Here’s how Sacramento residents can apply for $9,500 toward a new electric car
Sacramento residents can help the environment by getting rid of their gas-guzzling cars — and get paid to do it.
Under the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District’s program, Clean Cars 4 All, residents within a specified income limit in certain neighborhoods can get a grant to trade in their old cars for hybrid or electric vehicles. As a part of California Climate Investments initiative, this grant helps to cut back greenhouse gas emissions and enhance the environment and public health, especially in low income communities.
“Underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by pollution from gasoline consumption and production,” according to the program website. “These communities tend to be near busy roads and freeways, exposing residents to dangerous levels of emissions.”
By adopting a car that uses electric energy, residents can reduce their contribution to air pollution and lessen negative health effects.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, electric cars have a smaller carbon footprint than cars that use gas, and over their lifetime, create less emissions even with the account of manufacturing. A 2020 study from Consumer Reports also shows that drivers with battery electric vehicles spend 60% less on fuel, compared to an average car.
Who’s eligible?
Eligibility for the incentive program depends on your location, income and current vehicle. You must also be a new applicant per household.
Location: You must live in the following ZIP codes:
95652
95814
95820
95826
95832
95660
95815
95821
95827
95833
95670
95816
95823
95828
95834
95673
95817
95824
95829
95838
95811
95818
95825
95830
95842
Income: Your household size and income must be:
- 1 person, less than $51,520
- 2 people, less than $69,680
- 3 people, less than $87,840
- 4 people, less than $106,000
- 5 people, less than $124,000
- 6 people, less than $142,320
- 7 people, less than $160,480
- 8 people, less than $178,640
Vehicle: Cars must be from 2007 or earlier, under applicant’s name and operational in California since 2020.
Take a quiz
You can also take an online quiz to find out if you and your car meets the program requirements.
How to apply
If you’re eligible you can apply for the program online.
You’ll need to have several documents ready, including your 2020 tax information, DMV registration and driver’s license. The process typically takes about 120 days.
What if I don’t want to purchase a new car?
If you don’t want to buy or lease a new car for the program, you can enroll with Sacramento Regional Transit for a transit card. You’ll still need to drop off your old vehicle at an appropriate salvage center, if approved for the program.
I have multiple old cars. Can I apply more than once?
No, the program is for one car per household. However, if a person lives in your home but has independent income and is not claimed as a dependent, they can apply separately.
This story was originally published June 23, 2022 at 1:33 PM.