California now has more EV charging stations than gas pumps, a significant milestone on its road to ending the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
The California Energy Commission (CEC) estimates the state has 120,000 gas nozzles and 178,000 EV chargers, including public and shared private stations. In the last six months, 26,000 more have come online, Axios reports.
Although President Trump has frozen federal funding for a nationwide EV network, California is “doubling down” on an investment of $1.4 billion for new chargers and hydrogen fueling stations. It will focus on placing chargers in underserved areas, making it easier for people to switch to an electric car.
“We’re embracing our clean car future and providing consumers more choices – no matter what ‘big government’ mandates come out of Washington,” says Governor Gavin Newsom.
(Credit: State of California)
Newsom’s announcement focuses on speed and efficiency. This could be a jab at critics of the federal EV charging programs Trump paused, which have been slow to produce as many chargers as expected despite $5 billion in earmarked funds.
“State agencies are working to speed up charger deployment [and] cut red tape,” the announcement says. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is urging local jurisdictions to expedite permitting for EV chargers. The state is also accelerating efforts by improving its data on EV charging infrastructure and prioritizing “shovel-ready projects” to make sure they don’t stall out.
For the past two years, 25% of new vehicles sold in California have been zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). That far exceeds the nationwide average of 8%, but still a long way from the goal of 100% by 2035. Nationwide, 30% of all ZEVs are sold in California, according to the California Air Resources Board.
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(Credit: State of California)
In addition to public stations, private chargers in homes play a big role in driving adoption. They are more convenient for drivers who no longer need to take special trips to fuel up. Electricity prices are often less expensive at home than at public chargers as well.
“We have about a million home chargers in California,” Gil Tal, a professor with the UC Davis Research Center, tells CBS News. Tal says commercial areas have also started to install chargers to attract customers.
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About Emily Forlini
Senior Reporter
