The States Leading the Adoption of Electric Vehicles

A report from Navigant Research projects the growth of the domestic markets for plug-in electric vehicles. Spoiler: California dominates the list.

1 minute read

June 7, 2015, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


David Nyczepir reports on the findings of a forecast from Navigant Research that shows where the use of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) is growing fastest in the United States.

"More than 133,000 PEVs sold in 2014 in North America, the world’s strongest market, and in no state is demand higher than California," according to Nyczepir. PEVs currently account for 3 percent of California's "light duty vehicles," but that number is expected to jump to 15 to 22 percent by 2024. The nine other states in the ZEV program—Oregon, New York, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Maryland—are expected to see similar growth. "Outside of those states, only Hawaii, Washington and Georgia are expected to see similar growth in PEV use because of their large vehicle markets, incentives and well-developed infrastructure."

Friday, May 29, 2015 in Route 50

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A swamp in South Carolina with tall pale trees and Spanish moss in the water.

Satanic place names

From streams and lakes to valleys and canyons, I mapped more than 1,000 places named after the Devil.

October 31 - The Daily Yonder

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight