california aims to boost ev sales with new ev incentives and discountsThe automotive market is in a massive state of flux. But then again, when isn't it? Electric vehicle (EV) sales were showing promise, but then the rug was swept out from under the industry when government-backed incentives were pulled from the table.That, plus regulations effectively banning some brands, means the EV world is burdened with the task of moving vehicles that otherwise might be hard to sell, and California-the perpetual champion of pushing for electrification-is now discounting EVs to help get buyers in the door of a new car, truck, or SUV.california aims to boost ev sales with new ev incentives and discountsWhat was once a $7,500 federal EV tax credit on new fully-electric cars, trucks, and SUVs is sadly a thing of the past. The credit helped offset otherwise high electric vehicle prices and bolstered sales as buyers went into dealerships not knowing if they were ready to leap away from combustion engines just yet. It worked, but that incentive is no more.AdvertisementAdvertisementCalifornia, though, is hoping to reverse the trend a bit. Senate Bills 111 and 168 have been introduced as ways to help maximize the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and its efforts to make the state (and country) greener. SB 111 is formally called the 2026 Budget Act, and 168 is effectively a way of using the state's budget to fund and incentivize EV sales. The crux of the bills comes down to eligibility for discounts on new or used electric vehicles in the state of California.Image: ChevroletImage: ChevroletThose discounts are available to the tune of $3,500 on new EVs and $1,750 on used EVs. It's not quite the big $7,500 rebate the federal government offered, but it's better than nothing. It's worth noting that half of the discount in each case comes from the manufacturer and half from the SB 111 funding, in turn creating a shared subsidy on the price of your next EV if you purchase in California and are a resident of the state.The new vehicle offer goes for leases and purchases, but the used offer is for purchases only, and the price of the former can't be over $50,000 while the price of the latter can't cross $25,000. And because there's always red tape when the government is involved, the vehicles can't be heavier than 8,500 pounds. Some of those big General Motors Ultium platform vehicles won't qualify. Luckily, there are plenty of other options.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe offer is effective immediately, and it runs all the way through September 1, 2031.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.