The Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) Car Shopping
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.
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 CARB’s 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.