Driving Clean Assistance Program: Empowering Clean Mobility for Disadvantaged Communities
The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), in partnership with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), provides incentives statewide in California to assist low-income and disadvantaged communities in purchasing clean air vehicles. This program aims to combat climate change and predatory lending practices while also offering continuous financial coaching.
Administered by the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), DCAP aligns with CHDC’s commitment to grassroots community development, ensuring equitable access to affordable housing and services while championing diversity and inclusion. Through targeted support, DCAP empowers individuals with limited credit and financial challenges to secure reliable transportation, fostering financial stability and environmental responsibility.
DCAP Impact Stories from Across California

“It’s Made Such a Big Financial Difference for My Family.” – May M.
For May, a single parent of four in Merced, getting an electric vehicle wasn’t about the brand it was about stability, savings, and protecting her family’s health.
“I was paying quite a bit in gas and repairs,” she says. “With one car, we do five stops. We’d go back and forth all day, drop-offs, work, school. The miles really added up.”

“I love that I’m saving money and reducing my carbon footprint at the same time.” – Darshan D.
“I graduated from SDSU last year and landed my first career job,” he says. “I needed a car that was reliable, affordable, and, honestly, had working AC. My old Jetta didn’t even have that, it was torture during the summer.”

“I Don’t Need to Buy Gas Anymore, and I Save Money Every Month.” – Lim C.
For Lim, going electric was about more than convenience; it was about living his values.
“I’ve been working toward making my entire home run on clean energy,”
Program Partners
DCAP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Invest dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment particularly in disadvantaged communities.
EV Information
DCAP offers funding assistance toward the purchase or lease of a new or used battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle.