Bay Area Clean Car Trade-In Program Set To Expand

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The Bay Area Air District is expanding a program that offers grants up to $9,500 for residents to trade in older cars for a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle.

The Clean Cars for All program, previously limited to certain communities, will now be available throughout the Air District's nine-county area. Since the program launched in March, more than 100 families have taken advantage, with over $1 million in funding awarded so far, the Air District said in a release.

To qualify, residents must have a household income that falls under a specified limit. The car they are scrapping must be at least 15 years old, functional and have a current registration in the applicant's name.

“The expansion of the Clean Cars for All program now makes clean air vehicles an affordable option for many throughout the Bay Area,” said Jack Broadbent, the Air District's executive officer, in a statement.

Some residents who got the full $9,500 have been able to buy a used electric car with the grant money alone, the Air District said. The size of the grant depends on applicants' household size, income and their choice of replacement vehicle.

To apply or see more information, visit the Clean Cars for All site: www.baaqmd.gov/cleancarsforall.