California Sets Record for Zero-Emission Vehicle Sales

California, October 14, 2025

News Summary

California has reached a milestone in the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), accounting for 29.1% of new car purchases in Q3 2025. With 124,755 ZEVs sold, the state has surpassed the previous record of 26.9% from Q3 2023. This surge aligns with California’s efforts for cleaner transportation, bolstered by improved charging infrastructure and a growing range of available vehicle models. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the continued growth as California leads the nation in ZEV sales and clean technology adoption amidst changing federal policies and the expiration of tax incentives.

California has achieved a record for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales in the third quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the state’s transition to cleaner transportation. ZEVs accounted for 29.1% of new car purchases, with a total of 124,755 units sold between July and September of this year. This figure surpasses the previous record of 26.9% set in the same quarter of 2023, showcasing a continuous upward trend in the market for electric vehicles.

During this period, 108,685 of the sold ZEVs were battery-electric vehicles, representing an almost 30% increase compared to the second quarter of 2025. With the cumulative ZEV sales reaching 2,468,158 since tracking began, California continues to lead the nation in the adoption of clean vehicle technology amidst changing federal policies. This surge coincided with the expiration of federal tax credits on September 30, 2025, which previously offered up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers.

In the first quarter of 2025, California had 146 unique ZEV models available for purchase, up from 105 models in the first quarter of 2024, indicating an increasingly diverse market. This growth in sales also aligns with California’s efforts to implement more clean energy solutions, having added over 30,000 megawatts of clean energy and storage capacity since 2019 while phasing out coal-fired power generation.

Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged the unprecedented nature of this sales growth and emphasized the importance of California’s clean vehicle policy within the context of its economy, which ranks as the fourth largest in the world. In a related success, clean truck sales reached nearly 25% of the truck, bus, and van market in 2024, hitting state targets two years ahead of schedule.

Commissioner Nancy Skinner attributed the increase in ZEV sales to the expansion of charging infrastructure across the state, noting that nearly every Californian lives within 10 minutes of a fast charger. California now boasts over 200,000 publicly accessible charging stations located at grocery stores, workplaces, and multifamily housing units, which significantly improves access for residents.

Governor Newsom contrasted this progress with the federal policies enacted during the Trump administration, which he claimed undermined incentives for ZEV adoption. To further improve the charging experience for motorists, the California Energy Commission is working on regulations to ensure the reliability of electric vehicle chargers. Additionally, there is an ongoing investment in public charging stations aimed at enhancing accessibility for low-income and disadvantaged communities.

The remarkable sales spike in the ZEV sector can also be attributed to growing consumer demand for eco-friendly vehicles, particularly as federal subsidies for electric vehicles continue to decrease. The combination of increased availability of models, expanded charging infrastructure, and shifting consumer preferences presents a promising outlook for California’s ZEV market as it strives to meet future emissions goals.

FAQ

Key Features of California ZEV Sales in Q3 2025

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Yo! Venice: California Hits New Record for ZEV Sales
• Wikipedia: Zero-emission vehicle
• CleanTechnica: California Reaches 29.1% EV Share of Auto Sales
• Google Search: California EV sales
• EV Magazine: California EV Sales Stall
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Electric vehicle
• Electric Cars Report: Over 100,000 EVs Sold in California in Q2 2025
• Google Scholar: California ZEV sales
• Clean Trucking: West Coast Fleets Pause Commercial ZEV Purchases
• Google News: California ZEV sales
• EV Infrastructure News: 100,000 ZEVs Sold in California in Q2 2025

Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER

COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, 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 OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.