5 million cumulative new zero-emission vehicle sales in 2025, with plug-in electric vehicles driving much of the growth. Since the end of 2019, cumulative ZEV sales have jumped over 300%, driven by a mix of state clean-transportation policies, incentives, and consumer demand.
California Air Resources Board chair Lauren Sanchez pointed to a global EV market that continued to grow even as US policy support weakened, saying Governor Newsom's new rebate proposal sends a clear message: California isn't slowing down, we're still leading the pack. 9% of all new-car sales in the state.
This performance stands out because federal ZEV incentives ended on September 30, 2025, which dragged down sales nationwide. Despite this, California's plug-in market has grown quickly, with tens of thousands of consumers purchasing a ZEV every quarter.
The state now has over 200,000 public and shared private EV charging stations, and estimates that around 800,000 chargers have already been installed in homes. Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a new $200 million incentive program to support EV demand and US auto innovation amid uncertainty due to federal government actions.
5 million for light-duty ZEV infrastructure in fiscal year 2025-26, with a focus on Level 1 and Level 2 charging in places where cars sit for longer stretches. The state plans to release several key infrastructure assessments later this year, including assessments of its charging station network.
The growth of California's plug-in market is a testament to the effectiveness of the state's clean-transportation policies and incentives. As the US auto industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other states respond to the federal government's actions on EV incentives.
