The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) provides grants and other support to help people in low-income and disadvantaged communities access electric vehicles and chargers. It is funded by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and administered by the Community Housing Development Corp.
There are two grant options for buying or leasing vehicles, an additional grant for charger access and the availability of financing for those who qualify.
All eligible applicants can receive $7,500 toward the purchase or lease of a vehicle and $2,000 toward a home charger or public charging. They may also qualify for fair-financing assistance for loans up to $45,000 at an annual interest rate of less than 8% through partnering credit unions.
A higher grant amount toward the purchase or lease of a vehicle is available to those who scrap a functioning 2009 or older gas- or diesel-powered vehicle. Those grant amounts are:
- Residents of areas designated as Disadvantaged Communities by California Climate Investments: $12,000
- Others: $10,000
Vehicles must be purchased from a franchise dealer or dealer that is a member of the Credit Union Direct Lending platform or through a DCAP broker. Participating Ventura County dealerships include Allen Motors in Thousand Oaks and Bunnin Chevrolet of Fillmore. One recipient per household is allowed.
Eligibility Requirements:
- 18 or older
- California resident (Community members with AB 60 and ITIN qualify.)
- Household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (For a family of four, the limit is currently $93,600.)
- First-time participant in a CARB light-duty vehicle-purchase incentive program
Eligible Vehicles: New or used battery, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell electric vehicles or zero-emission motorcycles or vehicles on CARB’s eligibility list