California vs. Elon Musk: Tesla Snubbed as New EV Incentives Boost Rivian, Lucid

California’s new $135 million EV incentive program is designed to support first-time electric vehicle buyers after the federal $7,500 tax credit expired. The policy favors California-based automakers by waiving the price caps for qualifying vehicles made by in-state companies, which may benefit Rivian and Lucid while leaving Tesla at a relative disadvantage because it moved its headquarters to Texas. The article suggests the incentives could help boost demand for Rivian’s R2 and Lucid’s premium Air and Gravity models among California buyers. Market-wise, the news is mildly bullish for RIVN and LCID, while Tesla is presented as being snubbed by the state’s rules, though some Tesla models still qualify under the price limits. The piece frames the move as part of California’s broader effort to keep EV adoption strong and retain buyers loyal to electric vehicles.