Nearly 20% of new cars sold in California in 2022 are electric or hybrid

Nearly 20% of new cars sold in California in 2022 will be electric or hybrid, the US state announced on Friday, the country’s leading automotive market, which wants to be at the forefront of the energy transition.

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In August, the state regulator announced the ban, from 2035, on the sale of new diesel or gasoline cars.

“California continues to lead the zero-emission vehicle revolution with forward-thinking policies and investments that drive innovation,” said Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

On Friday, the California Energy Commission said 18.8% of new cars sold in 2022 were electric, plug-in hybrid or fuel cell. It was 2% ten years ago.

The Tesla brand, led by Elon Musk, alone benefits from two-thirds of these sales.

California accounts for 40% of the sale of this type of vehicle in the United States, whose market share is growing rapidly. The biggest American manufacturers are now present there, including with models adapted to the local market, such as electric pick-ups.

But electric vehicles remain more expensive than those with combustion engines, and only federal assistance of up to $7,500 allows many buyers to afford them.

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