heavy-duty trucks, defined as those achieving 50 mg (0.05 g/bhp‑hr) NOx emissions or better. This targeted investment delivers the greatest emissions reductions for the lowest cost to the state by focusing on Class 7-8 trucks, which are the highest‑emitting yet hardest-to-electrify. Because these clean combustion trucks are affordable and already available, this investment would deliver faster improvements in air quality, especially in communities suffering from severe pollution. It’s a practical step California can take right now to protect public health while staying on track towards cleaner air and long-term climate goals.