California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced his state is leading the nation in the zero-emission vehicle market, surpassing 1 million plug-in electric cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles sold in that state – more than the total EV sales in the next 10 states combines.
And new data from Veloz, a non-profit electric vehicle advocacy group, shows that while California owns only 10 percent of the nation’s care, the state now accounts for over 40 percent of the nation’s zero-emission cars.
“This milestone is a testament to the success of California’s nation-leading policies and investments to support our bold ZEV goals while driving down costs for all,” Newsom said. “Creating a clean transportation future is the most impactful step we can take to fight climate change. We’ll continue using our market dominance and historic investments to accelerate the ZEV transition globally while expanding access and affordability across the state, especially in underserved neighborhoods.”
Newsom spent time in Stockton on Friday, where he visited Michael Macias, the owner of the millionth electric vehicle sold in California. Macias received several rebates and tax credits toward his purchase of a new Volkswagen ID.4.
As part of the state’s climate action, Newsom has advanced investments and policies to move ZEV goals forward, including the California Blueprint’s proposed $6.1 billion in additional funding to create a $10 billion total ZEV package. The investment will make ZEVs more affordable and convenient, the governor’s office said. Additionally, the state has implemented targeted policies to help middle- and low-income consumers buy ZEVs. So far, the state has helped 30,000 low-income consumers purchase vehicles through the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project.
“Investing in a ZEV was the perfect opportunity to put my principles of being a good steward of the earth into practice,” said Macias. “The rebates available in California are a huge help for middle class and low-income individuals who feel priced out, and help make sure the communities most impacted by pollution and climate change have the chance to benefit from ZEVs.”
In California, annual sales of plug-in electric vehicles increased from 7,000 in 2011 to more than 250,000 in 2021.