Two Bay Area counties lead the state in electric vehicle sales

03/07/2025 03:12 PM

Santa Clara and Marin counties held their position among leaders in zero-emission vehicle sales across California in 2024, according to new state data.

The market share for such vehicles in the county was 40.1%, the California Energy Commission reported. The figure, based on data collected from the Department of Motor Vehicles, includes battery, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell electric vehicles.

"By comparison, the state average was a little over 25%, so Marin continues to lead in electric vehicle adoption and didn't see the decrease in 2024 that some other areas did," Anne Richman, executive director of the Transportation Authority of Marin, reported at the Feb. 27 board meeting. "So we are continuing to try to support that."

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The rate places Marin at No. 2 among the 58 counties in the state. The county's rate has increased steadily for more than a decade, the data show. In 2014, the rate was 7.7%. That climbed to 25.9% by 2021, and then 37.7% in 2023.

Santa Clara County had the highest zero-emission vehicle market share rate at 42.8%. Alameda, which held the second place ranking for 2023, dipped below Marin with 37.7%. San Francisco was 35.6%, according to the data.

Marin drivers bought 4,929 battery, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell electric vehicles in 2024, up from the 4,416 the year prior.

Tesla Model Y accounted for 1,025 of those purchases. Other purchases included 478 Tesla Model 3 vehicles, 81 Model X vehicles, 61 Cybertrucks and 58 Model S vehicles.

Other popular vehicles included the Rivian R1S, with 278 sold; the Audi Q4 e-tron, with 133 sold; the Audi Q5, with 105 sold; and the BMW i4, with 131 sold.

Drivers across the state bought 443,374 zero-emission vehicles, with the most popular being the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 and the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

About 30% of new zero-emission vehicles sales in the U.S. are in California, according to the California Air Resources Board.

Cory Bytof, sustainability program manager for San Rafael, said the state leadership is driving the change. The state's zero-emission vehicle regulation requires new vehicles to reach 100% zero-emission and clean plug-in hybrid-electric by the 2035 model year, according to the California Air Resources Board.

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"Manufacturers responded and now there are so many types of vehicles with good range it's become much easier for people to find something that matches their functional and other needs," Bytof said.

"Our local programs and policies augment that by helping to provide streamlined charger permitting, more workplace charging, and by helping to fill the knowledge gap," Bytof said. "These are achieved through collaboration with our partners like MCE, Transportation Authority of Marin, and Ride and Drive Clean."

Ride and Drive Clean is a collaboration of nonprofit organizations, agencies, cities, schools and businesses with a goal of reducing carbon emissions by advancing the adoption of electric vehicles. Carleen Cullen, the executive director, said Marin has made great progress in EV adoption, but residents in apartment buildings and lower-income communities are being left behind.

"Now, new low-cost charging solutions are available for apartment buildings, and low-income drivers can get up to $20,000 in savings on a new or used EV," Cullen said. "The challenge is awareness — many people don't know these programs exist. More outreach and education are key to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to go electric."

Cullen said potential tariffs and the possible cancellation of the federal EV tax credit could make it harder for some drivers to make the switch. Given this uncertainty, those considering an EV may want to buy soon rather than waiting, she said.

On the positive side, she said, EV charging is becoming more accessible, as most drivers can now use Tesla's Supercharger network, or will be able to very soon.

San Rafael resident Bill Carney, a board member of the Marin Climate Action Network and Sustainable San Rafael environmental groups, said gas cars emit more than half of the climate pollution, so it's great that Marin is among leaders in zero-emission vehicles statewide.

"To reach our county and state goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions in the next 20 years, it's critical to keep closing the gap. Otherwise, the climate crisis is likely to spiral out of control," Carney said.

Carney encourages the county and Marin municipalities to hold annual zero-emission vehicle education and test drive events. He said the state and MCE, formerly Marin Clean Energy, need to keep rebates and incentives active in the face of likely federal cutbacks.

"Now more than ever, we need to continue to do our part locally and push even harder statewide," Carney said.

On Wednesday, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District launched its "Charge!" grants program, accepting applications for at least $10 million in funding to offset the cost of purchasing and installing new chargers for light-duty electric vehicles.

Qualifying projects would be at apartment buildings, transit parking locations, workplaces and other sites. The funding is available to businesses, homeowner associations, nonprofits, public agencies and tribes.

"By prioritizing EV funding for disadvantaged and low-income communities, we can help make driving electric the best option for all Bay Area residents," said Philip Fine, executive officer of the district.

The application period is open through June 6. Information is at bit.ly/3Fay2ii.