California has reached a new milestone in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, with nearly one-third of all new vehicles sold in the state now being clean cars. Governor Gavin Newsom commented on this achievement, stating, “This is unprecedented – we’re nearing a third of all new vehicles sold in the fourth largest economy on the planet being clean cars. We’re setting new records because this state believes in innovation, not isolation. While Trump sells out American innovation to China, California will keep charging ahead on our path to a future of cleaner air.”
Nancy Skinner, California Energy Commissioner, emphasized the significance of this progress: “This is a defining moment for California’s ZEV progress and sends a clear message to Washington: ZEVs are here to stay. The work and investments by the California Energy Commission (CEC), and its agency and industry partners, to expand the state’s network of EV chargers has resulted in nearly every Californian living within 10 minutes of an EV fast charger. Now, new EV owners can enjoy a great driving experience bidding goodbye to smelly gas stations, messy oil changes, and costly engine tune-ups.”
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, addressed federal policy challenges: “While the federal government stumbles backward with reckless rollbacks and short-sighted policies, California charges ahead lighting the path to a cleaner, more prosperous future. From pioneering clean transportation in the 1970s to becoming the world’s 4th largest economy today, we’ve proven time and again that protecting air quality and the climate isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart economic policy.”
The diversity of ZEV models available in California continues to grow. In Q1 2025 there were 146 ZEV models available compared to 105 models during Q1 last year. During Q3 alone Californians purchased 124,755 ZEVs—including 108,685 electric vehicles (EVs)—with EV sales rising almost 30% over Q2.
On October 8th this year California became the first U.S. state to adopt regulations requiring reliability standards and reporting for electric vehicle chargers funded by public money. These rules are expected to improve both charger reliability statewide and ensure accurate data about operational chargers.
At its October business meeting—the same day these regulations were adopted—the CEC approved two projects under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program that will add 64 fast chargers along major highways across California. The commission also authorized grants for repairing or installing another set of public fast chargers—30 non-operational units will be fixed while another 30 new ones will be installed at those locations.
Additionally three grants totaling over $10 million were approved by CEC for construction of more than one thousand Level 2 charging ports throughout low-income or affordable multifamily housing complexes across California.
There are financial incentives available for low-income residents who wish to purchase ZEVs; further information can be found at ClimateAction.ca.gov or ElectricForAll.org.
California currently has over 200,000 publicly accessible EV charging stations distributed throughout grocery stores parking lots workplaces apartment complexes medical offices sports venues gas stations as well as other shared private sites—complementing an estimated additional 800,000 home-based chargers installed statewide.
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About the California Energy Commission:
The CEC serves as California’s primary energy policy agency responsible for advancing energy efficiency certifying power plants investing in innovation supporting renewable energy transforming transportation systems and preparing for emergencies.
