As with food, clothes, and shelter, reliable transportation has become necessary. The invention of the private car in the early 1900s revolutionized freedom of transportation and mass mobility. It made getting to and from work, home, educational institutions, malls, and other entertainment facilities easier.
In California, over 1.2 million people live in areas with limited access to public transportation. As a result, owning a car becomes more important. Unfortunately, over 3.2 million households in the Golden State lack access to a car. To address this issue, the local government implemented assistance programs to help get a car in California. Continue reading to learn more.
Reasons Why You Should Own A Car In California
California is well known for its world-class tourist attractions, natural landmarks, and lovely weather. But California is also among the top locations for finding the best car prices. Here are a few explanations why California is the best state to buy a vehicle.
Convenience And Freedom
Having your car gives you unmatched convenience and freedom to travel to any place whenever you’d like. You’ll also have control over your mobility and not have to rely on ride-share apps, carpools, or public transit. Owning a personal vehicle is also recommended in times of emergency and natural disasters.
Time-Saving
Having a car of your own will ultimately help you from wasting time. You can leave work or your home anytime because you won’t need to wait for a taxi, bus, or ride-sharing service. Additionally, it makes inter-city and inter-town travel faster and easier.
Suburbanization
Most households in large cities are in danger of being targets for burglary and home invasion. Many California homeowners choose to reside in the state’s suburban areas to protect themselves from being burglarized. However, the suburbs lack effective public transportation, which forces Californians to travel using their vehicles.
Great Deals And Options
California offers multiple car deals and options for families or individuals seeking one. You can choose from different dealership stores that provide the latest models of cars with features that suit your way of living.
Vehicle Ownership Programs In California
If you or your household cannot afford a new vehicle, some programs can provide you with car financing assistance.
Clean Cars 4 All
The Clean Cars 4 All program, formerly the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Plus-Up Program, assists low-income car owners in upgrading to modern eco-friendly vehicles by helping them trade in their older and more polluting cars.
If you qualify, you may receive a grant of up to $9,500 to purchase a brand-new or secondhand battery electric vehicle (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), or plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV). Alternatively, you may opt for a $7,500 incentive voucher to receive access to private, public, and shared transportation services.
Involved air districts help implement the Clean Cars 4 All program across California. Eligibility and incentive amounts are based on your household income level, where you reside, and the replacement vehicle you choose.
The incentive amount and qualifications depend on your area of residence, household income, and choose replacement vehicle model.
Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP)
By offering consumer rebates to lower the initial cost of buying brand-new vehicles, CVRP helps put the cleanest cars on California’s road. However, it is important to remember that this initiative provides rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.
A $7,000 rebate is provided to help low-income families and individuals lease or buy newer and cleaner vehicles, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric cars (FCEVs), or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Visit the CVRP official webpage at www.CleanVehicleRebate.org for more details on the qualifying requirements and the application process for a CVRP rebate.
Finance Assistance For Low-Income Consumers
Through California’s Clean Vehicle Assistance Program and its statewide Driving Clean Assistance Program, lower-income citizens can receive financing to buy brand-new or used eco-friendly vehicles, such as BEVs, PHEVs, FCEVs, and HEVs. This program also offers buy-down opportunities and discounted car prices, free home charger installation, and loans at a lower interest rate (≤ 8% interest).
The Beneficial State Foundation (BSF) administers the CVA Program and provides qualified applicants with accelerated amortization grants of up to $5,000 and cost-effective financing options. Additionally, eligible individuals may also receive a $2,000 voucher that can be used to install a Level 2 home charger; or a $1,000 prepaid card for charging fees with a free Level 1 portable car charger.
Gross annual income and vehicle model determine an applicant’s grant and loan eligibility and the grant amount provided. If you require financial assistance to pay your monthly rent, read this comprehensive guide by Gov Relations on emergency rental assistance grants.
