California has surpassed 200,000 publicly available electric vehicle (EV) chargers, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). These chargers are found at locations with full public access such as grocery stores, park and ride lots, and gas stations. Shared chargers are also available at places like apartment complexes, workplaces, and sports facilities that may have some restricted access. This network of public and shared chargers adds to an estimated 800,000 EV chargers installed in single-family homes across the state.
“With this expanding public network, EV chargers are becoming ubiquitous in California,” said CEC Commissioner Nancy Skinner. “Our goal is to make driving an EV a no-brainer choice for Californians. They are fun to drive, never need an oil change, don’t cause smog, and it’s getting easier to charge your vehicle with public EV infrastructure.”
Currently, 94% of Californians live within ten minutes of an EV charger. Most of these public chargers are Level 2 devices that can provide 25-35 miles of range per hour of charging. There is also a growing number of direct current fast chargers (DCFC), which can deliver almost a full charge in 15 to 45 minutes. Since the last count by the CEC, DCFC ports have increased by 14%, while Level 2 charging ports have grown by 25%.
Federal incentives for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), including tax credits up to $7,500 for new purchases or leases and up to $4,000 for eligible used vehicles, will end on September 30, 2025. Incentives for at-home charging equipment and battery storage remain available up to $1,000.
California state agencies continue efforts to speed up installation of EV chargers and plan for increased grid demand. Initiatives include providing grants for various types of charging installations—including those in multi-family housing—prioritizing shovel-ready DCFC projects through grant programs managed by the CEC, developing a ZEV Infrastructure Plan to guide progress toward transportation goals related to emissions reduction, and establishing reliability standards for EV chargers.
A recent report published by state agencies responded to Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order supporting ZEV adoption and reaffirmed California’s commitment despite changing federal policies.
The CEC also reported progress in medium- and heavy-duty sectors: there are now more than 20,000 charging and hydrogen fueling points statewide serving these larger vehicles—a rise of over 23% since February 2025. While trucks represent only six percent of vehicles on California roads, they account for more than one-third of transportation emissions in the state.
The commission stated that investments in medium- and heavy-duty ZEV infrastructure will help reduce air pollution near major transportation corridors.
The California Energy Commission serves as the state’s main energy policy agency with responsibilities ranging from advancing energy policy and efficiency initiatives to investing in renewable energy sources and preparing for emergencies.
