Electric vehicle (EV) sales in California have stagnated, casting serious doubt on Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious plan to ban gas-powered vehicles by 2035. Despite generous subsidies and regulatory pressure, EV adoption is slowing as consumers grapple with high costs, limited range, and charging delays.
New data from the California Energy Commission shows just 100,671 EVs were registered in the second quarter of 2025—barely higher than the first quarter and significantly below the 116,813 registered during the same period in 2024. The market share for zero-emission vehicles dropped from 25.1% in late 2024 to just 21.6% by mid-2025.
Newsom first announced the ban in 2020, just weeks after the state experienced widespread power shortages that prompted officials to ask EV owners to stop charging their vehicles during peak hours. The regulations were finalized in 2022, but widespread consumer reluctance has stalled momentum.
Compounding the issue, Congress voted in May to repeal the federal waiver that allowed California to impose stricter emissions rules than national standards—a repeal backed by President Donald Trump. The state has responded with a lawsuit to preserve its mandate, but the legal outcome remains uncertain.
Even with a $7,500 federal tax credit for new EVs and $4,000 for used ones set to expire on September 30, Californians are not buying. Another incentive—special access for EVs to carpool lanes—is also likely to expire this fall after two decades.
Newsom’s policy faces headwinds not only from consumer hesitation but also from legal and political challenges. If sales continue to falter, the state may be forced to reevaluate or even abandon its aggressive push to outlaw internal combustion vehicles.
