Heads up (verified 2026-05-17): The incentive is now up to $12,000 (raised from $9,500 — the page title is preserved for URL/slug stability). The EVgo prepaid charging option is currently on hold. Program is otherwise active. Source: airquality.org/SacCleanCars4All.
Clean Cars 4 All — trade in your old car for a cleaner one
Who it's for: Income-qualified Sacramento County residents living in disadvantaged communities who own an older, higher-polluting vehicle they're ready to retire.
What you actually get: Up to $12,000 toward the purchase or lease of an eligible new or used zero-emission or plug-in hybrid vehicle. You can instead opt for an electric bike or transit cards if a car isn't the right fit.
What to do:
- Check eligibility on the Sac Metro Air District page — income limits are tied to area median income and household size.
- Call 855-201-5626 or email cc4a@energycenter.org to start an application. The Energy Center administers the program for the Air District.
- Have your old vehicle's registration and your income documents ready.
What to skip: The EVgo prepaid charging benefit is paused — don't plan your purchase around free charging until the Air District says it's back.
Why this program exists: CC4A is funded by California Climate Investments (Cap-and-Trade dollars). The goal is to cut transportation emissions — which account for roughly 40% of California's greenhouse gas output — while easing the up-front cost of a cleaner car for people who'd otherwise be stuck driving older, dirtier vehicles. Underserved neighborhoods near freeways bear a disproportionate share of vehicle pollution and the asthma, cancer, and missed-school-day costs that come with it.
Why a clean vehicle saves money long-term: Electricity costs less per mile than gasoline, and EVs/plug-in hybrids have far fewer moving parts to maintain than a gas or diesel engine.