California is introducing a unique initiative that allows residents to repair their cars, but there’s a catch: it applies exclusively to electric vehicle owners.
The California Air Resources Board has kicked off a $10 million program aimed at covering up to $7,500 in battery repair costs for electric vehicles, and if the battery is unrepairable, it can offer up to $10,000 towards buying or leasing a new one.
This initiative, named the Zero Emissions Guarantee Project, officially started on March 30 across the state.
As stated on the official website, anyone who “purchases and retains ownership of a used zero-emissions vehicle” qualifies through two state assistance programs: CARB Financial Assistance and Clean Cars 4 All.
The program specifically covers up to $7,500 for repairs related to failed battery or fuel cell components that are not part of a warranty. Should the battery be beyond repair, California will chip in up to $10,000 for a new electric vehicle purchase.
“ZAP is open to anyone acquiring a second-hand vehicle through one of CARB’s incentive programs… particularly those who have concerns about major repairs needed for their battery or fuel cell components,” said Lindsey Buckley, a spokesperson for the California Air Resources Board.
This program stems from Assembly Bill 193, which was enacted in 2018 by then-state representative and current state senator, Sabrina Cervantes, who represents Riverside, and was signed into law by then-Governor Jerry Brown.
The funding for this $10 million initiative was pulled from Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2022 budget. It was part of a broader $2.5 billion expenditure plan for zero-emission vehicles.
Initially, the battery repair incentives were rolled out in select counties and expanded statewide last month. While no electric vehicles have yet been repaired under this program, “a few have gone through preliminary inspections,” Buckley noted.
California is pushing hard for a greater presence of electric vehicles to fulfill its ambitious mandate that requires all vehicles sold in the state to be zero-emissions by 2035. A significant strategy has involved offering substantial subsidies, such as the now-ended $7,500 Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, leading to criticism from Republicans regarding taxpayer support for private vehicle purchases.
“California is now using taxpayer money to compensate for its self-inflicted policy failures. After pushing for electric vehicle mandates and subsidies, the state is recognizing that many of these cars are facing expensive battery problems that people can’t afford to fix,” said Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Association. He further argued, “Instead of reassessing its policies, regulators are opting to share the repair costs. This reflects what happens when governments select winners while ignoring reliability and real-world consumer needs.”
“California is more than just a parody. They seem to be actively working toward perpetuating poverty and energy insecurity,” remarked Jason Hayes of the America First Policy Institute.
Last year, following President Trump’s cancellation of federal EV incentives and his blocking of California’s zero-emissions mandate, Governor Newsom announced a $200 million rebate plan aimed at invigorating the state’s sluggish electric vehicle market. Yet, specifics about this plan remain unclear.
House Republicans have begun an investigation into California’s zero-emissions mandate, recently subpoenaing the chair of the California Air Resources Board, Loren Sanchez, and seeking documentation regarding the mandate.
“Forcing Americans to purchase unreliable and expensive electric vehicles would limit consumer choice, burden the energy grid, increase costs, and add dependence on entities connected to the Chinese Communist Party,” expressed Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
A representative from the Air Resources Board mentioned that the agency would comply with the investigation. “This action is taken by CARB to uphold California’s enduring authority under the Clean Air Act as well as the health and welfare of its residents,” the spokesperson stated.
