DCAP Impact Stories

“I love that I’m saving money and reducing my carbon footprint at the same time.” – Darshan D.
“I graduated from SDSU last year and landed my first career job,” he says. “I needed a car that was reliable, affordable, and, honestly, had working AC. My old Jetta didn’t even have that, it was torture during the summer.”

“I Don’t Need to Buy Gas Anymore, and I Save Money Every Month.” – Lim C.
For Lim, going electric was about more than convenience; it was about living his values.
“I’ve been working toward making my entire home run on clean energy,”

“The EV has significantly improved my life, saving me money, boosting my confidence, and making me want to get out and adventure more.” -Erika C.
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.”
Community Partner Spotlight

National Drive Electric Month Spotlight: Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE)
For National Drive Electric Month, we are proud to highlight Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE). They have been a critical community partner, helping residents navigate resources for clean transportation and financial empowerment.
Ride and Drive Partners

2025 Halloween Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Trunk-or-Treat and Resource Fair
In the spirit of Halloween the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP) co-hosted a Ride & Drive event in partnership with Finesse-A-Car.
Monthly Newsletters

2025 October Newsletter
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.

2025 September Newsletter
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.

2025 August Newsletter
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.

2025 July Newsletter
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.

2025 June Newsletter
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.

2025 May Newsletter
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.