California's ZEV Sales Keep Growing Despite Federal Incentives Ending
California's zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales have reached a new milestone, surpassing 2.5 million cumulative sales in 2025, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). This impressive growth is despite the end of federal EV incentives, which typically boost sales. The CEC's definition of ZEVs includes battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles, and plug-in hybrids, even though the latter aren't entirely zero-emission.
The state's plug-in market has experienced a remarkable surge, with ZEV sales jumping over 300% since late 2019. This surge is fueled by a combination of state clean transportation policies, incentives, and a growing consumer demand for sustainable mobility. California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner highlights the state's unmatched five-year growth in ZEV sales, noting that tens of thousands of consumers are embracing ZEVs each quarter, even amidst federal headwinds.
California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the state's leadership in the global EV market, which continues to thrive despite weakening US policy support. She highlights Governor Newsom's new rebate proposal as a clear message that California remains committed to its clean energy goals and economic leadership.
Q4 Sales Hold Strong After Federal Incentives End
In the fourth quarter of 2025, Californians purchased 79,066 new ZEVs, accounting for 18.9% of all new car sales in the state. This performance is notable because federal ZEV incentives ended on September 30, 2025, causing a nationwide sales decline. However, California's robust market offers 149 ZEV models, providing buyers with a diverse range of options.
Cox Automotive reports a national drop in ZEV sales to 5.8% in Q4, down from 10.5% in Q3. Despite this, California's state leaders are optimistic about maintaining momentum. Governor Gavin Newsom proposed a new $200 million incentive program in his preliminary budget, aiming to support EV demand and US auto innovation in the face of federal uncertainty.
California's Charging Infrastructure Expansion
California is investing heavily in charging infrastructure, with over 200,000 public and shared private EV charging stations already in place. The state estimates around 800,000 chargers installed in homes. The CEC's Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan allocates $98.5 million for light-duty ZEV infrastructure in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, focusing on Level 1 and Level 2 charging at homes, especially in multifamily housing.
Key infrastructure assessments are planned for later this year, including:
- New and ongoing ZEV infrastructure funding opportunities tied to the $98.5 million investment.
- The third Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment, ensuring charging supply meets future demand.
- The next Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Assessment, evaluating equitable charging infrastructure deployment across the state.
California's commitment to clean transportation and its robust charging infrastructure position it as a leader in the EV market, despite the absence of federal incentives.
