California has reached a remarkable clean-transportation milestone: more than 2.5 million new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) have now been sold in the Golden State, far exceeding its previous target and underscoring the continued strength of consumer demand and state policy support for sustainable mobility.
The announcement came from Governor Gavin Newsom at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he positioned California’s leadership on electric vehicles as evidence of the state’s broader economic and environmental strategy — even amid federal policy headwinds.
“We Invested in This Future” — Newsom on California’s Clean Transportation Leadership
Discussing the cumulative achievement of 2.5 million ZEV sales, Newsom emphasized that California’s success didn’t happen by chance, but through deliberate public-sector support and market incentives:
“California didn’t reach 2.5 million zero-emission vehicles by accident — we invested in this future when others said it was impossible,” Newsom said during his Davos remarks.
That milestone not only surpasses the state’s original goal of 1.5 million ZEVs by 2025 — first established in 2012 — but also reflects more than a 300 percent increase in sales since the end of 2019.
Newsom’s comments frame the achievement as both an economic and environmental success story, highlighting how California’s proactive policies have helped grow a significant clean-technology market even as federal incentives were reduced.
Policy and Market Resilience Amid Federal Changes
The milestone gains added significance given recent shifts in federal energy and transportation policy. Federal EV tax credits and incentive programs expired in late 2025, and federal support for charging infrastructure has been scaled back. Despite these headwinds, California’s adoption of ZEVs remained robust, with 79,066 new ZEVs sold in the fourth quarter of 2025, representing 18.9 percent of all new cars sold in the state.
California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner highlighted this resilience and the role of state investments in drawing consumer interest:
“No state in the union can match California’s five-year growth in ZEV sales,” Skinner said in a press release from the California Energy Commission.
“This serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come thanks to historic levels of state investment and Californians’ strong demand for clean cars.”
Her remarks underscore the fact that — even without federal incentives — strong state policy can sustain demand and infrastructure development in a way that bolsters both environmental outcomes and consumer confidence.
California’s Infrastructure Expansion Keeps Pace
Part of the ZEV achievement stems from the extensive investment in charging infrastructure across the state. California now boasts more than 200,000 public and shared private charging stations, supported by both private and public investment.
This network — combined with incentives and state-level rebate programs — has made electric vehicles a practical and accessible choice for many drivers statewide, contributing to sales growth and strengthening California’s position as the largest ZEV market in the country.
“Leading the Pack” — Air Resources Board Perspective
The state’s overarching climate and innovation strategy has also drawn praise from environmental regulators. California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez tied the milestone to a broader economic strategy:
“While the federal government reversed and put up roadblocks, the global zero-emission vehicle market surged ahead last year,” Sanchez said.
“Governor Newsom’s new rebate proposal sends a clear message: California isn’t slowing down, we’re still leading the pack. It’s not just about clean air, it’s smart economic policy.”
Her comments reflect a consistent theme in California’s approach: clean technology and economic opportunity can be fully aligned, reinforcing the state’s reputation as a national leader in climate innovation.
What This Means for California’s Future
The achievement of 2.5 million ZEV sales symbolizes more than just an environmental benchmark. It highlights California’s ability to steer major technological transitions, drive consumer adoption, and build infrastructure at scale — even in the absence of robust federal leadership.
For policymakers, businesses, and innovators alike, California’s ZEV journey offers a roadmap for how state-level vision and investment can catalyze clean economy growth — keeping the Golden State at the forefront of next-generation industries as it continues its transition toward a zero-emission future.
