By Marie Matiko
The Story Behind Clean Cars for All
The Clean Cars for All (CCFA) program is more than just a clean transportation initiative—it’s a bold step toward climate justice and environmental equity in California. Conceived under the framework of California’s pioneering climate legislation, Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32), CCFA exemplifies how targeted investments in clean technology can yield tangible benefits for people and the planet.
AB 32, officially known as the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, was the first comprehensive and legally binding climate change law in the United States. It established California’s ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and set the stage for a wide range of transformative environmental programs. Clean Cars for All is one such program, funded through California’s Cap-and-Trade revenue, which channels money from polluters directly into solutions for frontline communities.
From the beginning, the program has been closely aligned with AB 32’s key goals:
- Reducing emissions from older, high-polluting vehicles
- Improving air quality, especially in disadvantaged and underserved communities
- Creating equitable access to clean transportation by offering generous incentives to low- and moderate-income households
GRID Alternatives Bay Area’s work administering CCFA has been strengthened by our partnership with the Bay Area Air District (BAAD). BAAD has been instrumental in ensuring the program runs efficiently and reaches those who need it most.
Transforming the Bay Area—One Vehicle at a Time
The impact of the CCFA program is undeniable. As of January 2025, more than 5,000 cleaner, low-emission vehicles are now on Bay Area roads thanks to CCFA, helping to make the region the “EV Capital of the Nation”. The emissions reductions speak for themselves:
Over 359,800 metric tons—equivalent to 793 million pounds—of GHGs have been averted over the lifespans of the gas vehicles replaced.
These aren’t just numbers. They represent cleaner air in communities that have long suffered from environmental injustices, fewer asthma attacks in children, and a meaningful step toward California’s climate resilience.
The Clean Cars for All program is designed to remove barriers to clean transportation. Eligible participants can receive up to $12,000 in incentives to retire their old gas-powered car and adopt a cleaner alternative. There’s even a $2,000 rebate for home EV charging infrastructure. The program is open to households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, ensuring broad access for working families.
Participants can use the incentive to buy or lease a new or used clean vehicle, including plug-in hybrids, fully electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell cars. For those who prefer not to drive, CCFA also offers prepaid public transit cards or e-bike packages with accessories, offering flexible options to meet people where they are.
With available stacking of state and federal incentives, a pre-owned Bolt EV can cost as little as $5,000 out of pocket—a significant entry price point for many families.
More Than a Car Swap: A Climate and Cost Solution
Switching from gas to electric isn't just good for the planet—it’s good for your wallet. On average, for every $100 spent on gasoline, you’d spend just $39 on electricity for the same distance traveled. Over 10 years, that adds up to an estimated $19,400 in fuel savings.
Put simply, replacing a gas-powered car with an EV is one of the most impactful actions individuals can take to combat global warming and reduce local air pollution.
For those ready to take the next step, Clean Cars for All is part of a growing ecosystem of clean transportation solutions supported by local utilities, cities, and energy providers. The clean transportation revolution is here, and everyone deserves a seat.
A great place to start exploring your options is Access Clean California—a one-stop shop for clean vehicle incentives across the state.