Financing Assistance For Lower-Income Consumers

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

What does it fund?

Low-interest loans and vehicle price buy-downs for lower-income consumers to purchase a new or used zero-emission, plug-in hybrid electric, or hybrid vehicle. Lenders are offered a loan loss reserve to mitigate their risk.

Who is eligible for funds?

Lower-income vehicle owners statewide. Income-qualified CA residents. Check your eligibility on the program website.

How does this program provide benefits to priority populations?

Outreach to disadvantaged communities to engage low-income residents to participate in the program.

How do I access funds?

Apply for first-come, first-served low-interest loans and buy-downs available at cleanvehiclegrants.org. Bay Area residents apply at: communityhdc.org/transportation-department/

Funding timeline

No additional funds are available at this time.

All program funds are now committed to program participants who have completed a qualifying application and received an Approval Letter. Approved applicants have 60 days to redeem their grant. If the grant is not redeemed, those funds become available to the next person on the Reservation List. The program is not accepting new applicants for the Reservation List as of April 14, 2021.

Project Profiles

Read stories of projects funded by this program.

Cumulative Statistics

As of November 30, 2024

$26.8 million implemented

$21.6 million benefiting priority populations

29,858 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions

4,410 projects implemented

At least $20.0 million benefiting low-income households

3,442 projects benefiting low-income households

2024 Achievements

Reporting period:
Dec 1, 2023 – Nov 30, 2024

$1.0 million implemented

870 MTCO2e estimated GHG emissions reductions

12 full-time equivalent jobs reported

$977,500 benefiting priority populations

20% benefiting disadvantaged communities

75% benefiting low-income communities and households

5% benefiting other areas of California

Other Expected Benefits

123 pounds nitrous oxide reductions

123 pounds particulate matter 2.5 reductions

90,134 gallons of fuel use reduction