Scott Peters makes significant trades in California State Government and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Health

California reported on Friday that nearly 12,000 residents purchased electric vehicles (EVs) through a $270 million state-funded program, despite a nationwide decline in EV sales. The program, launched in July by Governor Gavin Newsom, offers up to $3,500 rebates for new EVs priced under $50,000 and a $1,750 rebate for used EVs priced at $25,000 or less.

EVs accounted for 18% of all vehicle sales in California through September 30, down from 23% last year and 25% in 2024. Tesla vehicles make up more than half of the EVs sold in the state, with no funds remaining for Tesla models under the program. The remaining $135.5 million in state funding and $135.5 million from automakers is still available for other EV purchases.

The federal government has eliminated support for EVs and charging programs, with Trump signing a 2025 law that ended federal EV tax credits. California's previous rebate program, which subsidized 586,000 EVs over a decade, ended in 2023. Trump has targeted EVs through various measures, including legislation reversing California's rules to phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2035.

The administration has also finalized changes that will save automakers billions in purchasing credits from Tesla and other manufacturers to comply with prior regulatory requirements.