Beyond the Credit: California’s EV Revolution Keeps Charging Ahead
2025 marks a critical moment for the U.S. electric vehicle market. With the federal Electric Vehicle (EV) tax credits expired as of September, industry stakeholders—from automakers to state agencies—are adapting to a new reality. Yet, despite the policy shift, electric vehicle adoption is far from slowing down. In fact, in California, momentum is building faster than ever, signaling a market that is maturing beyond dependence on federal incentives.
California’s Q3 2025 Surge: EV Adoption Reaches New Heights
According to Veloz’s latest Q3 2025 California EV Market Report, the state continues to lead the nation in EV adoption. Veloz is a California-based nonprofit coalition of public and private leaders working to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles through collaboration, education, and transparent market data. Supported by members including automakers, utilities, government agencies, and clean transportation advocates, Veloz tracks EV adoption trends and publishes quarterly reports highlighting California’s progress toward a zero-emission future. More than 124,000 new electric vehicles were sold between July and September, capturing a record 29.1% of California’s light-duty vehicle market. That represents an 8.3% increase from the same quarter in 2024 and a sharp jump from 2025 Q2’s 21.7% share.
“Over the last decade, Californians have continued to choose electric vehicles because of a combination of lowered cost of ownership, reduced maintenance, and a more enjoyable driving experience and this year has proven that once again. Research also shows that once drivers make the switch to an EV, they don’t go back to gas cars, so it’s extremely exciting to see how many EVs were purchased in 2025!” — Josh Boone, Veloz Executive Director.
Graph: Veloz
The growth is driven by strong consumer demand and expanding charging infrastructure, with California now surpassing 200,000 public and shared EV charging ports statewide. In tandem, the state has rolled out first-in-the-nation reliability and reporting standards for publicly funded chargers, addressing one of the most common barriers to adoption: charger dependability.
Automakers Are Rewriting Affordability Strategies
Without the cushion of a $7,500 federal tax credit, manufacturers are deploying internal incentives, cost reductions, and pricing adjustments to sustain market traction. Hyundai, Nissan, GM, Rivian, Ford, Tesla, Kia, BMW, and Stellantis are among those leading the charge. Hyundai has trimmed the price of its Ioniq 5 by nearly $10,000, while the redesigned Nissan Leaf now starts below $30,000 with a range close to 300 miles. Upcoming models like the 2026 Chevy Bolt and Ford’s electric pickup—expected to debut with a base price under $30,000—are pushing affordability into new territory. BMW has introduced manufacturer-backed rebates mirroring the expired tax credits, offering $7,500 off its entire EV lineup, while Stellantis is providing similar incentives across its fully electric and plug-in hybrid models, from the Jeep Wrangler 4xe to the Chrysler Pacifica. Vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace and Nissan Leaf have seen steep price drops—72% and 64% respectively—making used EVs increasingly attractive.These direct manufacturer incentives show that automakers aren’t waiting for Washington to dictate direction—they are building resilience and value into their pricing models to keep EV adoption strong.
The Rise of the Secondary EV Market
One of the most dynamic developments of 2025 is the rapid growth of the used EV market. According to the Los Angeles Times, used electric vehicles are now the fastest-selling cars in the country. A 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT can now be found on used lots for around $33,000—a 22% reduction from its original sticker price—while a two-year-old Toyota bZ4X costs roughly $6,600 less than a comparable gas-powered RAV4. This trend is reshaping the entry point to electric mobility, especially in California, where used EV programs are helping first-time buyers and lower-income households join the clean transportation movement. The expansion of affordable used EVs is democratizing access to zero-emission transportation and helping the state advance its equity goals.
California’s Policy Response
California’s policy response to the federal rollback has been both strategic and equity-driven. Through programs like Clean Cars 4 All and the Used EV Rebate initiatives offered by the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Replace Your Ride, as well as utilities such as LADWP, SCE, and PG&E, the state is ensuring that affordability doesn’t become a casualty of expiring federal policy. These programs provide rebates of up to $4,000 for qualifying used EV purchases or leases, particularly benefiting income-qualified drivers. Local utilities are complementing these efforts with off-peak charging discounts, time-of-use rate plans, and additional rebates to make EV ownership more accessible. Meanwhile, state agencies are channeling infrastructure grants to expand charging access in underserved and rural communities, ensuring that the transition to electrification benefits everyone, not just those in high-income ZIP codes.
Photo Courtesy of ChargePoint
GreenWealth Meets the Moment
For GreenWealth Energy, this moment represents more than market growth — it’s a mission in motion. Every charger installed across California tells a story of collaboration, persistence, and purpose. GreenWealth’s work extends beyond port activation; it’s about expanding access, creating opportunities, and demonstrating that clean transportation can be both inclusive and enduring.
The state’s progress also reflects how and where drivers charge. For most Californians, that means access to Level 2 EV charging at home, at work, or in their community. In apartment complexes, condominiums, and mixed-use properties, Level 2 charging provides the most practical and scalable solution to make EV ownership possible for renters and residents.
Amid shifting federal policy, GreenWealth has leaned into what California does best — leading with innovation, equity, and community. Through its public-private partnership (P3) model, which combines local government collaboration with private funding, GreenWealth helps cities and property owners meet statewide electrification goals while removing barriers for both residents and site hosts.
By Emma Lottman (Edited By Sophia Kownatzki and Nicole Landers)
