It seems that this program is active again and that Tesla is now participating in it! I searched around the forums and found an open thread on this topic in the General forum, but I’d like to ask California residents who’ve used the program specifically to buy a Tesla vehicle how the program works. Per their website, it says that you can only use the grant at participating dealerships, but how would this work since Tesla sells directly to their customers and have no dealerships? Does anyone have any experience with the CVAP? NOTE: This program is only available in California. Program Link: - Clean Vehicle Assistance Program
My guess is that most will not quality because of the income threshold. If you can afford a $60K+ car, you're probably making more than the allocated household income to quality for this program (e.g. $105K max gross annual income for family of 4).
Oh, I understand that, but for the small percentage that do qualify though, I’m wondering how this works with Tesla. I emailed Tesla and the CVAP to see if they can answer my question. I believe I could qualify and maybe someone in the forums has experience with this program.
True but low income doesn’t always equal to low wealth. For example retirees might be able to benefit from this program.
True, and not implying anything as such. But just that on this forum I would think it would disqualify a large number of users
Last I checked (few days ago) Tesla is not participating and not listed as a participant "dealership" since they are not a dealership. OP, can you confirm otherwise? You can use the grant to buy used Tesla from participating dealerships. I've sent Tesla info requesting to participate but never heard back. CVAP manager confirm via email (few months ago) that Tesla is not a participant to CVAP.
Got an email yesterday: Just recently we have started a partnership with Tesla and you are now able to use your CVAP grant to purchase a Tesla vehicle. I hope this answers your questions,
That’s exactly what I was thinking! This incentive is listed under Tesla’s website, but yes, no Tesla stores are listed under participating dealerships. I asked a Tesla advisor about the program and if I can use the grant if am approved for one. He said he will ask the finance team if it is applicable to my purchase and I haveN’t heard back since (this response was yesterday the 24th). And now aznkorboi just said someone from CVAP emailed him saying they started a partnership with Tesla, so I guess there’s no clear answer yet on new Tesla vehicles?
Oh, that’s very interesting. I wonder if they meant you can only use it to purchase a used Tesla provided it meets their used vehicle requirements. Thanks for the screenshot!
I just got confirmation from a Tesla Advisor that they are not an approved “dealership” so you can’t use the grant towards a purchase of a new Tesla vehicle. You would be able to use it towards a used Tesla from an approved dealership. Oh well. Lol
Well, well, well..CVAP people confirmed via email Tesla is NOW approved as a "dealer" for the program. See email response dated today, 27 July 2020.
Oh, that’s exciting! I’ll let the Tesla Advisor I’m contacting know... I also emailed CVAP directly and am hoping for a response soon so I can show him haha Thank you!
LOL. I feel like they dont know. I just got this response from Priscilla: I am sorry that you are getting mixed messages. Yes, Tesla is not a dealership. Tesla's showrooms are essentially extensions and showrooms and not dealerships. When a person purchases a car from a showroom, they're technically buying from online. Yes, the CVAP grant can be used to purchase a used Tesla from an approved dealership.