Spring into Clean Driving

Spring is a great time to start fresh, including the way you drive. The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) helps income-qualified Californians retire older, higher-polluting vehicles and replace them with cleaner transportation options. 


Participants may receive financial assistance toward a cleaner vehicle and guidance throughout the process—from application to purchase. 


See if you qualify and take the first step toward cleaner driving.

Need to Know This Month

Memorial Day Closure


In observance of Memorial Day, our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25.

Join Us at CHDC Community Awareness Day!


DCAP will be hosting a Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive event—come explore clean vehicle options and get support with your application.

Our Partners in Your Community


Need help applying? Our trusted community partners are here to guide you through eligibility, documents, and next steps.

Driving Change: A DCAP Success Story

Many DCAP participants are experiencing the benefits of switching to a cleaner vehicle. From saving on fuel to helping reduce emissions, these upgrades can make a meaningful difference for families and communities.


Clean air vehicle incentives help make these transitions more accessible while supporting cleaner air across California. Read more stories from paid-out participants who made the switch from gas to electric: DCAP Participant stories. 

“It’s So Much Better — Cheaper, Faster, and No More Gas.” — Zune P.

For Zune, switching to an electric vehicle was a practical decision that immediately improved her daily life. “I bought my Tesla one month ago,” she says proudly. “It’s much cheaper than gas. Whenever I fill the gas, it’s at least $80. But right now, the maximum is only $20.”  

 

Even though she keeps her lifestyle simple, the difference was impossible to miss. “It’s good. Much better,” she says. “One charge is much cheaper than the gas.” The savings alone made the move to an EV feel worth it. 

 

But it wasn’t just the financial relief — it was comfort and cleanliness. “Just now I turned on my mother’s old gas car, and the whole house is so smelly because of the gas smell,” she says. “So noisy too. Now it’s so good — the electric car has no smell, no noise.”  

 

The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) became an option when her cousin told her about it. “My cousin wanted a Tesla for so long, so they told me,” she explains. “They only paid 0% down payment and $200 per month. That is really very good.” At the time, Zune’s own car broke down. “My old car gave me so much problem,” she says. 

 

DCAP made what once felt impossible suddenly within reach. “Last time I owned a Tesla, the monthly fee was nearly $1,000,” she says. “Right now, I’m paying only $200 per month because of DCAP. Yeah, so it is very, very good.”  

 

The application process was smooth and encouraging. “It is so easy,” she says. “I’d call and they answer nicely. I sent an email, and they replied to me. Everything is perfect.” She

even finished sooner than expected. “I think I got it within four months,” she says. “Really good.”  

 

Charging has also been effortless. What once seemed like a barrier is now simpler than gas. “It’s much faster than gas also,” she says. “Very easy to get the charging for all-electric cars now.”  

 

Zune has already begun sharing DCAP with others. “I even refer to my friend, and he also is doing it,” she says. “Everyone I see, I tell them.” Her message is clear: “Just do it faster before it shut down,” she says. “If it’s still available, just do it. It’s good.” 

 

Community Partners Expanding Access to

Clean Transportation

DCAP works alongside trusted community partners to help eligible Californians access cleaner transportation options. These organizations provide valuable support by connecting residents with program information, application assistance, and local events.


Through these partnerships, more families can learn about DCAP incentives that help make the transition to a cleaner vehicle more affordable.

Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive

CHDC Awareness Day

DCAP Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive


📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026

🕙 11 AM - 3 PM

📍 1535 A Fred Jackson Way, Richmond, CA 94801


Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive events allow community members to:


🚗 Test-drive clean air vehicles


💰 Learn about DCAP available incentives


📝 Receive on-site application support


🤝 Connect with local partners and dealerships


🎉 Enter to win a $200 Visa gift card!

Clean Air Vehicle Education

Did You Know? Electric Vehicles Go the Distance 



Modern electric vehicles are designed for everyday driving. Many models now offer 

250–300 miles of range, making them practical for commuting, errands, and longer trips. 



Clean air vehicles also produce zero tailpipe emissions and can help drivers save money on fuel and maintenance. 

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

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 overwhelming interest and demand, DCAP’s Financing Assistance pathway is now closed for applicants in Tiers 2 and 3.


DCAP’s vehicle retirement and replacement option through Clean Cars 4 All remains open and is still accepting applications.


Learn More

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. 

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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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