California, October 14, 2025
News Summary
California has reached a historic milestone with its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales accounting for 29.1% of new car purchases in a recent quarter. A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold, marking a significant increase from previous sales records. Despite the expiration of federal tax credits for electric vehicles, demand for clean vehicles remains high, driven by a wider selection of available models and enhanced charging infrastructure. Governor Gavin Newsom touts this achievement as a reflection of California’s commitment to sustainable transportation and environmental goals.
California has achieved a historic milestone with its highest-ever quarterly share of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, which accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during the third quarter of 2025. This record marks a significant increase from the previous record of 26.9% set in the same quarter of 2023.
During the period from July to September 2025, a total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in California. Of these, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), indicating a remarkable nearly 30% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025. Overall, cumulative ZEV sales in California have reached 2,468,158 since the state began tracking these figures.
This notable surge in ZEV sales coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits for electric vehicles, which provided up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers and ended on September 30, 2025. Despite the expiration of these incentives, consumer demand for clean vehicles remained high, spurring the record sales.
In addition, California witnessed a significant increase in the number of ZEV models available for purchase, which rose from 105 in the first quarter of 2024 to 146 in the first quarter of 2025. This expanding model availability has likely contributed to heightened consumer interest in zero-emission options.
The state has also made considerable investments in clean energy, adding over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage since 2019. California has been actively phasing out coal-fired power, aligning its energy objectives with environmental sustainability.
Governor Gavin Newsom has highlighted the unprecedented nature of ZEV sales, emphasizing California’s position as the fourth largest economy in the world. The state has achieved significant goals ahead of schedule, including clean truck sales reaching nearly 25% of the truck, bus, and van market by 2024.
California’s success in ZEV sales has been attributed in part to improvements in charging infrastructure. With over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations, nearly all Californians now live within ten minutes of a fast charger. This infrastructure includes charging stations at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units—improving access for low-income and disadvantaged communities.
To further enhance the charging experience for motorists, the California Energy Commission is setting regulations for EV charger reliability. This initiative is aligned with the state’s broader commitment to bolster electric vehicle adoption in light of fluctuating federal policies, which Governor Newsom criticized for undermining ZEV incentives during the Trump administration.
The increase in ZEV sales signifies a shift in consumer preferences towards environmentally-friendly vehicles, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable transportation as federal subsidies dwindle.
FAQ
What was the percentage of zero-emission vehicle sales in California in Q3 2025?
ZEVs accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during this period.
How many zero-emission vehicles were sold in California in Q3 2025?
A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in California from July to September 2025.
How did the expiration of federal tax credits impact ZEV sales?
The surge in ZEV sales coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits, which offered up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers and ended on September 30, 2025.
How many electric vehicle models were available for purchase in California as of Q1 2025?
In Q1 2025, there were 146 ZEV models available for purchase.
Chart: Key Features of California’s ZEV Sales in Q3 2025
| Feature | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Percentage of ZEV Sales | 29.1% |
| Total ZEVs Sold | 124,755 |
| Battery-Electric Vehicles Sold | 108,685 |
| Previous Record Percentage (Q3 2023) | 26.9% |
| Cumulative ZEV Sales | 2,468,158 |
| Number of 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
- Google Search: California EV Sales
- Electric Cars Report: Over 100,000 EVs Sold in California in Q2 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric Vehicle
- EV Magazine: California EV Sales Stall
- Google News: California ZEV Sales
- Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
- S&P Global: California Advanced Clean Cars ZEV Rules
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles 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 the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
