Project Summary
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 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.
While there is substantial knowledge about the distributive equity outcomes of many of the state’s clean transportation programs, procedural equity—ensuring inclusivity in design, outreach, and other aspects of implementation—remains less explored. In this project, researchers will examine procedural equity in these two programs, selected for their innovative program designs and priorities beyond those of more long-standing, pure vehicle purchase credit or rebate approaches. This analysis will draw on interviews with CARB program administrators, community partners and advisors, and program participants.
