California has surpassed 2.5 million sales of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), continuing to lead the nation in clean car adoption despite recent changes to federal policy.
During the fourth quarter of 2025, Californians bought 79,066 new ZEVs, which made up 18.9% of all new car sales in the state. This growth came even as federal incentives for ZEVs ended on September 30, 2025. According to Cox Automotive, national ZEV sales fell to 5.8% in the fourth quarter from 10.5% in the third quarter.
California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner said, “No state in the union can match California’s five-year growth in ZEV sales. This serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come thanks to historic levels of state investment and Californians’ strong demand for clean cars. Each quarter, even in the face of increasing federal headwinds, tens of thousands of consumers are purchasing a ZEV in the Golden State, enjoying a great driving experience, and knowing they never have to go to a gas station again.”
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, commented on recent developments: “While the federal government reversed and put up roadblocks, the global zero-emission vehicle market surged ahead last year. Governor Newsom’s new rebate proposal sends a clear message: California isn’t slowing down, we’re still leading the pack. It’s not just about clean air, it’s smart economic policy.”
The preliminary budget announced by Governor Newsom on January 9 included a proposal for a new $200 million incentive program intended to support both consumers and auto manufacturers during uncertain times for federal policy regarding ZEVs.
There are currently over 200,000 public and shared private EV charging stations across California. Public chargers are located at places such as grocery stores and park-and-ride lots, while shared chargers are available at apartment complexes and workplaces. In addition to these public options, an estimated 800,000 home EV chargers have been installed statewide.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has allocated $98.5 million from its Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan Update for fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund further development of light-duty ZEV infrastructure. The funding will likely focus on expanding Level 1 and Level 2 charging options at locations where vehicles remain parked for extended periods—including multifamily residential buildings.
Later this year, CEC plans to release updates including new infrastructure funding opportunities based on its recent investments; an updated Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment required by Assembly Bill (AB) 2127; and another assessment mandated by SB 1000 examining whether charging infrastructure is equitably distributed across communities.
California remains committed to supporting innovation in clean energy technologies such as solar power and battery storage—sectors where it holds a leadership position nationally.
The California Energy Commission continues its work as the state’s primary agency for energy policy and planning with responsibilities that include advancing state energy policy, promoting efficiency programs, certifying power plants, investing in innovation projects related to renewables and transportation transformation efforts.
