Cleaner air. Lower fuel costs. A smarter way to drive. | | |
April is Drive Clean Electric Month, a time to celebrate the growing movement toward cleaner transportation across California. Electric vehicles are helping drivers reduce air pollution, lower fuel costs, and enjoy a smoother driving experience. Through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), income-qualified Californians can access financial assistance and support to replace older vehicles and transition to cleaner transportation.
As more communities make the switch to cleaner vehicles, the benefits extend beyond individual drivers — helping improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create healthier neighborhoods for everyone.
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Drive Clean, Save More: Electric Vehicles in California
Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions and lower fuel costs. With 250–300 miles of range, many EVs are practical for daily commutes—good for your wallet and the planet.
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DCAP on the Road
Explore DCAP outreach events and Ride & Drives happening across California.
View upcoming opportunities below and visit our website to find events near you.
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Earth Month in Action
April brings Electric Drive Month, Earth Week, and Earth Day celebrations focused on clean transportation and climate solutions.
Check out the events below and be part of the action.
| | Driving Change: A DCAP Success Story | |
"I’m glad I’m not putting out as many emissions into the world as before If I was driving gas." — Naomi L.
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For Naomi, switching to an electric vehicle was not about getting around, it was about making a difference.
“I’ve always been passionate about protecting the environment,” she says. “When I learned to drive in my parents’ electric car, I saw firsthand how easy it was to go clean. I knew when I got my own car, I wanted to do the same.”
In June, Naomi purchased a used 2021 Tesla Model 3 through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP). “I heard about DCAP from a family friend whose daughter had gone through the program,” she recalls. “I figured it couldn’t hurt to apply, and when I got accepted, it made such a big difference in my life.”
Now living independently, her EV gives her freedom and purpose. “It’s so much easier to get to school and work without having to borrow a car,” Naomi says. “And I love that I can do that while helping the environment.”
The financial support from DCAP also made her dream car affordable. “My Tesla had about 30,000 miles, and in the end, I’ll pay around $12,300,” she says. “That’s about half the price for that kind of car—and it even came with charging support, so I don’t have to pay for gas or charging right now.”
“I’m glad I’m not putting out as many emissions into the world as before if I was driving gas,” she says. “It feels good knowing my car is clean and part of a bigger solution.”
She encourages others to apply, even if it takes time. “The process is worth it,” Naomi says. “Programs like DCAP help people like me make sustainable choices that actually fit our budget.”
| | | Celebrate Earth Month at Community Events | | |
Celebrate Earth Day with DCAP at the Natural History Museum
Join us at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County on Sunday, April 19 from 12 PM to 5 PM for Expo Park Earth Day.
📅 Sunday, April 19
🕘 DCAP Booth: 12 PM – 5 PM
📍 Natural History Museum of LA County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
DCAP will be tabling on-site and providing DCAP information. This is a family-friendly event with resources for healthy living and environmental justice workshops.
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Earth Month Community
Events with MAAC
Celebrate Earth Month with MAAC (Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc.) at a series of community events across San Diego!
Stop by tables to learn about clean air vehicle incentives, check your eligibility, and get guidance on how to apply.
From sustainability fairs to Earth Day celebrations, there’s something for everyone—check out MAAC Events on their website and join the action.
| | Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive | |
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Join us for a day of action, community, and clean transportation solutions!
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), in partnership with the Placer County Air Pollution Control District and the Health Education Council, is excited to be part of Sierra College Earth Day 2026: Rooted in Justice, Growing Together—a powerful event focused on environmental justice, equity, and community-driven solutions.
📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026
🕙 10 AM – 3 PM
📍 Sierra College (Rocklin Campus), 5100 Sierra College Blvd, Rocklin, CA 95677, Upper Quad (North of Cafeteria J)
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The event is free and open to the public.
Stop by our table to learn about clean air vehicle incentives, check your eligibility, get guidance on how to apply and get behind the wheel of a clean air vehicle!
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Save the Date: CHDC Awareness Day DCAP Ride & Drive
📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
🕙 11 AM - 3 PM
Ride & Drive events allow community members to:
• Test-drive clean air vehicles
• Learn about available incentives
• Receive application support
• Connect with local partners
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Save the Date: DCAP Clean Air Vehicle
Ride & Drive at Earth Day Events
Join our partner the Foundation for California Community Colleges (FCCC) to celebrate Earth Day with two upcoming DCAP Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive events!
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore clean transportation options, test-drive electric vehicles, and learn more about programs that make driving electric more accessible.
Stay tuned for more details and registration information coming soon. 🌎⚡🚗
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📅 Friday, April 24
🕙 10 AM to 2 PM
📍Mt. San Antonio College
1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut, CA 91789
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📅 Saturday, April 25
🕙 10 AM to 2 PM
📍College of the Redwoods
7351 Tompkins Hill Rd., Eureka, CA 95501
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The ZAP (Zero-Emission Assurance Project) opened statewide on March 30, 2026.
ZAP helps drivers feel more confident in electric vehicle ownership by offering battery replacement and repair assistance.
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Benefits of Driving Electric
🌎 Cleaner Air: Reduce pollution and help improve air quality in your community.
💰 Lower Fuel Costs: Electricity typically costs less than gasoline.
🔧 Less Maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts, meaning fewer routine repairs.
⚡ Smooth Driving: Quiet, responsive acceleration and a comfortable ride.
Ready to drive electric? Explore your two financial pathway options available today.
| | Eligibility and Requirements | | |
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants for DCAP must be California residents, and income qualified, which means having an income at, or below, 300% Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Check Eligibility
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Transportation Resources
Did you know? The DCAP Dealership List is updated regularly.
Check it out here for the most up-to-date partner dealership locations across California.
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DCAP Dealerships
Do you know a dealership that should join? Refer them today.
Visit DCAP Dealership page or email dealership@drivingcleanca.org.
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Due to an extraordinary response and high demand, DCAP’s Financing Assistance pathway is now closed to applicants that fall under tiers 2 and 3. DCAP’s scrap and replace option, Clean Cars 4 All, is still open and accepting applications.
Learn More
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Have questions about eligibility or applying?
Click below to find answers to common questions about the Driving Clean Assistance Program. From eligibility requirements to clean vehicle options and financing details, our FAQs provide all the essential information to help you navigate the program with ease.
| | | Follow us on social media to stay updated! | | |
The Community Housing Development Corporation's (CHDC) Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) is a California Air Resources Board-funded clean-air vehicle incentive program to help low-income Californians, especially those in underserved, Tribal and disadvantaged communities, access clean-air vehicles.
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