California has surpassed 200,000 publicly available electric vehicle (EV) chargers, according to the California Energy Commission (CEC). These chargers are located at accessible sites such as grocery stores, park and ride lots, and gas stations. In addition to public chargers, shared chargers are available at places like apartment complexes and workplaces, although access may be restricted. This network is separate from an estimated 800,000 EV chargers installed in single-family homes across the state.
“With this expanding public network, EV chargers are becoming ubiquitous in California,” said CEC Commissioner Nancy Skinner. “Our goal is to make driving an EV a no-brainer choice for Californians. They are fun to drive, never need an oil change, don’t cause smog, and it’s getting easier to charge your vehicle with public EV infrastructure.”
Currently, 94% of Californians live within ten minutes of an EV charger. Most public chargers in the state are Level 2 units that provide about 25-35 miles of range per hour of charging. The number of direct current fast chargers (DCFC), which can deliver nearly a full charge in 15 to 45 minutes, has increased by 14% since the last count. Level 2 charging ports have risen by 25% over the same period.
Federal incentives for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) will end on September 30, 2025. Until then, tax credits up to $7,500 remain available for new ZEV purchases or leases—including both electric and hydrogen-fueled vehicles—and up to $4,000 for eligible used vehicles. Additional federal incentives support at-home charging equipment and battery storage installations.
State agencies continue efforts to expand EV charging infrastructure by providing grants for various types of installations—including those in multi-family housing—prioritizing funding for shovel-ready DCFC projects through CEC programs, developing a ZEV Infrastructure Plan for transportation goals guidance, and establishing reliability standards for EV chargers.
A recent report published by state agencies reaffirms California’s commitment to increasing ZEV adoption in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s executive order. The report emphasizes ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to ZEV use and increase deployment of charging stations in low-income and rural communities.
The CEC also announced there are now more than 20,000 charging and hydrogen fueling points statewide for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MDHD ZEVs), marking a 23% increase since February 2025. Although trucks represent only six percent of California’s vehicles, they contribute over one-third of transportation emissions and a quarter of on-road greenhouse gases. Expanding MDHD ZEV infrastructure aims to improve air quality near major transportation corridors.
The California Energy Commission serves as the state’s primary energy policy agency with responsibilities including advancing energy policy initiatives and supporting clean transportation solutions.
