Driving Clean Assistance Program: Empowering Clean Mobility for Disadvantaged Communities
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), in partnership with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), provides incentives statewide in California to assist low-income and disadvantaged communities in purchasing clean air vehicles. This program aims to combat climate change and predatory lending practices while also offering continuous financial coaching.
Administered by the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), DCAP aligns with CHDC’s commitment to grassroots community development, ensuring equitable access to affordable housing and services while championing diversity and inclusion. Through targeted support, DCAP empowers individuals with limited credit and financial challenges to secure reliable transportation, fostering financial stability and environmental responsibility.
DCAP Impact Stories from Across California
“It really helped, especially as someone just starting my career.” – Kombi’s S.
When Kombi S. graduated high school in 2019, she didn’t expect her first car to give out so soon. “It just was done,” she says. “But I was about to go to college, and then COVID hit, so I figured, who needs a car? I was at home, working remotely.” For a few years, not owning a car wasn’t a problem. But then, the mandate to return to the office was in effect.
“They depend on me, and now I have a car I can count on.” – Carol B.
Carol B., is a 62-year-old living on a fixed income in rural Closser County. Life was becoming increasingly difficult without reliable transportation. Her old truck was constantly breaking down, and eventually, it failed its smog test. “I spent thousands of dollars trying to fix it,” she says. “When it finally gave out, I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
“It’s Opened So Many Doors” – Justin E.
For Justin, a self-employed single dad in Southern California, switching to an electric vehicle wasn’t just about going green—it was about getting back on his feet. “I’ve been raising two daughters full-time for over a decade,” Justin shares. “Money’s always been tight, and I’ve had to be really smart with every dollar.”
Program Partners
DCAP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment particularly in disadvantaged communities.
EV Information
DCAP offers funding assistance toward the purchase or lease of a new or used battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle.
Battery Electric Vehicles
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
