California reported a record number of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales in the third quarter of 2025, with nearly one-third of all new vehicles sold in the state being clean cars. Governor Gavin Newsom said, “This is unprecedented – we’re nearing a third of all new vehicles sold in the fourth largest economy on the planet being clean cars. We’re setting new records because this state believes in innovation, not isolation. While Trump sells out American innovation to China, California will keep charging ahead on our path to a future of cleaner air.”
Nancy Skinner, California Energy Commissioner, commented on the milestone: “This is a defining moment for California’s ZEV progress and sends a clear message to Washington: ZEVs are here to stay. The work and investments by the California Energy Commission (CEC), and its agency and industry partners, to expand the state’s network of EV chargers has resulted in nearly every Californian living within 10 minutes of an EV fast charger. Now, new EV owners can enjoy a great driving experience bidding goodbye to smelly gas stations, messy oil changes, and costly engine tune-ups.”
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, added: “While the federal government stumbles backward with reckless rollbacks and short-sighted policies, California charges ahead lighting the path to a cleaner, more prosperous future. From pioneering clean transportation in the 1970s to becoming the world’s 4th largest economy today, we’ve proven time and again that protecting air quality and the climate isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart economic policy.”
The number of available ZEV models has increased from 105 in Q1 last year to 146 in Q1 this year. In Q3 alone, Californians purchased 124,755 ZEVs—of which 108,685 were electric vehicles—representing an almost 30% rise over Q2 2025 sales.
On October 8, 2025, California adopted regulations focused on improving reliability and reporting for EV chargers—the first such regulations nationwide. These rules aim to enhance reliability at publicly funded fast-charging stations and require accurate reporting on operational status.
At its October meeting, the CEC approved two National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program projects that will build out 64 fast chargers along key highways. The commission also approved grant agreements for repairing or installing public chargers at multiple locations across California. Three additional grants totaling over $10 million will fund more than 1,000 Level 2 charging ports—primarily located at low-income or affordable multifamily housing complexes.
Financial assistance programs remain available for low-income residents interested in purchasing ZEVs through platforms such as ClimateAction.ca.gov and ElectricForAll.org.
Statewide infrastructure now includes over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations found at grocery stores and other common locations; shared chargers are also available at workplaces and multi-unit dwellings. Additionally, an estimated 800,000 home chargers have been installed throughout single-family residences.
The CEC continues its role as California’s main energy policy agency by advancing state energy initiatives—including expanding access to renewable energy sources and supporting transportation transformation.
