If you’ve ever driven through California, you’ve probably noticed it, EVs are everywhere. From Teslas silently gliding down the highway to new electric models from brands like Rivian and BMW, the state is fully embracing the electric vehicle revolution. And now, California has hit a milestone that shows just how committed it is: There are officially more EV chargers than gas pumps across the state.
Chargers Outnumber Gas Nozzles, By a Lot
According to the California Energy Commission (CEC), there are about 120,000 gas nozzles scattered across the state. Meanwhile, the number of public and shared private EV chargers has climbed to 178,549, that’s nearly 50% more charging options than gas pumps. Governor Gavin Newsom proudly announced the news, framing it as a win for clean energy and a pushback against federal policies he sees as limiting EV progress.
It’s not just the raw number of chargers that’s impressive, but how fast the network has grown. In 2024 alone, the CEC added almost 38,000 new chargers while also identifying another 35,000 that had been previously untracked. That’s nearly 73,500 chargers added to the state’s tally in just one year.
Why So Many Chargers?
California is the birthplace of Tesla, a tech hub, and a place where gas prices often feel like a burden if not punishment. It’s no wonder the state leads the country in EV adoption, nearly a quarter of all new car sales in California last year were electric. The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is part of a bigger push to make EV ownership practical for everyone, not just people with home chargers.
Most of the state’s chargers, around 162,000, are Level 2 chargers, which work great for daily charging at home or while you’re out shopping. But there are also 17,000 DC fast chargers, which are more like the EV equivalent of gas stations, quick, powerful, and perfect for road trips for drivers lazy enough to charge at home.
More Than Just Convenience
California’s charging network isn’t just about keeping EVs powered up; it’s part of a larger plan to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). California ambitions are electrifying: 1.5 million ZEVs by 2025, 5 million by 2030, and 100% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035.
To make this a reality, California has committed a whooping $1.4 billion to expand its charging network. Projects like the Fast Charge California Project, which has set aside $55 million for more DC fast chargers, are helping to build out the infrastructure. This is all part of the California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP), the largest EV charging incentive initiative in the U.S.
Looking Ahead
California’s progress is no less than impressive, but there’s still a long road ahead. By 2035, the state will need over 1 million public and shared private chargers to support its growing fleet of EVs. Right now, most EV drivers still rely on home charging, and fast-charging networks could use a boost, especially in more rural areas.
Charging Ahead
With 178,549 EV chargers across the state, California is showing what a cleaner, more electrified future could look like. And honestly, given the state’s sky-high gas prices, plugging in might just be the smarter, cheaper move.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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