The state’s new EV market share has reached 26.4%, making it the second-highest sales share to date.
Veloz’s Q3 2024 California EV Market Report is now available, showcasing a continued rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption statewide. According to the latest data from the California Energy Commission (CEC), 115,897 new EVs were sold, propelling California past the milestone of 2 million cumulative EVs sold. These sales numbers are steady year-over-year, demonstrating the state’s unwavering commitment to clean transportation and expanding ZEV infrastructure.
California’s new EV market share reached 26.4% this quarter, marking its second-highest sales share to date. Representing a 30.3% of U.S. EV sales, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), California has seen continued EV adoption in the broader consumer market. This growth trajectory is bolstered by federal, state and local incentives that reduce ownership costs, expanded charging network investments, and collaborative efforts among state officials, automakers, non-governmental organizations, charging providers and more.
Historically, Q3 has often seen a decline in total light-duty vehicle sales due to seasonal economic factors, including reduced consumer spending during summer months. In Q3 2024, while total California’s new light-duty vehicle sales experienced a decline, EV sales showed a comparatively smaller drop, resulting in an increased market share. This trend underscores the growing consumer preference for EVs, even in challenging market conditions, highlighting the stability and increasing appeal of EVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
In Q3 2024, we saw consumer choice continue to expand. Ford solidified its position as the No. 2 electric vehicle brand in the U.S., with a 12% EV sales increase in Q3. Hyundai also saw significant growth, with its IONIQ 5 remaining one of the best-selling EVs in the U.S., achieving 30,318 units sold through the first nine months of the year—marking a 20% increase from 2023. Tesla’s California sales declined this quarter with a 3.5% drop in sales. However, the Model Y and Model 3 remain the top-selling vehicles in the state. BMW and Stellantis maintained strong momentum, with BMW reporting U.S. sales of 12,311 battery electric vehicles (BEVs), representing 15.8% of its total sales. Stellantis achieved impressive results with the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, selling 10,866 units and securing its position as the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S., accounting for 30% of Wrangler sales.
These trends reflect an expanding range of EV options, empowering consumers to find models that best meet their needs and preferences, contributing to an overall market growth that saw EVs capture 8.9% of total U.S. sales in Q3.
Access to reliable public charging is one of the most common barriers to EV adoption and the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is instrumental to the expansion of California’s EV charging network. California’s NEVI Deployment Plan outlines a strategy for using the state’s $384 million share of federal NEVI funds to develop a network of high-powered DC fast chargers along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors.
As of August 2024, California has installed over 150,000 public and shared private EV chargers, comprising 137,648 Level 2 chargers and 14,708 fast chargers, demonstrating its leadership in EV infrastructure. Additionally, more than 500,000 private home chargers have been installed across the state, further supporting the growing adoption of electric vehicles. In September 2024, California awarded over $32 million in federal funds to install and maintain 458 direct-current fast chargers along interstates and highways, enhancing the reliability and accessibility of EV charging for drivers statewide.
Electrify America, a Veloz member, received $6.5 million to install 62 fast chargers along major routes in California as part of a broader initiative by the California Energy Commission (CEC) and Caltrans to deploy over 450 fast chargers along interstates and highways. Electrify America has also invested in 30 solar-powered, off-grid Level 2 EV charging stations across 24 rural California communities, providing renewable energy-powered charging solutions, especially in disadvantaged and low-income areas.
Similarly, EVgo, another Veloz member and one of the largest public fast charging networks in the U.S., was awarded more than $12.7 million in preliminary NEVI funds to expand fast charging infrastructure across California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, supporting the development of over 150 new fast charging stalls.
California’s Q3 2024 EV market performance underscores a robust and sustainable shift toward zero-emission transportation. With over 2 million new EVs sold and a near-record 26.4% market share, the state is setting a powerful example for clean mobility nationwide. This milestone reflects California’s unwavering commitment to zero-emission transportation. Governor Newsom has announced the state’s achievement of 2 million EV sales and reaffirmed this dedication by pledging to restart the ZEV rebate program should the federal tax incentive be discontinued. The continued investment in EV infrastructure, alongside the NEVI program, showcases California’s — and the nation’s — strong commitment to overcoming barriers such as charging anxiety, including charger accessibility, enabling a more reliable EV experience for all drivers.
TOP 10 SELLING EVS IN CALIFORNIA Q3 2024
- Tesla Model Y
- Tesla Model 3
- Hyundai IONIQ 5
- Toyota RAV4 Prime
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Tesla Model X
- Volkswagen ID.4
- BMW i4
- Tesla Cybertruck
- Jeep Wrangler
For media inquiries, please contact Margaret Mohr, Veloz Communications Director, at margaret.mohr@veloz.org.