Driving Clean Assistance Program: Get up to $12,000 for a new EV

The Driving Clean Assistance Program helps income-qualified California residents buy or lease clean, low-emission vehicles. The program is run by the Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). It offers down-payment assistance, fair financing, and free financial coaching.

If you want to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle but are concerned about the upfront cost, this program can help. Here is a simple guide explaining how it works, who is eligible, and how to apply.

Program Options: Clean Cars for All and Financing Assistance

The program offers two main ways to get financial assistance:

1. Clean Cars for All (Scrap and Replace): If you own an older, high-polluting car that you wish to get rid of, you could receive up to $10,000 in assistance for a down payment. If you reside in a designated ‘Disadvantaged Community’ (DAC) or ‘Low-Income Community’ (LIC), this amount increases to $12,000.
2. Financing Assistance (No Scrap Required): Even if you do not have a car to scrap, you can still receive up to $7,500 in down-payment assistance to purchase or lease an eligible clean vehicle.

Driving Clean Assistance Program Requirements

To qualify for this program, you must meet specific Driving Clean Assistance program requirements. You need to:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a California resident (ITIN holders and AB 60 driver’s licenses are accepted).
• Have a household income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (for example, under $99,000 for a family of four, though these limits update yearly).
• Apply before buying or leasing the vehicle. The program does not give money back for purchases already made.
• You must not have previously utilized other incentives available for the purchase of light-duty vehicles from CARB.

The vehicle must also meet strict requirements. It must be a new or used Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). Its total purchase price must not exceed $45,000 (before taxes and fees). If the vehicle is used, it must be no more than 8 model years old and have an odometer reading of 75,000 miles or less.

Driving Clean Assistance Program Debit Card and Charging Incentives

In addition to assistance with the down payment, this program also offers a $2,000 charging incentive. You can choose one of two options:

• Home Charging: Offers up to $2,000 for the purchase and professional installation of a Level 2 home charging station through a partnership with GRID Alternatives.
• Public Charging: A $2,000 prepaid card issued by Usio (often searched for by applicants as the ‘Driving Clean Assistance Program debit card’). You can use this card to pay for charging at most supported public charging stations.

Can You Use the Program for a Tesla?

Many people ask whether a Tesla qualifies for the ‘Driving Clean Assistance Program.’ This program does not target any specific car manufacturer, nor does it exclude vehicles from any particular company. A Tesla Model 3 or any other Tesla model may qualify, provided it meets all the program’s standard requirements. Most importantly, the vehicle’s total purchase price must not exceed the $45,000 limit (excluding taxes and fees). Since vehicle prices and trim levels vary, you should verify with your financial advisor and the dealer whether the specific vehicle you intend to purchase is eligible.

Approved Driving Clean Assistance Program Dealerships

You cannot purchase your car from just any dealer. You must complete the purchase or lease of your car through a dealership approved under the ‘Driving Clean Assistance Program’ (DCAP). These include franchise dealers, dealerships within the Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) network, and approved DCAP brokers.

This program vets these dealers to ensure they offer fair financing and honest deals to members of the community.

Always check the official Dealership Network List on the program website before you commit to a purchase. If your preferred dealer is not on the list, you can refer them to the program by emailing dealership@drivingcleanca.org.

How to Apply for Driving Clean Assistance Program Application

The application process is straightforward but requires the right paperwork. Follow these steps:

1. Check Your Address: Use the ‘Priority Populations Mapping Tool’ on the DCAP website to see if you live in a DAC or LIC. This could increase your benefit amount.
2. Gather Your Documents: If you are having your car scrapped, you will need to provide proof of income (tax return, pay stub, or benefit letter), proof of California residency (driver’s license or utility bill), and proof of vehicle ownership for the past two years.
3. Create an Account: Go to the official site at https://drivingcleanca.org or use the ‘Driving Clean Assistance Program’ login portal at chdc.my.site.com/dcap to create your account and submit your application.
4. Complete Financial Counseling: After your application is reviewed, you will need to complete a free financial consultation session. A certified counselor will help ensure the new car payment fits your monthly budget.

Funding Information: Funding for the program is limited. DCAP processes applications using a needs-based, tiered system. Higher tiers may close when funds run low, at which point priority is given to Tier 1 applicants from underserved communities. Therefore, it is best to apply as soon as your documents are ready.

Driving Clean Assistance Program login

Logging in to your Driving Clean Assistance Program account is quick and easy.

1. Visit the official website DCAP Login Page – https://chdc.my.site.com/dcap/s/login/
2. Enter your registered email address and password.
3. Click the “Log In” button.
4. After logging in, you can:
   • Check your application status
   • Upload requested documents
   • View program updates
   • Manage your application

Forgot your password? Click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it.

Contact Information

If you need help or have questions about your eligibility, reach out directly to the program staff.

• Driving Clean Assistance Program phone number: 1-833-202-3227 (1-833-202-DCAP)
• Dealership questions: dealership@drivingcleanca.org
• Official website: https://drivingcleanca.org/

Switching to a clean vehicle is a major decision. By offering clear rules, fixed interest rates, and direct financial assistance, the ‘Driving Clean Assistance Program’ makes reliable and sustainable transportation accessible to California families.