For Erika, a Santa Cruz resident and first-time electric vehicle owner, getting her 2022 Kia Niro EV through the Drive Clean Assistance Program was not just about upgrading her car. It was about improving her daily life in ways she did not expect. Since making the switch, Erika’s day-to-day has changed for the better. “The EV has significantly improved my life, saving me money, boosting my confidence, and making me want to get out and adventure more. It is so convenient. I can get to work easily, and I am actually planning my first road trip to my sister’s place in Healdsburg. I barely pay anything to charge because we have solar panels where I live.”
Safety has been another big plus. “I am not the most confident driver, but the Niro’s safety features like blind spot detection make me feel more secure. Before, the farthest I had driven was about an hour away. Now I am more independent and willing to go further.”
For Erika, her EV is more than transportation. It is a confidence booster and a statement about her values. “It shows I care about the environment and think about the community. In Santa Cruz, people appreciate that.”