California reached a new milestone in electric mobility in the third quarter of 2025, with residents purchasing 124,755 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) — representing 29.1% of all new vehicles sold statewide, the highest quarterly share on record.
Governor Gavin Newsom said the results reflect growing public commitment to clean transportation. “We’re nearing a third of all new vehicles sold in the fourth-largest economy on the planet being clean cars,” he said in a statement. “While Trump sells out American innovation to China, California will keep charging ahead on our path to a future of cleaner air.”
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According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), the growth in ZEV sales has been supported by major investments in charging infrastructure. Commissioner Nancy Skinner noted that nearly every Californian now lives within 10 minutes of an EV fast charger. “Now, new EV owners can enjoy a great driving experience, bidding goodbye to smelly gas stations, messy oil changes, and costly engine tune-ups,” she said.
The state’s ZEV market has also become more diverse. Between the first quarters of 2024 and 2025, the number of available ZEV models increased from 105 to 146, giving consumers more options across segments. Of the vehicles sold in Q3, 108,685 were fully electric, marking a 30% increase from the previous quarter.
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California continues to lead the United States in zero-emission adoption, supported by state incentives, expanding infrastructure, and a broader shift among automakers toward electrification.
