About DriveClean
DriveClean is a clean vehicle buying guide from the California Air Resources Board, designed to help you explore your options. California is driving toward a cleaner, healthier future with programs that help make electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen vehicles more affordable and easier to charge and fuel.
DriveClean exists to:
- Help you understand clean vehicles and how they fit your life.
- Make it easy to compare options.
- Connect you with incentives and rebates.
Choosing a clean vehicle is a step toward cleaner air, healthier communities and a more sustainable future for California.
Key Agencies and Programs
To support clean transportation, state agencies, local governments and electric utilities have a variety of programs that make clean vehicles and charging infrastructure more accessible, especially for low-income households and communities overburdened by air pollution. Below are some examples.
California Air Resources Board
Access Clean California
Helps low- to moderate-income residents access and apply for clean energy programs and transportation incentives.
Driving Clean Assistance Program
Offers financial assistance for low- and moderate-income individuals to buy or lease new or used clean vehicles.
Clean Cars 4 All
Provides grants for up to $12,000 for low-income consumers to replace older vehicles with cleaner options.
California Energy Commission
Clean Transportation Program
Invests in alternative fuel and vehicle technologies, including electric vehicle infrastructure.
California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project
Provides funding for publicly available EV charging stations to support widespread uptake.
California Public Utilities Commission
Transportation Electrification Initiatives
Approves utility programs supporting EV infrastructure and grid integration.
Rate Design
Develops electricity rates that encourage off-peak EV charging and grid stability.
Local Governments and Utilities
Local governments, electric utilities and air districts have implemented a variety of programs to support clean vehicle uptake and home charger installations.
“Owning an EV has dramatically changed my income.”
As a delivery driver, it has reduced my fuel costs to the point where my income stream is much steadier.
Christopher A.
Battery-electric vehicle owner
“Cost of ownership is way better”
The ease of charging at home, as well as the low electricity rate, makes the cost of ownership way better than your typical internal combustion engine alternative.
Angel
Battery-electric vehicle owner
Clean Vehicle Policy Impacts
California's comprehensive approach to EV uptake has led to significant achievements:
- More clean cars: California leads the nation in light-duty zero-emission vehicle sales. California Energy Commission
- More infrastructure: California leads the nation in charging infrastructure. California Energy Commission
- Cleaner air: Better air quality saves lives by reducing rates of asthma, heart disease, and other pollution-related illnesses.