New Census data reveal a homeowner-renter divide in America's electric-car transition
Data: U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 American Community Survey 1-year estimates; Table: Russell Contreras/Axios Homeowners were nearly twice as likely as renters to have an electric vehicle in 2025, new Census data show, revealing a striking divide in America's shift to electric cars. Why it matters : Homeownership is just one factor in EV adoption, but reliable access to charging is critical — giving…
New Census data released in 2025 reveal a significant divide in America's transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with homeowners being nearly twice as likely as renters to own an EV. According to the 2025 American Community Survey, 7.3 million households, or 5.5% of the nation's 134 million, reported having at least one EV. Homeowners had an EV ownership rate of 6.4%, compared to 3.6% for renters.
California emerged as the nation's leader in EV adoption, with an overall rate of 13.8%, more than double the national average. In contrast, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Louisiana had the lowest EV ownership rates, at 1.3%, 1.6%, and 1.6% respectively.
The Census Bureau's 2025 data marks the first time households with vehicles kept at home were asked if they owned or leased an EV, providing a comprehensive snapshot of EV adoption across the U.S. The figures encompass fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
While homeowners with higher incomes are more likely to afford EVs, the availability of reliable charging infrastructure remains a critical factor. Studies have shown that rental properties often face higher installation costs for home chargers, further perpetuating the homeowner-renter divide in EV adoption.
Even in California, the nation's EV leader, the homeowner-renter divide persists, with 17.7% of homeowners reporting EV ownership compared to 8.9% of renters. Santa Clara County, home to Silicon Valley, led the nation at 24.1% of households, or roughly 163,000 households.
Washington, Hawaii, and Nevada followed California in EV adoption rates, at 8.9%, 8.5%, and 8.2% respectively. Outside California, Boulder County, Colorado, and Loudoun County, Virginia, both recorded 13.9% EV ownership rates.
However, the Census data do not account for charging access or provide insights into why households choose EVs. With only one year of data available, it remains unclear whether the homeowner-renter gap in EV adoption has grown over time.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
