How Sachi Cut Her Car Costs in Half (and Reduced Her Climate Impact)
“With clear, personalized guidance from CEC, switching to an EV was seamless — and hands down one of the smartest decisions I’ve made, for my wallet and the planet.”
Sachi Shiroma behind the wheel of her Kia Niro Ex at CEC’s 2025 EV Incentives Resource Fair in Santa Barbara.
When Sachi Shiroma, an employee at the Santa Barbara County Education Office, first considered switching to an electric vehicle, her motivation was simple: save money at the pump. But what began as a practical choice quickly became one of the most rewarding and impactful decisions she’s made.
With gas prices steadily climbing and a leased Subaru Outback costing her $375 a month, she wondered if going electric could offer a better deal. That’s when she connected with the Community Environmental Council’s (CEC) team, whose one-on-one guidance helped her navigate a complex web of rebates, deadlines, and eligibility requirements. Empowered by the support, Sachi purchased a 2022 Kia Niro EX. The original price of the vehicle was $24,734, but after stacking incentives — a $4,000 federal tax credit, $4,000 rebate from Santa Barbara Clean Energy (pending), and $4,000 rebate from Southern California Edison — her total cost decreased to just $12,734.
The savings go far beyond the price tag. With no more trips to the gas station, Sachi enjoys lower operating costs and peace of mind knowing she’s steering toward a greener future. As a graduate of UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science, she understands the power of individual action and believes we all have a role in accelerating the clean energy transition.
Charging is hassle-free too. Sachi plugs in at Santa Barbara City College’s public charging stations and cruises around town, proving that going electric doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. “With clear, personalized guidance from CEC, switching to an EV was seamless — and hands down one of the smartest decisions I’ve made, for my wallet and the planet.”
