Leasing an EV in California, after the federal credit ended
A lot of EV advice still tells you to count on a $7,500 federal credit. That credit is gone. Here is what an electric lease actually looks like in California today, with no number we cannot stand behind.
The federal $7,500 credit ended in September 2025
The federal $7,500 EV tax credit, and the lease version where the bank passed it through as a discount, ended on September 30, 2025. We do not quote a federal credit that no longer exists. Any site still promising it on a new lease is working from old rules.
What the real EV discount is now
On a lease today the meaningful EV discount usually shows up as the manufacturer’s own lease cash, money the automaker puts on the hood to move electric models. It is real, it changes month to month, and on our listings it is already inside the all-in monthly, not promised as a separate rebate you chase later.
California and utility programs, with caveats
Some California state and local utility programs still help with an EV, but several are income-qualified, have waitlists, or change with little notice. Rather than print a figure we cannot guarantee, we show the price after whatever actually applies to your deal and point you to the official program to confirm your own eligibility.
Why leasing an EV can make sense
EV prices, range, and software are still moving fast. A lease puts the resale and battery-aging risk on the bank instead of you, and lets you step into newer range in a few years. If you are unsure whether an electric car fits your life yet, leasing is a lower-commitment way to find out.
The honest downsides
A lease has a mileage cap, so high-mileage drivers can run over and pay for it. You also need a charging plan, at home or nearby, and on a road trip you plan around chargers. At the end you own nothing. We show the all-in payment and quote finance too, so you weigh the upside against these with real numbers.
Common questions
No. The federal EV tax credit and its lease pass-through ended on September 30, 2025. The EV discount you get now is typically the manufacturer’s lease cash, which is already inside the all-in price we show.
Some state and utility programs still exist, but several are income-qualified or change often, so we will not quote a fixed amount. We point you to the official program to check eligibility, and anything that genuinely applies to your deal is reflected in the price.
It depends. Leasing limits your exposure to fast EV depreciation and battery aging and lets you upgrade sooner, while buying builds ownership and has no mileage cap. We show both lease and finance so you can compare on the numbers.
What is the lowest payment for electric car lease deals in California?
Hunter Lease shows the lowest final payment for electric car lease deals as of November 6, 2026: $411 a month with tax, 2027 Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD, 36-month lease, 7,500 miles a year, $3,000 due at signing, ZIP 90210.
Lowest payment by model: electric car lease deals
Each model at its lowest payment among these deals, with tax for ZIP 90210 and $3,000 due at signing as of November 6, 2026.
| Model | Year and trim | Payment with tax | Term, months | Miles a year | Due at signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Uncharted | 2027 Premium FWD | $411 | 36 | 7,500 | $3,000 |
| Kia Niro EV | 2026 Wind FWD | $439 | 36 | 10,000 | $3,000 |
| Honda Prologue | 2026 EX AWD | $502 | 36 | 10,000 | $3,000 |
| Kia EV3 | 2027 Land FWD | $510 | 36 | 10,000 | $3,000 |
| Kia EV6 | 2026 Light Long Range RWD | $527 | 36 | 10,000 | $3,000 |
| Subaru Trailseeker | 2027 Limited AWD | $541 | 36 | 7,500 | $3,000 |
| Nissan LEAF | 2026 SV+ FWD | $561 | 48 | 5,000 | $3,000 |
| Chevrolet Bolt | 2027 LT FWD 4dr | $577 | 39 | 7,500 | $3,000 |
How to get a car in California
1. Pick the car
Choose a car in the list on this page or in the catalog. Every payment here already includes tax and is calculated for the terms this page names.
2. Book online
Book on the offer page of the car you picked: the booking locks in the discount on that trim, and you pay the $195 service fee at booking. The fee is refunded in full if you change your mind before signing.
3. Apply to the bank with Hunter Lease
Fill out the application, and Hunter Lease sends it to the bank. The bank decides on approval.
4. The dealer that has the car
The car stays at its dealer. We check with that dealer that the car is still available.
5. Sign and drive off
Before you sign, our specialist checks the contract against the agreed terms. You sign at the dealer and drive off in your car.
Questions about electric car lease deals
Which models have electric car lease deals on Hunter Lease?
As of November 6, 2026: Subaru Uncharted from $411 a month, Kia Niro EV from $439 a month, Honda Prologue from $502 a month, Kia EV3 from $510 a month, Kia EV6 from $527 a month, Subaru Trailseeker from $541 a month, Nissan LEAF from $561 a month and Chevrolet Bolt from $577 a month. Payments are with tax, ZIP 90210.
What is the lowest payment for electric car lease deals by body style in California?
Among the models on this page, Hunter Lease shows the lowest payment by body style as of November 6, 2026: SUV from $411 a month with tax (2027 Subaru Uncharted Premium FWD, 36-month lease) and hatchback from $439 a month with tax (2026 Kia Niro EV Wind FWD, 36-month lease). Payments are with tax, ZIP 90210, $3,000 due at signing.
What are the payments on this page calculated for?
Final payments with tax for ZIP 90210, credit tier 1, $3,000 due at signing.
Is there a Hunter Lease fee for electric car lease deals?
Yes: the $195 service fee as of November 6, 2026. It is paid separately when a car is reserved. The monthly payment and the sum due at signing do not include it. The fee is refunded in full if you change your mind before signing.