California, October 14, 2025
News Summary
California has achieved a historic milestone as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) made up 29.1% of new car sales in Q3 2025, totaling 124,755 units sold. This marks a significant increase from last year’s record. Of the ZEVs sold, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles showing a nearly 30% increase from Q2 2025. The rise in sales comes despite the expiration of federal electric vehicle tax credits, showcasing strong consumer demand for cleaner transportation options in the state. Furthermore, various infrastructure developments have supported this growth.
California has achieved a historic milestone in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, recording its highest-ever quarterly share in Q3 2025. During this period, ZEVs represented a remarkable 29.1% of new car purchases, totaling 124,755 vehicles sold between July and September. This sales figure marks a significant increase from the previous record of 26.9% set in Q3 2023.
Of the ZEVs sold in California during this time, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles. This number reflects nearly a 30% increase in sales compared to Q2 2025. Cumulative ZEV sales in California now stand at 2,468,158 since data tracking began, showcasing the state’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner transportation options.
The surge in ZEV sales coincided with the recent expiration of federal tax credits for electric vehicles, which provided qualifying buyers with up to $7,500 in incentives until the credits ended on September 30, 2025. Despite this, consumers in California showed heightened demand for clean vehicles, as evidenced by the significant increase in sales.
In Q1 2025, the availability of ZEV models reached 146, up from 105 models available in Q1 2024. This expanding range of choices has likely contributed to the increased sales figures. California has also been making strides in clean energy deployment, adding over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage since 2019, while effectively phasing out coal-fired power sources.
Furthermore, clean truck sales in 2024 constituted nearly 25% of the state’s truck, bus, and van market, achieving state targets two years earlier than expected. The increase in ZEV sales has been supported by the expansion of charging infrastructure in California, ensuring that nearly every Californian lives within 10 minutes of a fast charger.
Currently, California boasts over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations located at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units. This extensive network facilitates the use of electric vehicles, particularly for low-income and disadvantaged communities, aiming to enhance access to clean transportation alternatives.
In light of California’s progress in clean vehicle sales, the state’s governor highlighted the importance of these developments in the context of California being the fourth-largest economy in the world. The California Energy Commission is also taking steps to set regulations on electric vehicle charger reliability to improve the charging experience for motorists. These efforts are seen as crucial for supporting ongoing growth in ZEV adoption amid the changing federal policies surrounding electric vehicles, particularly those implemented during the Trump administration that purportedly undermined ZEV incentives.
This record achievement of ZEV sales in California illustrates a strong commitment to sustainable transportation, driven by consumer demand and significant infrastructure improvements.
FAQ
What percentage of new car purchases in California were zero-emission vehicles in Q3 2025?
ZEVs accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases during this period.
How many zero-emission vehicles were sold in California from July to September 2025?
A total of 124,755 ZEVs were sold in California from July to September 2025.
How many battery-electric vehicles were sold in the same period?
Of the ZEVs sold, 108,685 were battery-electric vehicles, indicating a nearly 30% increase compared to Q2 2025 sales.
What was the cumulative total of ZEV sales in California since tracking began?
Cumulative ZEV sales in California now total 2,468,158 since tracking began.
What significant infrastructure developments have supported ZEV sales in California?
California added over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations, including facilities at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units.
Key Features of ZEV Sales in California
| Feature | Q3 2025 Data |
|---|---|
| Percentage of new car sales | 29.1% |
| Total ZEV sales | 124,755 |
| Battery-electric vehicles sold | 108,685 |
| Cumulative ZEV sales since tracking | 2,468,158 |
| Public charging stations | Over 200,000 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- YoVenice: California Hits New Record for ZEV Sales
- CleanTechnica: California Reaches 29.1% EV Share of Auto Sales in 3rd Quarter
- EV Infrastructure News: 100,000 ZEVs Sold in California in Q2 2025
- Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
- Wikipedia: General Resource
- Google: General Search Engine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Resource
- Google Scholar: Academic Papers and Research
- Google News: Current News Articles
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, 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 the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
