California now has 48% more electric vehicle chargers than gasoline pumps, reflecting the state’s aggressive push toward zero-emission transportation, according to data released by Governor Gavin Newsom’s office. The California Energy Commission (CEC) estimates there are approximately 178,000 public and shared private EV chargers across the state, compared to 120,000 gas nozzles.
“As the federal government works to make it harder for you to charge your electric car, California is doing the opposite,” Newsom said in a statement, referencing efforts to expand the state’s charging infrastructure despite potential regulatory challenges at the federal level.
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Most of the available chargers—about 162,000—are Level 2, which provide slower charging speeds suitable for home and workplace use. In contrast, only about 17,000 chargers are DC fast chargers, which offer rapid charging similar to refueling at a gas station. While fast-charging remains essential for long trips and urban EV users without home charging access, the majority of U.S. EV owners primarily charge their vehicles at home.
The rapid growth in charging infrastructure follows California’s strong EV adoption rates, with around a quarter of all new car sales in 2023 being electric. The state is continuing its efforts with a $1.4 billion investment plan to expand EV and hydrogen fueling stations, improve charger reliability, and accelerate permitting for new installations.
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California has set ambitious clean transportation goals, requiring 68% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2030 and banning the sale of new gasoline-powered vehicles by 2035. However, these regulations face potential legal and legislative challenges, as the Trump administration is expected to push back against California’s authority to set stricter emissions standards, which are followed by about a dozen other states.
For now, California remains a leader in EV adoption and charging infrastructure, though continued investment and regulatory stability will be critical to sustaining growth in the sector.