California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to media Thursday, September 23, 2021 in Sequoia National Park before signing a $15 billion climate package into law that will help bolster the state's response to climate change. Drought Wild Fire Prevention
California – California just hit a major milestone in the shift toward clean energy: the state now has more public and shared private electric vehicle (EV) chargers than gasoline nozzles. Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement on Thursday, marking a significant step in California’s aggressive push to become a leader in sustainable transportation.
According to state data, there are now 178,549 public and shared private EV chargers installed across California, compared to approximately 120,000 gasoline nozzles. The gap is only expected to grow as the state continues to invest billions in clean transportation infrastructure. Just last December, California approved a $1.4 billion plan to expand its EV charging and hydrogen fueling network, making it easier than ever to power up an electric car.
“As the federal government works to make it harder for you to charge your electric car, California is doing the opposite,” Newsom said in a statement. “We now have nearly 50% more chargers than gas nozzles in the state, meaning you have more options than ever to charge your vehicle.”
The milestone comes at a time when the federal government appears to be slowing down its own EV adoption. According to NPR, the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages government vehicle purchases, has “temporarily suspended” orders for zero-emission vehicles, halted the installation of new charging stations, and even shut down some existing ones. Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in Washington are working to scale back federal EV tax credits, making it potentially more expensive for drivers to make the switch to electric.
Despite these federal roadblocks, California is charging ahead—literally. The state has long been at the forefront of environmental policy, implementing some of the most ambitious clean energy goals in the country. It has already set a deadline to phase out new gas-powered car sales by 2035 and has been rolling out aggressive incentives to encourage EV adoption.
While Washington debates the future of EVs, Newsom is making it clear where California stands. “We’re embracing our clean car future and providing consumers more choices—no matter what ‘big government’ mandates come out of Washington,” he said.
The news isn’t just about policy—it’s about convenience. With EV chargers now outnumbering gas pumps, finding a place to plug in is easier than ever. Whether it’s at a grocery store, office building, or dedicated charging hub, drivers have more options than ever to keep their cars powered up. And with the state’s continued investment, those options will only increase.
California’s latest milestone proves that the future of transportation isn’t just coming—it’s already here.
