California tops the nation for electric vehicle adoption, accounting for 20 of the top 25 U.S. counties, with the Bay Area claiming every spot in the top five.
Here's what to know
Plug-in hybrids counted as EVs in the census survey, alongside all-electric vehicles. Almost 14% of California households had an EV in 2025, compared with 5.5% nationwide, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey figures reported by KTVU.
Santa Clara County, home to a tech-heavy economy, ranked first nationally. About 24% of its households — roughly 163,000 — owned or leased at least one EV.
The next four counties were Marin, San Mateo, Alameda, and Contra Costa, in that order. Beyond the Bay Area, Orange County placed sixth, followed by Napa County.
More background
About 18% of homeowner households had an EV, compared with almost 9% of renter households, according to the survey.
Washington followed at 8.9%, ahead of Hawaii at 8.5%, Nevada at 8.2%, and Vermont at 7.7%.
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At the other end of the rankings, North Dakota recorded the lowest share, at 1.3%. Wyoming and Louisiana each registered 1.6%, while South Dakota and Mississippi each reported 1.8%.
What's being done?
Californians continued purchasing electric vehicles amid soaring gasoline prices, according to separate sales figures released by the California Energy Commission.
Unlike the household survey, these figures track new purchases rather than the share of households that already have an EV.
"During the second quarter of 2026, Californians purchased 86,857 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs)," the commission said in a July news release. "This represents 19.1% of new car sales."
The commission noted that electric vehicles made up most zero-emission sales and accounted for 16.6% of all new car sales.
Tricia Holley, a Census Bureau survey statistician, said: "Western states have led the way in switching to electric vehicles."
Where can I learn more?
For Californians considering an EV, cost and access to charging are practical concerns. These stories cover state charging policies, regional rebates, and obstacles facing drivers.
• California signed an EV package to speed charger installation and expand access for renters.
• San Joaquin Valley buyers can receive up to $3,000 from California's remaining EV rebate funds.
• California drivers weigh $3,500 EV discounts against broken chargers, scarce mechanics, and power outages.
• California's Central Coast offers expanded rebates and assistance for EVs, chargers, and other electric equipment.
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