California is the first state where EV chargers outnumber gas pumps

California’s charging milestone

California achieved a significant milestone in September 2025 by becoming the first state in the U.S. with more public EV charging plugs than gas-pump nozzles.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) confirmed this shift towards electric transportation. This significant achievement was made possible by a sustained effort to expand the state’s charging network rapidly.

The CEC reported a massive total of 201,180 fully public and shared electric vehicle charging plugs across California. This figure represents 68% more charging connectors than gas-pump nozzles, solidifying California’s position as the clear frontrunner in the nation’s push for widespread EV charging infrastructure.

The exact infrastructure numbers

CEC’s September release brings the total to 201,180 public and shared connectors, 68% more than the state’s 119,497 gas pump nozzles.

This massive total does not even include the estimated 800,000 privately installed chargers in single-family homes across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom stated that 94% of California residents now live within 10 minutes of an EV charger, demonstrating the widespread accessibility of the network.

Governor’s strong endorsement

Governor Gavin Newsom publicly celebrated the milestone, confirming that it is evidence that ‘electric vehicles are here to stay.’ This strong statement reinforces the state’s long-term commitment to its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) goals, which is driving infrastructure funding.

California’s charging network is currently the largest in the U.S. and supports the state’s highest electric vehicle adoption rate. This sustained build-out is solidifying California’s lead, as it is investing billions through programs like the Clean Transportation Program to expand the necessary infrastructure.

California’s huge EV adoption rate

California’s high number of EV chargers is necessary due to its unmatched rate of EV adoption. As of July 2025, the state had a staggering 1,256,646 registered EVs, which is the highest number in the nation by a considerable margin.

This registration figure shows California has as many registered EVs as the following eight US states combined. For comparison, the state in second place, Florida, had only 254,878 registered EVs as of the same time, underscoring California’s dominance in the EV market.

Charger types in the public network

The CEC data shows that the majority of the 201,180 public connectors are Level 2 chargers, which use alternating current (AC) at 208 to 240 volts. These Level 2 chargers can add approximately 14 to 35 miles of range per hour and are most practical for destination charging at locations such as workplaces or shopping centers.

However, a growing number of the plugs are Direct Current (DC) Fast Chargers, also known as Level 3. These faster chargers use direct current (DC) power at high voltages. The state’s network includes a growing number of these rapid chargers, which are essential for quick stops.

Ambitious future charger goals

To meet the rising demand, the state aims to reach a total of 250,000 public and shared chargers within the next few years. CEC projections show that by 2030, the forecast of 7.1 million EVs will need about 1 million chargers for light-duty vehicles alone.

The state is also focusing on heavy-duty vehicles, projecting that by 2030, there will be a need for 114,500 chargers to support 155,000 electric trucks and buses. This continuous planning demonstrates a commitment to meeting electrification targets across all transportation sectors.

Tesla’s newest California Supercharger

Tesla introduced its newest V4 Supercharger station, which has full V4 cabinets, in Redwood City, California, in September 2025. The station is capable of delivering charging speeds up to 500 kilowatts (kW). However, currently, only the Cybertruck can use the full 500 kW capacity due to its 800-volt battery system.

This particular V4 site does not include the Magic Dock integrated CCS adapter and is also not equipped with a built-in payment terminal. All other Tesla models are currently limited to lower speeds at this location. Non-Tesla access is planned for the future, pending completion of final engineering checks.

Tesla’s early Supercharger network

The foundation of Tesla’s widespread charging network began in California, where the first five Supercharger stations were launched on September 24, 2012. This debut coincided with the start of Tesla Model S deliveries, providing early owners with a reliable charging option.

The very early Supercharger station in Lebec, California, even featured a solar canopy from Tesla Energy, demonstrating a commitment to clean power from the start. Today, Tesla operates about 3,000 Supercharger stations in North America, often placed near major highways with amenities.

Tesla’s power and future expansion

Current Tesla Superchargers can output power up to 325 kilowatts (kW), which is enough to provide high-speed charging for new vehicles like the Cybertruck. This speed is a critical feature that helps reduce the time spent waiting during long-distance travel.

Looking ahead, Tesla plans to increase the maximum output capacity of its charging stations to 500 kW, preparing for future advancements in battery technology. In November 2024, Tesla announced the V4 Supercharger cabinet, designed to handle up to 1.2 megawatts (MW) of power across its stalls.

BMW’s charging partnership initiatives

BMW has made charging its electric vehicles easier for owners by partnering with a vast network of charging providers, which includes more than 130,000 charging points. This extensive network is easily accessible to drivers through the My BMW App, providing seamless travel planning.

Owners of newer BMW EVs, such as the iX and i4, get complimentary charging with Electrify America, one of the largest public charging networks. Most BMW EV models from 2024 onward are also eligible for the Plug & Charge feature, which automatically initiates a charging session.

BMW’s Electrify America benefits

The partnership offers complimentary charging plans for owners of specific 2022-2026 all-electric BMW models, with the exact terms varying by vehicle model. This benefit significantly reduces the cost of ownership and encourages long-distance EV travel.

The Plug & Charge feature, available at Electrify America and select Shell Recharge stations, eliminates the need for credit cards or phone apps. This focus on easy, fast, and complimentary charging highlights BMW’s efforts to enhance the customer experience in the growing EV market.

California’s earliest EV history

The history of modern electric vehicles in the United States is rooted in California, starting with the limited-production launch of the General Motors EV1 in 1996. This vehicle marked an essential early step in exploring battery-electric technology in a consumer car.

Following the EV1, the Toyota RAV4 EV was introduced in 1997, further demonstrating that major automakers were experimenting with electric propulsion. These early vehicles helped create the initial market and regulatory push that would later lead to California’s current ZEV standards.

The first mass-market EVs

The first successful mass-produced EVs arrived in the U.S. market in December 2010 with the launch of the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt. The Leaf was a pure electric car, while the Volt was a plug-in hybrid that eased the transition for many drivers.

These cars provided necessary real-world data, demonstrating that a growing customer base was ready to adopt electric technology. Their introduction helped build the initial infrastructure and confidence needed for the larger EV revolution that would follow.

Tesla’s game-changing Model S

The Tesla Model S entered the market in 2012 and was a revolutionary electric car, offering long-range capability and high performance. It helped shift the public’s view of EVs from small, limited-use cars to desirable, premium vehicles.

The Model S quickly achieved success, with U.S. sales exceeding 26,000 units in 2015. This demonstrated a significant customer demand for high-quality, long-range EVs and encouraged other legacy automakers to speed up their own electric vehicle programs.

Curious about which upgrades could result in a fine or towing? Explore car modifications that are prohibited in California.

The future of charging is now

California’s achievement of having more EV chargers than gas pumps is the result of decisive government action, like the CEC’s investment plans, and innovative private companies such as Tesla and BMW. This public-private cooperation is crucial to the network’s rapid growth.

This milestone confirms that EV charging is quickly becoming the new norm across the state. The continued focus on fast, widely accessible, and user-friendly charging will ensure that California leads the U.S. into a fully electrified transportation future.

Wondering what the end of this perk means for EV drivers? Read more in California EV carpool-lane access ends October 1, 2025.

What do you think — is this the future of fueling?

Read More From This Brand:

• Tesla settles lawsuits tied to 2019 California Autopilot crashes
• California EV travel guide coastal routes with supercharger access
• Expect Higher Gas Prices in California Starting July 1

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.