California, October 14, 2025
News Summary
California has reached a new milestone in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, with 29.1% of new car purchases in Q3 2025 being ZEVs. A total of 124,755 vehicles were sold, marking a significant increase from the previous record. This growth comes despite the expiration of federal tax credits. The state has developed a robust charging infrastructure, facilitating the adoption of clean energy solutions, and has increased the number of ZEV models available to consumers. Governor Newsom has highlighted these advancements in sustainable transportation.
California has made significant strides in the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), achieving a record quarterly share of 29.1% of new car purchases in Q3 2025. This remarkable milestone represents a substantial increase from the previous record of 26.9% set in Q3 2023. During the third quarter of this year, a total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in the state, reflecting a strong consumer demand for clean vehicles as federal tax credits expired at the end of September 2025.
Of the ZEVs sold, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles, signifying a nearly 30% increase compared to Q2 2025. Since tracking began, cumulative ZEV sales in California have reached a total of 2,468,158. This upward trend in ZEV sales coincides with the expiration of up to $7,500 in federal tax credits for qualifying buyers.
In Q1 2025, consumers had access to 146 ZEV models available for purchase, an increase from 105 models in Q1 2024. Meanwhile, California’s clean truck sales also witnessed robust growth in 2024, reaching nearly 25% of the truck, bus, and van market, effectively achieving state targets two years ahead of schedule.
Factors contributing to this surge include a well-developed charging infrastructure that enables nearly every Californian to live within 10 minutes of a fast charger. As a result, California has established over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations, including those at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has emphasized the state’s cutting-edge approach to clean vehicle adoption, showcasing its position as the fourth largest economy in the world. The state’s efforts toward sustainable energy have also been notable, with California adding over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage since 2019 and phasing out coal-fired power.
The California Energy Commission is now developing regulations aimed at enhancing EV charger reliability to improve the user experience for motorists. The investment in public charging stations is designed to facilitate better access for low-income and disadvantaged communities, further bolstering the clean vehicle market.
The growth in ZEV sales has attracted attention, particularly in light of declining electric vehicle subsidies at the federal level. Governor Newsom’s remarks contrasted California’s advancements with the policies of the previous administration, which he claimed undermined ZEV incentives.
As California continues to push for cleaner transportation solutions, the state is well-positioned to remain a leader in zero-emission vehicle sales and infrastructure development in the coming years.
FAQ
What percentage of new car purchases in California were zero-emission vehicles in Q3 2025?
ZEVs accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during this period.
How many ZEVs were sold in California from July to September 2025?
A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in California during this time frame.
What was the previous record percentage of ZEV sales in California?
The previous record was 26.9% set in Q3 2023.
How many battery-electric vehicles were sold in California in Q3 2025?
Of the ZEVs sold, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles.
What is the total cumulative ZEV sales in California since tracking began?
The cumulative ZEV sales in California now total 2,468,158.
How did the expiration of federal tax credits affect ZEV sales?
The surge in ZEV sales coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits, which offered up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers and ended on September 30, 2025.
How many models of ZEVs were available for purchase in Q1 2025?
In Q1 2025, there were 146 ZEV models available for purchase.
What is the number of publicly accessible charging stations in California?
California now has over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations.
What are the California Energy Commission’s current initiatives?
The California Energy Commission is setting regulations for EV charger reliability to enhance the charging experience for motorists.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Yogi Venice: California Hits New Record for ZEV Sales
- Wikipedia: Zero-emission vehicle
- Clean Technica: California Reaches 29.1% EV Share of Auto Sales
- Google Search: California zero-emission vehicle sales
- Electric Cars Report: Over 100,000 EVs Sold in California in Q2 2025
- Google Scholar: Zero-emission vehicles in California
- Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zero-emission vehicles
- EV World: California EV Sales Stall
- Google News: Electric vehicle infrastructure California
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles 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 the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
