Cleaner Cars, Stronger Communities
Be Part of the Celebration!
| | National Drive Electric Month has come a long way since its start in 2011 as a single Plug-In Day. By 2014, it had grown into a week-long celebration and even set a Guinness World Record with more than 500 electric vehicles parading together in Silicon Valley. Today, it’s a month-long effort that shines a spotlight on the benefits of driving electric—lower fueling costs, fewer maintenance needs, and ranges that now exceed 200 miles. This September, we are proud to join partners and communities across California in celebrating cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable transportation. | | |
DCAP Tier 2 & 3 Financial Pathway Closures Alert
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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Spotlight on National Drive Electric Month
Scroll down to read our spotlight interview with the Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) and learn how they are helping communities access clean transportation solutions.
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DCAP Community Impact
In Q2 alone, DCAP showed up at 800+ community events, connecting families across California with clean transportation resources. This milestone was made possible thanks to our extraordinary partners.
Check them out below!
| | DCAP Impact Stories from Across California | |
"I have been a commuter my whole life, so being able to cut down on that has been incredible" – Emilio R.
When 2025 began, Emilio and his wife were driving a "beat-up Honda" with over 200,000 miles." Upgrading to something safe, dependable, and efficient felt like a long shot. That changed when his EV-savvy father told him about the Drive Clean Assistance Program (DCAP). "He told me, 'Hey, they have this new program rolling out. You should look into it I think you would qualify.' And like always, he was right."
"The big thing for me was always gas. I have been a commuter my whole life, so being able to cut down on that has been incredible. I get to charge at home, and whenever I need extra charging, there are always stations everywhere." Choosing an EV was also about reducing emissions. "Whenever you have the opportunity to emit less, it is a huge plus cutting down on oil changes, gas, transmission, spark plugs, so much waste we should definitely consider electric if possible." To others thinking about it, his advice is simple. "If you have ever thought about wanting to own a cleaner vehicle, now is the time. Take advantage."
| | | Community Partner Spotlight | |
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For National Drive Electric Month, we are proud to highlight
Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE).
They have been a critical community partner, helping residents navigate resources for clean transportation and financial empowerment.
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Can you share a story of how NHSIE has supported a resident in accessing clean transportation? One of our clients first connected with us through a homebuyer education class. During their one-on-one counseling session, they mentioned wanting to purchase a new car but were unsure if it fit within their budget. Our counselor introduced them to DCAP, explaining how the program provides funds to help purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle. With guidance, the client learned about the program’s benefits and was given the link to begin the application process. Through this connection, the client gained access to clean transportation.
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How are you engaging the community to celebrate National Drive Electric Month? We’re celebrating with events, workshops, and local success stories that highlight the benefits of clean transportation. We have a Neighborhood Dreams Block Party on October 4th where we will be showcasing electric vehicles and giving our community the chance to see how clean mobility is both achievable and impactful.
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What role do partnerships like DCAP play in advancing your mission? Partnerships like DCAP make clean mobility possible—helping families access resources, save money, and build sustainable futures.
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Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of clean mobility in the Inland Empire? We’re excited to see more families driving cleaner, saving more, and creating healthier neighborhoods across our region.
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4th Annual CA Tribal Leaders
Energy Summit & Expo
The 4th Annual Tribal Leaders Energy Summit & Expo, hosted by the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria from August 4th-6th, focused on strengthening energy sovereignty.
The event brought together Tribal leaders and guests to explore energy resiliency, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions. Attendees were connected with resources and partners to make energy resiliency both achievable and affordable.
The event also featured a range of heavy and light-duty electric vehicles.
| | | Community Partnerships in Action! | | |
Record-Breaking Q2: 815+ Community Events and
Extraordinary Partner Outreach Statewide
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This milestone was made possible thanks to our partners
including organizations listed below.
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SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, Oct. 4th – North Coast Drive Electric Month R&D
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Redwood Acres Fairgrounds
3750 Harris St., Eureka, CA 95503
Co-hosted by DCAP and CCAC with support from Redwood Community Action Agency.
Saturday, Oct. 11th – Bakersfield Ride & Drive @ Cruizin 4 Charity
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Corner of Chester Ave. and 17th St.
Bakersfield, CA
Hosted by Project Clean Air
Thursday, Oct. 30th – Halloween Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Trunk-or-Treat and Resource Fair cohosted with Finesse A Car
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
1346 S. Atlantic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Co-hosted by DCAP and Finesse A Car.
| | | | Previous Ride & Drive Recap | |
September 15th to October 15th
We proudly celebrate the vibrant traditions and trailblazing spirit of Hispanic communities that drive our mission toward a cleaner, healthier California. From inventive minds to bold advocates, Hispanic innovation is fueling the future of sustainable transportation.
We give recognition to the Hispanic and Latino history and culture, as well as the many contributions made to the United States history and culture by the Hispanic American communities.
| | | Zacua — Mexico’s pioneering electric car brand was founded in 2017 by Nazareth Black, whose women-led engineering team in Puebla crafted the nation’s first homegrown EV models. | | |
Victor Ochoa — A remarkable 19th-century Mexican inventor, he developed early electric brakes for streetcars, spotlighting a little-known chapter of automotive innovation.
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Rey Leon — As Mayor of Huron, California, this clean‑energy champion launched an EV ride‑sharing program for farmworkers, advancing equitable electric mobility in underserved rural communities.
| | 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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Dealerships
You Can Use
Know a dealership that should join our program? Refer them today!
Visit our DCAP Dealerships or email dealership@drivingcleanca.org.
Dealerships must be approved before completing participants' purchase or lease.
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Have questions about eligibility or applying? we have launched a new FAQ page and video overview. Watch now for a chance to win a gift card!
| | | 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 to clean-air vehicles. | | | | |
