DCAP Impact Stories

“I used to drive a 1999 Nissan Pathfinder, that car was basically drinking gas.” – Jielin Y.
For Jielin, upgrading to an electric vehicle was a major step toward a cleaner, more affordable way to commute — and one he had been thinking about for years

“I’m actually the first EV owner on my street, and my friends and neighbors are excited for me.” – Sarah F.
I love how nimble the car is. It actually drives better than my SUV, and I don’t have to go to a gas station and pay the high price of gas anymore.

“If I get dizzy or lose my balance, I need something that’s easy to handle and has good safety features” – Wesley A.
Wesley’s old 2000 minivan had become a hassle. “The windows don’t go down, except for the driver’s window, and only if we had to take the side panel off. Now, with his new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle through DCAP, things are much different.
Community Partner Spotlight

Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive Partner Reflections Community Environmental Council
As we prepare for our upcoming Clean Air Vehicle Ride & Drive on Saturday, March 14th, we asked our local co-hosts to share what excites them most and why these events matter for clean air in Santa Barbara County.

Placer County Air Pollution Control District (PCAPCD) and Health Education Council (HEC) DCAP Newsletter Interview Questions
Placer County Air Pollution Control District and the Health Education Council share how DCAP and Clean Cars 4 All are helping Placer County residents access cleaner, more reliable transportation while improving health and everyday mobility.

MAAC’s Drive Electric Week 2025: Empowering Communities Toward a Greener Future
Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee on Anti-Poverty of San Diego County, Inc. (MAAC) hosted its Annual Drive Electric Week in Chula Vista from October 14–18, 2025, featuring a blend of virtual and in-person events designed to educate, connect, and inspire the community toward clean transportation.
Ride and Drive Partners

Santa Barbara County APCD Ride & Drive Partner Reflections
To better understand the impact of Ride & Drive events, we asked Santa Barbara County APCD partners to reflect on their experiences.

Comite Civico Del Valle Ride & Drive Partner Reflections
To better understand the impact of Ride & Drive events, we asked Comite Civico Del Valle (CCV) partners to reflect on their experiences:

DCAP Ride and Drive 2025 Wrap-Up for the Year!
In 2025, DCAP continued expanding hands-on EV education across the state through Ride & Drive (R&D) events. From San Bernardino to Bishop to Eureka , residents received real opportunities to explore EVs, ask questions, and experience clean-air vehicles in person.
Monthly Newsletters

2026 January Newsletter
As we begin a new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts, setting financial goals, building stability, and making choices that support our health and well-being.

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.