We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the Zero-Emission Assurance Project (ZAP), now live as part of the refreshed Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) website! This new program helps Californians who purchase a used clean-air vehicle through DCAP, Clean Cars 4 All, or Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP) stay confident behind the wheel.
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.
Carol B., is a 62-year-old living on a fixed income in rural Closser County. Life was becoming increasingly difficult without reliable transportation. Her old truck was constantly breaking down, and eventually, it failed its smog test. “I spent thousands of dollars trying to fix it,” she says. “When it finally gave out, I didn’t know what I was going to do.”
For Justin, a self-employed single dad in Southern California, switching to an electric vehicle wasn’t just about going green—it was about getting back on his feet. “I’ve been raising two daughters full-time for over a decade,” Justin shares. “Money’s always been tight, and I’ve had to be really smart with every dollar.”
National Drive Electric Month has come a long way since its start in 2011 as a single Plug-In Day. By 2014, it had grown into a week-long celebration and even set a Guinness World Record with more than 500 electric vehicles parading together in Silicon Valley. Today, it’s a month-long effort that shines a spotlight on the benefits of driving electric—lower fueling costs, fewer maintenance needs, and ranges that now exceed 200 miles. This September, we are proud to join partners and communities across California in celebrating cleaner, more affordable, and more sustainable transportation.
As kids head back to school, it's a great time to consider how clean-air vehicles are making daily life better for families, especially in areas where air pollution is most prevalent.
We’re celebrating a significant milestone: DCAP has helped 100 Californians access clean-air vehicles and reclaim control of their transportation needs, unlocking new opportunities. The impact has been real, and it's deeply personal. From saving money to helping the environment, the outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive. In this issue, we’re dedicating our focus to the people who power our mission. Meet some participants whose journeys remind us why this program is so important.
In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, recognizing not just the end of slavery but also the enduring resilience of Black Americans. This holiday holds deep meaning at the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC), a Black-led and community-rooted organization founded in 1990. It is a time to honor the progress we’ve made and recommit to the work still ahead.
This month, we’re hitting the streets of California! From Bishop to San Bernardino, our Ride & Drive events are helping communities explore clean vehicles and learn how DCAP grants make it easier to drive clean.
This April, we’re celebrating both Drive Electric Month and Earth Day (April 22) with a major milestone—DCAP is now available statewide!
Throughout history, women have been pioneers in the automotive industry, driving innovation in clean transportation and sustainability.
This February, we reflect on Black innovators, leaders, and visionaries' incredible contributions to our society and the automotive industry.