California Surpasses 2 Million EV Sales: A Landmark In The State’s EV Revolution

In a new achievement reached in the electric vehicle (EV) market, California has reached a groundbreaking milestone in its EV journey, surpassing 2 million plug-in electric and hybrid vehicle sales since 2011.

According to Veloz’s Q3 2024 California EV Market Report, the numbers tell a compelling story of rapid adoption. In the first nine months of 2024, California has already sold more battery-powered vehicles than in the entire year of 2022.

Specifically, 343,213 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) were sold year-to-date, with 115,897 units sold in the third quarter alone. These figures represent an impressive 30.3% of the entire United States’ (U.S.) EV market.

California’s EV market share reached 26.4% in Q3,, marking its second-highest sales share to date. This growth is not happening in a vacuum but is supported by a robust ecosystem of federal, state, and local incentives, expanded charging networks, and collaborative efforts between government entities, automakers, and technology providers.

The top-selling EVs in California during Q3 2024 reflect the diverse range of options now available to consumers. The Tesla Model Y led the pack, followed by the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai IONIQ 5. Interestingly, the Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid and Ford Mustang Mach-E also made significant appearances in the top-selling list.

Recognizing that charging infrastructure is crucial to widespread EV adoption, California has made substantial investments. As of August 2024, the state boasts over 150,000 public and shared private EV chargers, including 137,648 Level 2 chargers and 14,708 fast chargers. Additionally, more than 500,000 private home chargers have been installed across the state.

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program has been instrumental in this expansion. California is utilizing its $384 million share of federal NEVI funds to develop a network of high-powered DC fast chargers along designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. In September 2024 alone, the state awarded over $32 million in federal funds to install and maintain 458 direct-current fast chargers along interstates and highways.

Innovative companies are also playing a significant role. Electrify America received $6.5 million to install 62 fast chargers along major routes and has invested in 30 solar-powered, off-grid Level 2 EV charging stations across 24 rural California communities. Similarly, EVgo was awarded more than $12.7 million in preliminary NEVI funds to expand fast charging infrastructure.

The EV market is showing dynamic growth and increasing competition. While Tesla experienced a 3.5% sales decline in California this quarter, other automakers are making significant strides. Ford solidified its position as the second-largest EV brand in the U.S., with a 12% EV sales increase. Hyundai saw considerable growth, with its IONIQ 5 achieving 30,318 units sold through the first nine months of the year—a 20% increase from 2023.

BMW and Stellantis are also making notable contributions. BMW’s battery EV sales represent 15.8% of its total sales, while the Jeep Wrangler 4xe has become the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S., accounting for 30% of Wrangler sales.

Governor Gavin Newsom has reaffirmed California’s commitment to zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) transportation, pledging to restart the ZEV rebate program if federal tax incentives are discontinued. The state’s achievement of 2 million EV sales is more than just a number—it represents a powerful example of how strategic policy, infrastructure investment, and consumer choice can drive meaningful environmental change.

Read More: California Plans $7,500 EV Rebate To Counteract Trump’s Potential Federal EV Tax Credit Elimination

As the U.S. EV market continues to grow, capturing 8.9% of total sales in Q3, California stands at the forefront, demonstrating that the transition to clean mobility is not just possible, but already underway.

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