Federal EV incentives ended, California’s ZEV sales grew anyway
The California Energy Commission (CEC) reported this week that the state passed 2.5 million cumulative new zero‑emission vehicle (ZEV) sales in 2025.
In CEC‑speak, that “ZEV” tally includes battery‑electric vehicles, fuel‑cell electric vehicles, and plug‑in hybrids (even though plug‑in hybrids aren’t exactly “zero‑emission”).
Still, the headline number underscores how quickly California’s plug‑in market has grown. Since the end of 2019, cumulative ZEV sales in the state have jumped more than 300%, driven by a mix of state clean‑transportation policies, incentives, and consumer demand.
“No state in the union can match California’s five‑year growth in ZEV sales,” California Energy commissioner Nancy Skinner said. “Each quarter, even in the face of increasing federal headwinds, tens of thousands of consumers are purchasing a ZEV in the Golden State, enjoying a great driving experience, and knowing they never have to go to a gas station again.” Advertisement - scroll for more content
California Air Resources Board chair Lauren Sanchez struck a similar tone, pointing to a global EV market that continued to grow even as US policy support weakened. “Governor Newsom’s new rebate proposal sends a clear message: California isn’t slowing down, we’re still leading the pack,” she said. “It’s not just about clean air, it’s smart economic policy.”
Q4 sales in CA held up even after federal incentives ended
In Q4 2025, Californians bought 79,066 new ZEVs, which made up 18.9% of all new‑car sales in the state. That performance stands out because federal ZEV incentives ended on September 30, 2025, which dragged down sales nationwide. There were 149 ZEV models available for sale in California in Q4 2025, giving buyers a much wider range of options than even a few years ago.
According to Cox Automotive, national ZEV sales fell to just 5.8% of new‑vehicle sales in Q4, down from 10.5% in Q3.
State leaders are hoping to keep that momentum going. In his preliminary budget released on January 9, Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) proposed a new $200 million incentive program to support EV demand and US auto innovation amid what the state describes as unprecedented uncertainty due to the federal government’s actions.
California keeps building charging infrastructure
California now has more than 200,000 public and shared private EV charging stations. The state also estimates that around 800,000 chargers have already been installed in homes.
And the buildout isn’t slowing down in 2026. In its latest Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan update, the CEC set aside $98.5 million for light‑duty ZEV infrastructure in fiscal year 2025‑26.
While the details of upcoming funding rounds are still being finalized, much of that money is expected to focus on Level 1 and Level 2 charging in places where cars sit for longer stretches, including homes, with a particular emphasis on multifamily housing.
The CEC also plans to release several key infrastructure assessments 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 required under Assembly Bill 2127, which looks at whether the charging supply will meet future demand
The next Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Assessment, mandated by SB 1000, which evaluates whether charging infrastructure is being deployed equitably across the state
Read more: ZEVs capture record 29.1% of California’s new car market in Q3
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