ZAP Launches:
Keeping Clean-Air Vehicles on the Road
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We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Zero-Emission Assurance Project (ZAP), now live as part of the refreshed Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) website! This new program helps Californians who purchase a used clean-air vehicle through DCAP, Clean Cars 4 All, or Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP) stay confident behind the wheel.
ZAP offers diagnostic and repair assistance for major battery and fuel cell issues, giving drivers peace of mind and extending the life of their clean vehicles. Eligible models include plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric (BEV), and fuel cell electric (FCEV) vehicles that are within 15 years of manufacture or under 200,000 miles. With ZAP now available, it’s easier than ever to keep driving clean, and keep California moving toward a zero-emission future.
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Would You Trade Your Old Car for $12K?
Through Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A), qualifying Californians can replace higher-polluting vehicles with cleaner options including electric, plug-in hybrid, or even e-bike alternatives — and enjoy extra perks like home charger incentives.
Learn more.
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Introducing ZAP:
Zero-Emission Assurance Project
ZAP helps California drivers who have purchased a used zero-emission (ZEV) or near-zero-emission vehicle (NZEV) through programs such as DCAP, Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A), or the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP). ZAP offers diagnostic and repair assistance up to $7,500.
Learn how to protect your clean ride.
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Catch Us at Upcoming
Ride and Drive Events!
Catch our team at upcoming Ride and Drive events this fall, including the CIMC Annual Membership Meeting on October 31–November 1.
(Please note: the Tribal EPA Region 9 Conference has been canceled.)
Check them out below!
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Need Help with Your Clean Vehicle? ZAP Has You Covered.
Buying a used, clean air vehicle is a smart move for your health, your wallet, and the environment—but what happens if something goes wrong with your battery? That's where the Zero-Emission Assurance Project (ZAP) steps in.
ZAP helps California drivers who have purchased a used zero-emission (ZEV) or near-zero-emission vehicle (NZEV) through programs such as DCAP, Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A), or the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP). ZAP offers diagnostic and repair assistance up to $7,500.
Learn how ZAP protects your clean ride.
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How ZAP Works:
Step-by-Step Support for Clean Vehicle Owners
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The Zero-Emission Assurance Project (ZAP) is here to keep your clean-air vehicle running strong — offering repair or replacement assistance when major battery or fuel cell issues arise.
Here’s how the process works from start to finish:
| | | Step 1: Eligibility | Start an application by contacting our call center, filling out a form online, or emailing Zap@drivingcleanca.org. | | Step 2: Consultation | You will be contacted by ZAP to learn more about your vehicle issue. | | Step 3: Diagnostic Appointment | ZAP will guide you to the nearest approved diagnostic center and help you schedule an appointment. | | Step 4: Diagnostic Results | Your vehicle diagnostic results will be reviewed by ZAP. Your application will be approved if your vehicle issues are diagnosed as qualifying vehicle issue(s). | | Step 5: Repair Estimate | A final cost repair estimate is created for the qualifying vehicle repairs and will be thoroughly explained to you by ZAP. This estimate will be locked in and will not change after your vehicle is repaired. | | Step 6: Repair Assistance or Grant Decision, if Qualified | Route #1: Repair Assistance
Offers qualified applicants funding toward the repair of qualifying issues for their vehicle up to $7,500. (You will be responsible for qualifying repair costs exceeding $7,500 and any costs for unqualified repairs.).
Route #2: Grant
Offers qualified applicants a grant toward the replacement of their vehicle, that will be surrendered to the program, of up to $10,000 ONLY IF the final cost estimate for qualifying repairs to their vehicle, including labor cost, meets or exceeds $7,500. The replacement vehicle must be purchased through the DCAP dealer network. (You will be responsible for any additional replacement costs). | | Step 7A: Repair Assistance (Route #1) | Once approved, a repair appointment will be scheduled.
Repairs are completed and the repair facility performing the repairs is paid (up to $7,500).
Replaced critical system components are refurbished, repurposed or recycled. | | Step 7B: Vehicle Replacement Grant (Route #2) | Once the application is approved the participant would be directed through the DCAP dealer network to purchase the replacement clean vehicle (purchase grant up to $10,000).
The participant’s assigned case manager will guide them throughout the process.
The replaced vehicle is donated to the network of Education & Training Partners for zero-emission vehicle workforce training. | | | DCAP Impact Stories from Across California | |
"The EV has significantly improved my life, saving me money, boosting my confidence, and making me want to get out and adventure more."
-Erika C.
For Erika, a Santa Cruz resident and first-time electric vehicle owner, getting her 2022 Kia Niro EV through the Drive Clean Assistance Program was not just about upgrading her car. It was about improving her daily life in ways she did not expect. Since making the switch, Erika's day-to-day has changed for the better. "The EV has significantly improved my life, saving me money, boosting my confidence, and making me want to get out and adventure more. It is so convenient. I can get to work easily, and I am actually planning my first road trip to my sister's place in Healdsburg. I barely pay anything to charge because we have solar panels where I live."
Safety has been another big plus. "I am not the most confident driver, but the Niro's safety features like blind spot detection make me feel more secure. Before, the farthest I had driven was about an hour away. Now I am more independent and willing to go further."
For Erika, her EV is more than transportation. It is a confidence booster and a statement about her values. "It shows I care about the environment and think about the community. In Santa Cruz, people appreciate that."
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47th Annual Membership Meeting
October 31 - November 1, 2025
Pala Casino Spa and Resort | Pala, California
DCAP and our partner Native American Environmental Protection Coalition (NAEPC) will be participating and tabling the California Indian Manpower Consortium Annual Membership Meeting in Pala, CA
Founded in 1978, the California Indian Manpower Consortium (CIMC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, educational, and economic well-being of Native American communities across California. Through programs funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, CIMC provides job training, employment assistance, and economic development services that empower Tribal nations and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. The organization also promotes education and community-driven initiatives that strengthen local economies and support long-term growth.
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Halloween Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Trunk-or-Treat and Resource Fair
Join us for a free and safe family-friendly event that is open to the public, wear your costume, and trick or treat with us!
Thursday, October 30th
4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Finesse A Car
1346 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Co-hosted by DCAP and Finesse A Car.
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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.
| | 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. | | | | |
