Access Clean California (ACC) programs are now open for applications, offering grants and rebates to help residents, including those in Kern County, purchase or lease electric vehicles.
ACC is a statewide initiative designed to connect income-qualified residents with clean energy and transportation benefits. The program is part of California Climate Investments, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment.
According to the Access Clean California website:
“People who live in the most polluted parts of California often have the least access to clean energy resources like electric vehicles and solar power that can help clean up the air and reduce their energy costs. Access Clean California helps residents with low and moderate incomes get money and other benefits to help them make the switch.”
Air pollution remains a pressing issue in California, with more than 90% of residents breathing unhealthy air. This pollution, caused by vehicle emissions and natural gas usage in homes, contributes to asthma, heart and lung diseases, and other health issues. It also accelerates climate change.
Communities of color are disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to live in heavily polluted areas and face limited resources to adapt to the impacts of climate change. “Both clean transportation and home electrification help reduce pollution and make the air cleaner,” noted the ACC website.
To achieve its clean air and energy goals, California encourages residents to transition to cleaner energy options. However, the upfront costs of electric vehicles and solar panels can be prohibitive. ACC bridges this gap by offering programs that reduce or eliminate these costs for eligible residents.
Programs Available in Kern County
Kern County residents can use ACC’s Benefits Finder to discover which programs they qualify for. Current programs include:
- San Joaquin Valley Air District – Rebate
Receive up to $3,000 for purchasing or leasing a new all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle or an all-electric motorcycle. - Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
Get up to $4,500 cash back after buying or leasing a new all-electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle. Applications must be submitted within three months of purchase. - Empower EV
PG&E customers can receive a free home charger and up to $2,000 for electric panel upgrades. - Energy for All Program
Homeowners can receive a no-cost solar electric system to power their homes and electric vehicles.
In addition, ACC will be launching their new E-Bike Incentive Program on December 18 at 6 p.m. This program’s first window will be awarding up to 1,500 vouchers ($3 million) and applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
Those interested in an E-Bike are encouraged to apply right when the application window opens as it’s expected to be oversubscribed within minutes. To apply, clients will need their California ID, an ACC income verification certificate, or other income verification documentation, and a device they can use to watch the two required training videos.
Benefits Beyond the Individual
The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) in Kern County offers more than personal savings—it also strengthens the nation’s energy resilience. By reducing emissions and reliance on petroleum, EVs mitigate climate change while protecting communities from fuel price volatility and supply disruptions.
Access Clean California partners with state and regional clean energy programs to ensure residents receive all the benefits they’re eligible for. These initiatives are supported by California state funds dedicated to reducing air pollution and promoting clean energy.
