To maintain progress, Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to counter potential federal cuts to ZEV incentives. If the Trump Administration eliminates the federal ZEV tax credit, Newsom said he would propose a reboot of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP), which ended in 2023. During its run, the CVRP funded over 594,000 vehicles and saved more than 456 million gallons of fuel.
“Consumers continue to prove the skeptics wrong — zero-emission vehicles are here to stay,” Newsom said. “We’re not turning back on a clean transportation future — we’re going to make it more affordable for people to drive vehicles that don’t pollute.”
ZEV Sales Surge as Charging Network Expands
In the third quarter of 2024, ZEVs accounted for 26.4% of new vehicle sales in California, with 115,897 vehicles sold. This rise in demand aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to expand its charging infrastructure. California has already installed 150,000 public or shared private chargers and over 500,000 at-home units.
The state is also leveraging federal support to build a more reliable network. California has received $32 million in federal funds under President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, enabling the deployment of 458 fast chargers across highways. Another $81.7 million in federal funding is set to roll out next year.
Low-income Californians can also tap into grants and rebates to make ZEV ownership more accessible.
Freight and School Transportation Get a Green Boost
California’s commitment to clean transportation extends beyond personal vehicles. The state has allocated $102 million to develop charging and hydrogen fueling stations for zero-emission trucks along key freight corridors like Interstate 5. Additionally, $500 million will put 1,000 ZEV school buses on the road, helping school districts transition to cleaner fleets.
Streamlining the Future of Charging
The state is working to accelerate charger deployment by cutting red tape, prioritizing shovel-ready projects, and planning for grid demand. Efforts include the creation of the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Plan (ZIP), which sets guidelines to meet California’s ambitious ZEV goals.
Leading the Nation Toward a Clean Energy Future
California accounts for 30.3% of all ZEVs sold nationwide, according to the California Air Resources Board, and is setting a standard for clean transportation. Alongside ZEV advancements, the state is investing in clean fuel production, public transit upgrades, and a smarter electric grid to support the shift.
As California builds toward a future of sustainable mobility, it is also working to prevent gas price spikes, ensuring the transition benefits all residents. Newsom’s message is clear: California isn’t just adapting to the future — it’s leading the way.