California is leading the charge in clean transportation, with nearly 2 million zero-emission vehicles already on its roads. As electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emission options become increasingly popular, making up 25% of new car sales, the state is taking steps to ensure everyone can participate in this green revolution. If you’re wondering, is there a program that helps you get a car and transition to cleaner transportation, especially if you’re on a lower income, the answer in California is a resounding yes. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has launched the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), a $242 million initiative specifically designed to help low-income Californians access zero-emission vehicles.
This program recognizes that the benefits of clean transportation should be available to all communities, not just those with higher incomes. DCAP particularly focuses on areas currently underserved by existing assistance programs, including tribal and rural communities. Imperial County is set to be the first to experience the rollout of this impactful program.
For eligible participants ready to retire their older, more polluting vehicles, DCAP offers significant financial support. You could receive up to $12,000 as a grant to put towards purchasing or leasing a new or used zero-emission vehicle. Furthermore, the program acknowledges the need for charging infrastructure by providing an additional $2,000 specifically for electric charging costs. This assistance isn’t limited to just cars; it can be used for zero-emission motorcycles or even e-bikes, expanding clean transportation options for individuals. To further ease the transition, DCAP also facilitates access to low-interest loans.
Dr. Steven Cliff, CARB Executive Officer, emphasizes the program’s importance in achieving California’s ambitious environmental goals. He states, “California has ambitious goals of achieving carbon neutrality and a clean air future, but reaching those targets is not possible if Californians are priced out of clean transportation options.” DCAP directly addresses this challenge, ensuring that zero-emission technology and a wider range of transportation choices become accessible in underserved communities throughout California.
To ensure the application process is as smooth as possible, DCAP offers tailored assistance to priority participants. Eligibility is based on income, with applicants needing to be at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Even if you don’t have an older vehicle to scrap, there’s still support available. Eligible individuals can receive $7,500 in purchase assistance, which can also be directed towards alternative mobility solutions like carsharing programs. For those needing financing, DCAP has partnered with various credit unions to provide vehicle loans capped at an 8% interest rate, making vehicle ownership more attainable.
DCAP builds upon the success of previous initiatives like Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A). CC4A, since 2015, has contributed over $165 million, enabling 20,000 Californians to acquire cleaner vehicles while simultaneously removing older, more polluting vehicles from the roads. These older vehicles are scrapped, replaced by cleaner alternatives such as new and used zero-emission, plug-in hybrid, or hybrid cars. The impact is substantial; the average vehicle retired through CC4A was around 25 years old with a fuel economy of just 22 miles per gallon, whereas the replacement vehicles boast an average equivalent fuel economy of 80 mpg. Even with rising loan interest rates, participation in CC4A programs across five air districts (San Joaquin Valley, South Coast, Bay Area, Sacramento, and San Diego) continues to grow, demonstrating the ongoing need and demand for such programs.
DCAP is set to expand access to clean vehicle incentives to counties not currently covered by CC4A programs, with launches planned through early 2025. These programs offer more than just help with the initial purchase price. They are designed to provide long-term financial relief to families by significantly reducing gasoline and vehicle maintenance expenses.
The transportation sector remains the largest contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gases in California, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities. DCAP is a crucial component of a broader strategy to address this issue, aligning with California’s air quality and climate objectives, including Governor Newsom’s executive order mandating all new car and passenger truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Importantly, state clean vehicle incentives like DCAP can often be combined with federal programs, potentially increasing the financial assistance available to individuals.
For those seeking more detailed information, you can explore the Driving Clean Assistance Program website to understand the full scope of the program and how it could help you get into a cleaner car.
