Bridging the Procedural Equity Divide in California’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Programs

Date: October 1, 2025

Author(s): Rachel Connolly, Gregory Pierce, Viviana Morales

Abstract

California’s goal of transitioning all vehicles sold in the state to zero-emission models by 2035 is pivotal to addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice. However, achieving this transition equitably requires targeted efforts to address the financial and social barriers that low-income and disadvantaged communities face.

As a leader in clean transportation initiatives, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has long offered several benefit programs that support residents with the transition to electric vehicles, including the Clean Vehicle Assistance Program (CVAP) and Access Clean California (ACC). CVAP, which operated from 2018-2024, provided grants and loan financing to help low-income households purchase or lease electric vehicles. ACC, launched in 2018, uses an extensive statewide community outreach network of community-based organizations (CBOs) to connect eligible residents with a range of clean transportation and energy benefits.

About the Project

California’s goal of transitioning all vehicles sold in the state to zero-emission models by 2035 is pivotal to address climate change and advance environmental justice. However, achieving this transition equitably […]