Supporting EV Conversions in CC4A Legislation

Picture a showroom lined with decades-old cars, their hoods lifted, revealing something totally unexpected: electric motors. Inside these classic cars. These relics of a gas-powered past are symbols of both progress and tradition at the same time. They’ve seen cross-country trips, commutes, and countless gas station stops. And now, they have a second life—not as zombies, but as something new entirely. As symbols of traditional innovation.

This is the vision fueling Fuel2Electric, and this is why we’re pushing to integrate EV conversions into California’s Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program. Why does this matter? How could it change everything? Here’s what you need to know.

The Roadblock in California Clean Cars 4 All

California’s CC4A program has been a game-changer, allocating nearly $500 million since 2015 to help income-qualified residents replace their old gas cars with electric vehicles (EVs). Yet, it’s not without flaws. Despite its noble intentions, the program has only reduced greenhouse gas emissions by a mere 0.12% of annual passenger vehicle output. Why?

The focus has been narrow—scrap an internal combustion engine (ICE) car and replace it with a shiny, often expensive, new EV. But not every driver can afford a brand-new electric car, even with the incentives. And that’s where EV conversions come in, offering an economical, scalable, and inclusive alternative.

EV Incentives California: Why EV Conversions Are the Missing Link

EV conversions are a way to bridge the gap between outdated ICE vehicles and sustainable transportation without sending the former to a scrapyard. Here’s why they’re important:

1. Cost: Converting an existing ICE vehicle to electric can be cheaper than buying a used EV.

2. Environmental Impact: It reduces the production of new vehicles, saving energy and resources while cutting emissions. In fact, converting an old ICE vehicle to electric can reduce your carbon footprint by up to 10X in comparison to buying a new EV.

3. Economic Growth: A mainstream EV conversion industry could create a massive amount of jobs, drive innovation, and make sustainable tech far more accessible.

EV Conversion Legislation: Building on Past Efforts: SB-301 and Beyond

Earlier this year, SEMA led the SB-301 initiative, legislation that sought $2 million annually to fund EV conversions. Despite its potential, the bill was vetoed due to funding concerns. But the CC4A program already has funding—and that’s the key.

By integrating EV conversions into CC4A:

1. We could dramatically increase the program’s impact on greenhouse gas reduction.

2. Focus resources on lower-income consumers, amplifying equity in clean transportation.

3. Lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining EV conversion market that benefits everyone.

In short, EV conversions offer a smarter way to draw down ICE vehicle stock without the economic inefficiency of scrap-only programs.

A Call for Legislative Action

At Fuel2Electric, we’re advocating for two key legislative measures to make this happen: Inclusion of EV Conversions in CC4A: This bill would expand the program to allow income-qualified residents to apply for conversion incentives.

CC4A Benefit-Cost Scoring Framework: A companion proposal to ensure funds are allocated based on the economic and environmental efficiency of each conversion.

These measures aren’t just about policy—they’re about rethinking what’s possible.

What’s Next?

The combination of CC4A incentives, falling battery costs, and scaling economies could create an inflection point for EV conversions, transforming them from niche solutions into potentially mainstream options. This is a movement, and an invitation for you to be part of it.

Imagine a future where no one has to choose between keeping an old car and going green. Where EV kits are as common as oil changes used to be. Where California leads the charge not just in driving EVs but in converting them.

It starts here. Let’s turn that driveway of yours into a roadway for change.

Fuel2Electric is proud to stand with SEMA, EV West, Current EV motors, Nice and other industry leaders in championing a cleaner, more inclusive transportation future. Together, we can make EV conversions a cornerstone of California’s Clean Cars 4 All program.