Dealer requirements
Dealerships that meet the program requirements are eligible to enroll in RIDE. To participate, dealerships must:
Be licensed to sell vehicles in California
Have a valid tax identification number
Sell RIDE-eligible electric vehicles
Become a participating dealer
Dealerships that meet the criteria are eligible to enroll in the program. The enrollment process is simple: just complete a short form to get started.
Dealer resources
Dealer terms and conditions
Your guide to the terms and responsibilities of participating in the RIDE program, ensuring compliance, seamless enrollment and effective incentive processing.
Participating dealer content kit
Template copy for customer communication and dealership promotional efforts.
RIDE program flyer
Customer-facing flyer highlighting the benefits and features of the RIDE program to help dealers promote the program and encourage eligible drivers to apply.
Participating Dealer
Frequently asked questions
For general program FAQs, visit the RIDE program FAQ webpage.
What vehicles are eligible for the program?
The vehicle must be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). Plug-in hybrid vehicles and hybrid vehicles are not eligible. Read the terms and conditions for full vehicle and applicant eligibility requirements. See a full list eligible vehicles here.
Once the incentive has been applied to a transaction, how long do I have to submit an incentive reimbursement?
Participating Dealers will have 30 days from the date the Sales Agreement is signed to submit the application with all required documents.
How will I get paid, and how long does it take to get paid?
Payments will be issued within thirty (30) days of application approval.
Can the dealership ask for a deposit/collateral in lieu of the incentive payment?
No, dealerships must not accept any form of collateral in place of the incentive. This includes checks for the incentive amount and credit card holds.
How do I add the incentive to the contract?
The incentive must be added separately from all other down payments. Please add the program name to the payment line.
Do Applicants have to buy/lease the car from a specific dealer?
No, Applicants can purchase or lease an eligible vehicle from any licensed dealership, OEM, or licensed third-party retailer. However, if an Applicant wants your incentive applied at the point of sale (‘cash on the hood’), they willl need to purchase from a RIDE-enrolled dealership.