2025 proved that California isn’t following the EV transition; it is setting the pace. Over the past year, EV adoption in California has continued to accelerate, driven by record levels of EV ownership, a growing selection of vehicle models, and expanding charging infrastructure. As EVs become more accessible for everyday drivers, local businesses and properties are beginning to feel the impact. With more EV drivers on the road, properties are adapting to meet rising demand and stay competitive.
Stats and Figures for California’s EV Adoption in 2025
EV Sales
As of Dec 31, 2025, California surpassed 2.5M cumulative new zero-emission vehicle sales, marking a major milestone in the state’s clean transportation transition. In Q3 2025, 29.1% of new car sales were electric, the highest quarterly share recorded to date. While EV sales dipped in Q4 to 18.9%, state officials have already taken steps to sustain adoption. Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom released the State of California’s 2026-27 Governor’s Budget Summary, which includes a $200 million incentive program aimed at keeping ZEVs affordable and accessible for all amid recent federal credit changes (p. 41).
Model Options
By the end of 2025, there were 149 EV models available, giving drivers plenty of options to choose from. From several luxury line-ups to adventure-ready options such as the 2026 Jeep Recon to compact urban vehicles like TELO’s mini truck, there is now an electric vehicle suited for every lifestyle. Continued innovation and advancements across the industry will help ensure even more novel, durable, and sustainable options down the line. Learn more about some exciting models set to release this year in What’s Coming to the EV Industry in 2026.
Charging Infrastructure
California’s charging network has rapidly expanded to support growing adoption. The state now has well over 200,000 EV chargers installed, with many more on the way. In a recent press release, Governor Newsom announced that there are more than 68% more charger ports than gas nozzles statewide and 94% of Californians now live within 10 minutes of an EV station, an outstanding accomplishment. This expansion has been supported by sustained state and local investment, EV education initiatives, and progressive clean-air policies. With continued support from California and its local municipalities, Charge Point Operators (CPOs), like Chargie, can further expand charging infrastructure and help democratize EV ownership.
Multifamily and Workplaces are Impacted Most
Renters and employees represent a growing share of current and prospective EV drivers. In regions where public charging is limited or inconvenient, drivers increasingly rely on charging at home and at work. Properties where drivers park the longest are now among the most critical locations for expanding EV access and making driving an EV a possibility for everyone.
What This Means for Property Owners Moving Forward
There are three main takeaways for property owners:
Prepare for residents and tenants to ask about getting EV charging, if they haven’t already.
As more drivers switch to EVs, access to charging becomes essential. High-utilization areas, the locations drivers spend the most time, offer the greatest opportunity to meet this demand. An estimated 80% of charges occur at home and work when available, underscoring the importance of providing stations at these locations for residents, employees, and guests.
Anticipate that stations will become important for client retention and attraction.
Many employers and tenants now factor charging availability into their decisions about where to live and work. Offering charging solutions can enhance tenant and customer satisfaction, improve retention, and foster long-term competitiveness.
Take advantage of available funding while it lasts.
Rebates and incentive programs across the country have emerged in response to growing demand for reliable charging solutions. These programs are competitive and are usually awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Staying ahead of the competition and applying early can help property owners secure funding and offset installation costs entirely.
Chargie
As EV adoption grows, so does the need for reliable charging solutions. Chargie partners with multifamily communities, workplaces, commercial properties, and more to help plan, install, and operate dependable stations. In 2026, the Chargie team will continue expanding access to reliable, intuitive, and affordable charging solutions across the state we call home. Know of any places you’d like chargers installed? Connect with one of our EV charging experts today to get started.
