Holiday Closure Notice: DCAP offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day and will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6.

Every vehicle awarded through the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) represents more than transportation; it represents access to opportunity, financial stability, and cleaner air for California communities.

In the first quarter of 2026, DCAP reached a significant milestone by delivering 959 clean vehicle incentives, helping eligible Californians access cleaner, more reliable transportation options. This achievement reflects the growing demand for affordable mobility solutions and demonstrates the impact of investing in transportation equity across the state.

For many participants, a dependable vehicle means access to employment opportunities, education, healthcare, and essential services. As more families transition to cleaner transportation, the benefits extend beyond the driver's seat, supporting healthier communities, reducing emissions, and creating pathways to economic mobility.

Thank you to our participants, community outreach partners, dealerships, and the DCAP team who continue to make this progress possible.

Save the Date: DCAP & MAAC Application Clinic

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 29, 2026, and join DCAP and MAAC for an in-person application clinic designed to help community members navigate the enrollment process.

Learn more below.

Experience the Future of Test Driving

Clean Air Ride & Drive events give residents the opportunity to explore clean air vehicles, learn about available incentives, ask questions, and experience clean transportation firsthand in a welcoming community setting.

Read more below.

Behind the Wheel: A DCAP Success Story

DCAP participant Jielin Yu upgraded from an older SUV to a new electric vehicle through the program.

He now benefits from lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and a quieter commute—saving money while experiencing the benefits of clean transportation.

Read the article below.

How DCAP Helps Drivers Transition to Clean Transportation

Each path to clean transportation is different. In this feature, we highlight a DCAP participant and how the program helped make the transition possible.

Participants receive counseling, loan referrals, and, when eligible, charging support such as a charging card to help offset early EV charging costs.

From exploring vehicle options to accessing incentives and support services, this story shows how DCAP helps everyday drivers get behind the wheel of a cleaner, more affordable vehicle.

“I used to drive a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder, that car was basically drinking gas."

– Jielin Y.

For Jielin, upgrading to an electric vehicle was a major step toward a cleaner, more affordable way to commute — and one he had been thinking about for years. 

“I used to drive a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder,” he says. “That car was basically drinking gas, giving me about 10 miles per gallon.” Every fill-up cost him more than $70. Now, with his 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV, the difference is dramatic. “I’m charging at home, and for roughly 320 miles per charge, I’m only paying about $8.”  

The shift hasn’t just saved him money; it’s changed his day-to-day routine. “It’s quiet. It’s comfortable. It’s a new car with a lot of convenience. It doesn’t smell like gas anymore… I don’t have to worry about warming it up. I just go out and drive. It’s like an appliance.”  

 ^

READ JIELIN FULL STORY

DCAP Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Experience

DCAP Ride & Drive Events Connect Californians with Clean Transportation

Throughout spring 2026, the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) hosted and supported Ride & Drive events across California, giving community members the opportunity to experience electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles firsthand.

Events in Goleta, Rocklin, Walnut, Eureka, and Richmond showcased a variety of clean air vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and Kia Niro EV.

Together, these events provided more than 175 test drive and ride-along experiences, helping participants learn about clean vehicle technology, charging, affordability, and available DCAP pathway incentives. Through partnerships with local dealerships, colleges, and community partner organizations, DCAP continues to increase awareness and access to clean transportation solutions for income-qualified Californians.

Interested in partnering on a future Ride & Drive event? Contact the DCAP team to learn more.

Ride & Drive Moments



Look back at highlights from DCAP Ride & Drive events across California. This photo gallery captures moments of community engagement, dealership participation, and participants experiencing clean air vehicles firsthand.

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).

Click Here to Check Eligibility

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.

DCAP Dealerships

Do you know a dealership that should join? Refer them today.

Visit DCAP Dealership page or email dealership@drivingcleanca.org.

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 accepts applications.

Visit the Closing Program by Tier Level FAQ section for additional details.

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. 

This is an unmonitored inbox. Replies will not be received.

For questions or assistance, please visit our website and use the Contact Us form.