Bilingual report — Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Save thousands to go electric while incentives last!

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Save thousands on an electric vehicle

while incentives last!

EV ownership is within reach — power up your savings before funding expires.

It’s never been easier or more affordable to get an electric vehicle. Federal EV tax credits are still up for grabs (but not for long) and state incentives are full steam ahead. In other words, now is the time to claim your savings on an EV.

Explore available programs designed to help you make the switch to electric for less:

We’re here to help!

If you want to claim EV funding available now, we can help. CEC can assist you in finding and accessing funding for an EV or EV charger — we’ve helped nearly 1,000 residents, businesses, and nonprofits navigate incentives, making their switch to electric more affordable. You could be next!

What we do:

  • Help you understand the EV buying process

  • Identify the funding programs you’re eligible for

  • Assist you through incentive application processes

Don’t miss the chance to upgrade your ride for less and take a step toward a positive climate future.

To get started:

  1. Visit https://cec.pub/JulyEVSavings and fill out the EV Assistance sign-up form,

  2. Email CEC Climate Programs associate Kat Orellana at korellana@cecmail.org, or

  3. Call Kat Orellana at (805) 730-0209

Join a free DCAP assistance session

Through the California Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP), income-eligible Californians can save up to $12,000 to purchase or lease an EV. Combined with other incentives, participants could save up to $24,000 on a new EV or $24,000 on a used EV. CEC is hosting free in-person and virtual application assistance sessions through August. If you qualify, join us at one of the below events so we can help you claim incentives available through DCAP.

Success Story:

How Marilee Went Electric — and Saved $21,500!

Santa Barbara artist Marilee Krause dreamed of going all-electric but didn’t think it was financially possible until she learned about EV incentive programs. With CEC’s help, Marilee found out she qualified for four incentive programs totaling $21,500 — enough to fully cover the cost of her all-electric 2017 Chevy Bolt.

The affordable condo community where she lives offers a public EV charging station, making it easy for Marilee to power up and hit the road. Now, she’s not only saving money on fuel, she’s proudly part of the Central Coast’s shift toward a more sustainable, fossil-free future.

Other Opportunities

Agriculture professionals, experts, and organizations: CCAL can serve as a resource to receive direct referrals from local producers, expand outreach to new landowners, and collaborate through shared events and technical assistance.

Learn more about CCAL and sign up here

Read about CCAL success stories in the Santa Barbara Independent

Upcoming Events

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Friday, August 1, 2025 (AND every first Friday in 2025)

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. August’s gathering will focus on extreme heat and how we can work to address its impacts. Hear from CEC’s Em Johnson, Jen Hernandez from Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), and more. Learn more and register.

Santa Barbara SUNDay Celebration

Sunday, September 21, 2025

1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Santa Barbara Public Library

40 East Anapamu St., Santa Barbara

Join us for a local celebration of clean energy progress as part of the national SUNDay of action, led by Third Act. This free, festival-style event will feature speakers, kids’ activities, community booths, and resources to help electrify your home or business. Come take part in building a sun-powered future for Santa Barbara County and beyond! Hosted by CEC, Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers, Clean Coalition, the City of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara’s Sustainability & Resilience Department, and the Santa Barbara Public Library. Learn more and register.

 

Support Critical Work Like This

Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.