DCAP Impact Stories

“I Don’t Have to Take the Bus Anymore.” – Michael P.
For Michael, getting a new car meant more than an upgrade—it meant independence.

“It’s Made Such a Big Financial Difference for My Family.” – May M.
For May, a single parent of four in Merced, getting an electric vehicle wasn’t about the brand it was about stability, savings, and protecting her family’s health.
“I was paying quite a bit in gas and repairs,” she says. “With one car, we do five stops. We’d go back and forth all day, drop-offs, work, school. The miles really added up.”

“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.”
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 December Newsletter
As we wrap up 2025, we’re reflecting on a year of progress, partnership, and cleaner air for communities across California. From expanding access to clean transportation to celebrating hundreds of new zero-emission vehicle drivers, this season is a reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together

2025 November Newsletter
Native American Heritage Month reminds us that the path toward cleaner air and sustainable transportation is one rooted in respect for the land and for future generations. Indigenous communities have long modeled this stewardship, valuing balance, conservation, and collective well-being.

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.