California, October 14, 2025
News Summary
In Q3 2025, California reported a historic milestone in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, with 29.1% of new car purchases being ZEVs. The total units sold during this quarter reached 124,755, marking the most significant share of ZEV sales ever recorded in the state. Battery-electric vehicles contributed substantially, with 108,685 units sold, reflecting a notable increase from the previous quarter. This surge is attributed to the expiration of federal tax incentives, prompting consumers to act quickly. California’s commitment to expanding charging infrastructure has also facilitated this growth.
California has achieved a historic milestone as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during the third quarter of 2025, marking the state’s highest-ever quarterly share of ZEV sales. From July to September 2025, California saw sales of 124,755 ZEVs, surpassing the previous record of 26.9% set in the same quarter in 2023.
A significant portion of the ZEV sales came from battery-electric vehicles, with 108,685 units sold, reflecting a nearly 30% increase in sales compared to the preceding quarter, Q2 2025. Cumulative ZEV sales across California have now reached a total of 2,468,158 since tracking began.
This surge in ZEV sales coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits that had offered up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers. These credits were available until September 30, 2025, leading to speculation that consumers rushed to make purchases before the incentives ended.
During Q1 2025, consumers had access to 146 different ZEV models for purchase, an increase from 105 models available in Q1 2024, reflecting a wider variety for potential buyers. As part of California’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy, the state has added over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage since 2019 while eliminating coal-fired power.
Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the remarkable achievement in ZEV sales, positing California as the fourth largest economy globally. The state also reached an important milestone in clean truck sales, with nearly 25% of the truck, bus, and van market consisting of clean trucks by 2024, achieving state targets two years ahead of schedule.
California’s expanded charging infrastructure has played a pivotal role in facilitating ZEV adoption, with nearly every Californian living within a 10-minute drive of a fast charger. There are now over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations throughout the state, including locations at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units. This accessibility is particularly important for low-income and disadvantaged communities, aiming to improve their access to clean vehicle technology.
Commissioner Nancy Skinner attributed the continued growth of ZEV sales to these advancements in charging infrastructure. Furthermore, California is working on setting regulations through the California Energy Commission that would enhance the reliability and overall user experience of electric vehicle charging stations.
Governor Newsom contrasted California’s progress in clean vehicle sales with the federal policies instituted during the Trump administration, which he claimed undermined ZEV incentives that had been crucial for driving sales. The current downward trend of federal electric vehicle subsidies has also increased consumer demand for clean vehicles, pushing the market toward ZEVs as buyers seek out more sustainable transportation solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of new car purchases in California were zero-emission vehicles in Q3 2025?
In Q3 2025, zero-emission vehicles accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases in California.
How many ZEVs were sold in California from July to September 2025?
A total of 124,755 zero-emission vehicles were sold in California during this period.
How many total ZEVs have been sold in California since tracking began?
Cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales in California now total 2,468,158 since tracking began.
What influenced the surge in ZEV sales in Q3 2025?
The surge in ZEV sales coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits that provided up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers, which ended on September 30, 2025.
How many publicly accessible charging stations are there in California?
California now has over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations, including at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units.
Key Features of Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales in California
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Record ZEV Sales Percentage | 29.1% of new car purchases in Q3 2025 |
| Total ZEVs Sold in Q3 2025 | 124,755 units sold |
| Growth in Battery-Electric Vehicles | 108,685 units, nearly 30% increase from Q2 2025 |
| Cumulative ZEV Sales | 2,468,158 units since tracking began |
| Charging Infrastructure | Over 200,000 charging stations available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Yo! Venice: California Hits New Record for ZEV Sales
- Clean Technica: California Reaches 29.1% EV Share of Auto Sales in 3rd Quarter
- EV World: Recent Zero-Emission Vehicle Trends
- Electric Cars Report: Over 100,000 EVs Sold in California in Q2 of 2025
- Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
- Wikipedia: Zero-emission vehicle
- Google Search: Zero Emission Vehicles California
- Google Scholar: Zero Emission Vehicles California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Zero Emission Vehicles
- Google News: Zero Emission Vehicles California
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of 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 from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
