When Kombi S. graduated high school in 2019, she didn’t expect her first car to give out so soon. “It just was done,” she says. “But I was about to go to college, and then COVID hit, so I figured, who needs a car? I was at home, working remotely.” For a few years, not owning a car wasn’t a problem. But then, the mandate to return to the office was in effect.
“I live on the outskirts of the county, and I work in the city—it’s a long drive. Once I had to go in multiple days a week, I started borrowing cars from family. But I didn’t want them to go without a car just so I could get to work. It wasn’t sustainable.”
That’s when she found the Drive Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) and applied. By March 2025, she was approved for the grant and bought a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4. “I had been saving, knowing I’d eventually need a car. With the DCAP grant and the tax incentive at purchase, I only paid around $10,000 out of pocket.”
For Kombi, going electric wasn’t just about convenience—it was about alignment with her values. “I knew I wanted an electric car. My grandpa installed solar panels at our house, and I’ve always cared about lowering emissions. It just made sense.”
She also found the DCAP education and support helpful as a first-time EV owner. “They walk you through what to expect financially, what costs come with a clean-air vehicle. It really helped, especially as someone just starting my career.”
One unexpected perk? Peace of mind and personal safety. “I hate going to gas stations, especially at night. Now I just plug in when I get home. It’s one less thing to worry about.” Even the quiet ride has made an impact. “I love how quiet my car is. I was in the backseat during a road trip, and I could hear everything being said in the front without anyone yelling. That’s never happened in a gas car.”
For Kombi, this wasn’t just about getting a car—it was about building a future. “Especially for young adults like me, just starting out, programs like DCAP make it possible to get a reliable car and help the environment at the same time. Why wouldn’t you take that first step?”