California, October 14, 2025
News Summary
California has set a new record in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, with 29.1% of all new car purchases in the third quarter of 2025. This is an increase from 26.9% the previous year. A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold, driven by increasing availability of models and charging infrastructure, even amidst the expiration of federal tax incentives. The state aims to expand clean energy and improve access to electric vehicle charging stations across diverse communities.
California has achieved a record-breaking milestone in the sales of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), accounting for 29.1% of new car purchases in the state during the third quarter of 2025. This represents a substantial increase from the previous peak of 26.9% set in the same quarter a year prior. Between July and September 2025, a total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in California, with 108,685 of these being battery-electric vehicles, marking a nearly 30% rise compared to the second quarter of 2025.
This surge in ZEV sales occurs just as federal tax credits, which provided incentives of up to $7,500 for eligible buyers, expired on September 30, 2025. The expiration of these tax credits has not deterred consumers, demonstrating a robust demand for clean vehicles despite decreasing federal subsidies. Cumulative ZEV sales in California have now reached 2,468,158 since tracking began.
Record Growth and Market Expansion
The increase in ZEV sales is a reflection of expanded market offerings and infrastructure. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 146 ZEV models available for purchase, compared to 105 models just a year earlier. Additionally, California’s investment in clean energy has been significant, adding over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage since 2019 while systematically phasing out coal-fired power.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
The growth in ZEV sales has been attributed to the substantial expansion of charging infrastructure throughout California. Currently, nearly every Californian resides within 10 minutes of a fast charger, with over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations available in locations such as grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units. This development aims to improve access to electric vehicle charging, especially for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
Governor’s Comments on ZEV Milestone
Governor Gavin Newsom noted that the robust growth in ZEV sales is unprecedented and a testament to California’s position as the fourth largest economy in the world. The state has also seen significant progress in clean truck sales, with nearly 25% of the truck, bus, and van market consisting of clean vehicles in 2024, achieving state targets two years ahead of schedule.
Regulatory Framework and Future Plans
To further enhance the driving experience for EV owners, the California Energy Commission is working on regulations aimed at ensuring the reliability of EV chargers. These regulations will be crucial in promoting the use of electric vehicles and enhancing consumer confidence in the charging infrastructure.
This rise in ZEV sales also stands in stark contrast to federal policies from previous administrations, which have been criticized for undermining ZEV incentives. The proactive measures taken by California highlight the state’s commitment to leading the shift towards cleaner transportation and environmentally sustainable practices.
FAQ
What percentage of new car purchases in California were zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in Q3 2025?
How many zero-emission vehicles were sold in California from July to September 2025?
What was the total cumulative ZEV sales in California since tracking began?
How many publicly accessible charging stations are available in California?
Key Features of California’s ZEV Sales Record
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Percentage of New Sales in Q3 2025 | 29.1% |
| Total ZEVs Sold in Q3 2025 | 124,755 |
| Total Cumulative ZEV Sales | 2,468,158 |
| Number of Electric Vehicle Models | 146 |
| Public Charging Stations | 200,000+ |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Yo Venice: California Hits New Record for ZEV Sales
- Wikipedia: Electric Car
- CleanTechnica: California Reaches 29.1% EV Share of Auto Sales in Q3
- Google Search: Zero-Emission Vehicles California
- Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
- Electric Cars Report: Over 100,000 EVs Sold in California in Q2 2025
- Google News: California EV Sales
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
