DCAP Car Shopping

The Drive Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) will assist you throughout your purchase or lease of a qualifying clean air vehicle. DCAP offers resources to help you select the right clean air vehicle, dealership, and guide you through redeeming your grant.

Before You Buy

  • Conduct research on the clean air vehicle (research checklist- coming soon):
    • Available trim levels and costs.
    • Charging Infrastructure around home and work.
    • Vehicle charging capacity.
    • Available warranties.
    • Fair market value.
    • Vehicle maintenance requirements.
    • Common reported Issues. 
    • Stacking Incentives:
      • Manufacturer and Federal Rebates.
      • Local Utility Incentives. 
  • Conduct research on the dealership and available Inventory:
    • Customer reviews.
    • Number of EV’s available to determine familiarity level of product.

Resources

Videos

Events

Eligible Vehicles

  • Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, battery electric vehicle, or a fuel cell electric vehicle only.
  • $45,000 or less vehicle cost (does not include taxes and fees).
  • $45,000 or less amount financed.
  • 8* model years or newer.*The model year of an 8-year vehicle is calculated by subtracting 7 from the current calendar year of the transaction (e.g., eligible replacement vehicles in calendar 2024 include model years 2017 and newer).
  • 75,000 or less original miles.
  • New vehicles must be on the California Air Resource Board list of eligible vehicles.

Grant Redemption

  • Research the vehicle and dealership.
  • Select qualifying vehicle.
  • Present the “Dealer Grant Redemption Checklist” to the dealership. 
  • Ensure that the qualifying grant has been correctly added to the contract.
  • Review your contract for accuracy. Ask questions regarding any optional maintenance packages or warranties. 
  • Contact your DCAP financial counselor to let them know about your purchase. 
  • The dealership will submit the grant paperwork. Payment will be released directly to the dealership.

Dealership Requirements

  • Dealer Eligibility Requirements:
    • Franchise
    • Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) Member
  • If you wish to purchase a vehicle from a dealer not on the list:
    • Refer the dealer to the Dealership tab of the website to apply. The dealer should provide your name and approval ID number to expedite their application
    • Contact us with the name, email, and phone number of the dealer representative that you are working with.