Electric vehicle (EV) sales have grown to account for 22.2% of all new vehicle registrations in California during the first nine months of 2024, according to the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA). The latest figures highlight California’s continued leadership in EV adoption, showing an increase from the 21.5% market share for EVs in 2023 and nearly double the 9.1% seen in 2021.
The state’s new light-vehicle market saw 1,320,708 registrations through September, with a projected year-end total of 1.75 million—a slight dip from last year’s 1.77 million. Among these, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 293,109 registrations. “California continues to set the pace for EV adoption in the U.S.,” noted a CNCDA analyst.
While Tesla remains the dominant BEV brand in California, holding the top two spots with the Model Y and Model 3, its market share has declined 8.5% over the past year. Emerging competitors like Hyundai, BMW, and Kia have increased their presence, each capturing additional market share, as consumers consider alternative EV options. Notably, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 secured third place among BEVs, though its 11,711 units sold still trail behind Tesla’s leading models.
Gasoline-powered vehicles still represent the majority in California at 58.3%, while traditional hybrids and plug-in hybrids account for 13.8% and 3.4% of sales, respectively. Toyota remains the top brand across all powertrains with 215,402 registrations and a 16.3% market share, followed by Tesla with 12.1% and Honda with 10.9%, according to CNCDA data.
As the state inches closer to its EV adoption goals, the market’s competitive landscape continues to shift, with both legacy automakers and new entrants seeking a foothold in California’s evolving automotive industry.
