What is ZAP?
Program overview
The Zero-Emission Assurance Project (ZAP) is designed to assist Californians who have purchased a used zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) or near-zero emission vehicle (NZEV) through a California Air Resources Board (CARB) incentive program and suspect that their vehicle’s critical battery or fuel cell components are in need of major repair. The CARB incentive programs include the Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP), and Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A). ZAP complements these clean transportation initiatives by offering diagnostic and repair services for the premature failure of battery or fuel cell components.
The program addresses the concerns associated with owning used ZEVs and NZEVs, specifically the high costs of replacing degraded battery packs or fuel cells.
What are ZEVs and NZEVs?
Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs):
Zero-Emission Vehicles are vehicles that produce no tailpipe emissions, including greenhouse gasses and other pollutants, regardless of usage or operating conditions.
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Vehicles that run entirely on electricity and can be recharged from an outside energy source like the electricity grid
- Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): Vehicles that use a hydrogen powered fuel cell instead of an engine to generate electricity for the batteries and electric motor.*
Near Zero-Emission Vehicles (NZEVs):
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): The vehicle is capable of operating like a ZEV for a minimum number of miles. Then the conventional engine is used until the vehicle is recharged by the electric grid.
Who can participate?
- Includes the various air district implemented Clean Cars 4 All programs, previous local and statewide Financing Assistance pilots, and the Driving Clean Assistance Program.
- The owner must have maintained insurance, registration and any other fees incurred with ownership.
What are the vehicle requirements?
This program is designed to support the diagnosis and repair of battery and fuel cell components of near zero-emission vehicles including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), and battery electric vehicles (BEV).
1
Vehicle Requirements
Coverage for 15 years after the date of manufacture or up to 200,000 miles
Decreased Battery Storage Capacity
Below 70% of original capacity
Decreased Fuel Cell Power Output
Not publicly known and will defer to manufacturers’ threshold for replacement
Covered System Component Failures
2
Covered System Components
- Battery Pack
- Battery Management System (BMS)
- Fuel Cell
3
Diagnostic Requirements
***Vehicles must be diagnosed by a ZAP approved diagnostic location ONLY***
When will this program be available in my area?
Proposed Implementation Air Districts
| San Joaquin Valley | Quarter 4 - 2025 |
| Bay Area | Quarter 1 - 2025 |
| Sacramento Metro | Quarter 1 - 2025 |
| San Diego | Quarter 1 - 2025 |
What to expect?
Would you like to learn more about the Zero-Emission Assurance Project (ZAP), see if you are eligible, and start the application process?
