Who We Serve
Our program is available to all income-qualified individuals across California. As an equity-focused program, our priority is to serve communities that are disproportionately impacted by pollution, this often includes low-income communities and communities of color (Learn More).
Community Trends
A used plug-in vehicle is the most popular choice among our CVA Program participants. With a grant up to $7,500, Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids become an affordable option. The savings continue for participants who redeem a charging grant. We’ve expanded our charging grant options to better serve renters, so we expect more participants to redeem a charging grant in the future. Last updated March 15th, 2023.
30% of our participants bought a used clean vehicle, 70% bought new.
97% of vehicle grants supported the purchase of a battery-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
61% of our participants also received a charging grant.
Participant Stories
Candace Chu
Clean Vehicle - Nissan Leaf
I’m so glad that the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provided me the financial assistance and opportunity to switch my old Honda Accord gas car from high school to a zero-emission brand new NISSAN Leaf.
Keep Reading
Jazmin Martinez
Clean Vehicle - Chevy Volt
It was at work that I heard about the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program and when I learned more about the program, I decided to apply. I was lucky to qualify for the program and got a $5,000 grant to purchase a clean vehicle.
Keep Reading Candace Chu
Clean Vehicle - Nissan Leaf
I’m a second-generation Taiwanese-American young professional working multiple jobs to live in San Diego, California. I work at an environmental justice nonprofit, GRID Alternatives on ensuring that the transition to clean renewable technology includes everyone. I have wanted to transition into a cleaner vehicle for the past several years now. The only drawback was that I couldn’t afford it on my non-profit salary. I’m so glad that the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program provided me the financial assistance and opportunity to switch my old Honda Accord gas car from high school to a zero-emission brand new NISSAN Leaf.
I’ve experienced enormous benefits from transitioning away from fossil fuels. I never have to wait in a Costco gas line ever again. I save on maintenance costs because I never need to get an oil change and my electric vehicle has regenerative braking allowing for single-pedal driving so my brakes are also being saved significantly. I trickle charge at my apartment building and I rented so I could not install a dedicated charger at home, but I was able to talk to my landlord and get a standard 3-prong wall outlet by the back parking area of the apartment building. I plug-in similar to how I charge my cell phone and because I don’t drive more than 50 miles on average every day, plugging in overnight is easy! I love driving electric & since I got my car, I also qualified for low-cost financing and the California HOV lane decal which only cost me $22 at the DMV. I am driving cleaner for healthier communities and cleaner air while also saving ~$300/month in gas costs.
Red Nissan Leaf
Jazmin Martinez
Clean Vehicle - Chevy Volt
My name is Jazmin Martinez. I was raised in the Central Valley and I currently live in Fresno with my two sons. It was at work that I heard about the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program and when I learned more about the program, I decided to apply. I was lucky to qualify for the program and got a $5,000 grant to purchase a clean vehicle. With the grant, I purchased a newer vehicle, a 2016 Chevy Volt, and I was able to get rid of my 2008 Saturn Vue.
One of the things I love about my new car is that it saves me money. I commute approximately 30 miles daily and run on electricity, saving me lots of money. I can charge my car at home with a regular outlet and at work where we have charging stations. My car is very convenient for me and it is way cheaper than fueling up with gas. I love to take my family on trips and my Chevy Volt makes it more affordable to do that. I also like that my Volt is a safe car. With two boys and another on the way, having a safe vehicle is important to me. I’m really happy I was able to get a clean vehicle grant and purchase my Volt.
