California, October 14, 2025
News Summary
In Q3 2025, California reached a new milestone with zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) accounting for 29.1% of new car purchases. A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold during this period, including 108,685 battery-electric vehicles. This significant increase comes despite the expiration of federal tax incentives. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of clean energy infrastructure to support this growth. Cumulative ZEV sales have now surpassed 2.4 million, showcasing California’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
California has made significant strides in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, achieving its highest-ever quarterly share in Q3 2025. ZEVs accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during this period, marking an increase from the previous record of 26.9% set in Q3 2023. The state saw a total of 124,755 ZEVs sold from July to September 2025, with 108,685 battery-electric vehicles being part of this total, signifying a nearly 30% increase compared to Q2 2025.
The surge in ZEV sales coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits, which had provided up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers and concluded on September 30, 2025. Despite the end of these incentives, cumulative ZEV sales in California have now reached 2,468,158 since tracking began.
In Q1 2025, the availability of ZEV models increased significantly, with 146 ZEV models available for purchase, an increase from 105 models in Q1 2024. California has been proactive in expanding its clean energy infrastructure, adding over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage since 2019 while phasing out coal-fired power.
Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted the unprecedented nature of these ZEV sales, reinforcing California’s status as the fourth largest economy in the world. The sale of clean trucks in 2024 also represents a noteworthy achievement, with nearly 25% of the truck, bus, and van market comprising clean vehicles, reaching state targets two years ahead of schedule.
According to Commissioner Nancy Skinner, the growth in ZEV sales can be attributed to the development of expanded charging infrastructure, ensuring that nearly every Californian lives within 10 minutes of a fast charger. California now boasts over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations, strategically located in grocery stores, workplaces, and multi-family housing units.
Governor Newsom contrasted California’s clean vehicle progress with the federal policies from the Trump administration, which he claims undermined ZEV incentives. The California Energy Commission is also setting regulations for EV charger reliability to improve the charging experience for motorists. This initiative aims to enhance access for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
The notable increase in ZEV sales is further influenced by a rising consumer demand for clean vehicles, amid the backdrop of decreasing EV subsidies at the federal level. The state’s commitment to expanding ZEV adoption is evident, signaling a proactive approach to sustainable transportation and clean energy solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What percentage of new car purchases in California were zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in Q3 2025?
ZEVs accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during Q3 2025.
2. How many ZEVs were sold in California from July to September 2025?
A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in California from July to September 2025.
3. How many battery-electric vehicles were sold in Q3 2025?
Of the ZEVs sold, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles.
4. What was the cumulative total of ZEV sales in California?
Cumulative ZEV sales in California now total 2,468,158 since tracking began.
5. How many ZEV models were available in Q1 2025?
In Q1 2025, there were 146 ZEV models available for purchase.
6. How many publicly accessible charging stations does California have?
California currently has over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations.
Key Features of Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales in California
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Percentage of ZEV Sales in Q3 2025 | 29.1% |
| Total ZEVs Sold (July – September 2025) | 124,755 |
| Battery-Electric Vehicles Sold in Q3 2025 | 108,685 |
| Cumulative ZEV Sales | 2,468,158 |
| ZEV Models Available (Q1 2025) | 146 |
| Public Charging Stations | Over 200,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Yovenice: California Hits New Record for ZEV Sales
- Wikipedia: Zero-emission vehicle
- CleanTechnica: California Reaches 29.1% EV Share of Auto Sales in 3rd Quarter
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
- Electric Cars Report: Over 100,000 EVs Sold in California in Q2 2025
- Google Search: California ZEV sales
- Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
- Google News: EV sales California
- EV Magazine: California EV Sales Stall
- Google Scholar: California ZEV sales
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
