Driving down the freeways of California gives you a pretty good idea of the kind of cars Californians prefer. You’ll almost certainly see several Teslas glide past if you’re in Los Angeles, while in San Francisco, it’s more of Hyundai IONIQ 5s and Ford Mustang Mach-Es tucked between compact gas cars. You’ll also find charging stations everywhere, whether you’re at a mall parking lot or a coastal highway rest stop. In 2025, California has cemented itself as the heart of America’s electric vehicle market, and the numbers prove it.
But among dozens of models now available, five have clearly stolen the spotlight. These are the top electric cars Californians are lining up to register, waitlist for, or even pay premiums to get ahead in waiting list queues. So, let’s take a look at the five most popular EVs of 2025 for Californians. My list is based on insights from recent California registration data and auto industry reports.
1. Tesla Model Y
If you drive around Silicon Valley, it feels like every other car is a Tesla Model Y. That’s not an illusion. In the first half of 2025, more than 44,000 Tesla Model Y units were registered in California.
Why does it still dominate? It’s because Tesla has been able to strike the right balance between SUV space, performance, and its unbeatable charging network. For families juggling school runs in Los Angeles or tech workers commuting across the Bay Area, the Model Y has proved to be a practical choice that doesn’t compromise on range. Even with more competition heating up, Tesla Model Y continues to be the benchmark for others to follow.
2. Tesla Model 3
The sedan market isn’t what it used to be, but the Model 3 is proof that the right car can hold its ground. It registered 31,000+ units in the first half of 2025, making it California’s second-favorite EV.
People I’ve spoken to who bought a Model 3 this year mention two things: Tesla’s still-strong resale value and the comfort of knowing the Supercharger network has them covered. With California’s dense urban clusters, a sedan with easy parking and long range appeals to thousands of buyers who don’t necessarily need the size of an SUV.
3. Hyundai IONIQ 5
This one surprised me when I started digging into the numbers. The IONIQ 5 has quietly climbed into the top group of EVs in California. It may not outsell Tesla as of now, but it has carved out a loyal base of customers in California. According to this CNCDA report, it consistently appears among the state’s top-selling EVs.
Owners I’ve met rave about its roomy interior and the ultra-fast charging capability on 800V systems. Design is a big factor too in its popularity. Its retro-futuristic styling ensures it stands out in a sea of similar-looking crossovers. For Californians who want something practical but distinct from Tesla’s minimalist look, the IONIQ 5 gives them what they need.
4. Honda Prologue EV
Honda took its time entering the full EV market, but the Prologue is finally here — and buyers in California are responding. CleanTechnica places it at number 3 on its list for 2025 registrations in the state.
What gives the Prologue an edge? Honda’s reputation for reliability. For years, some buyers held off on EVs because they wanted a brand they trusted for durability and lower maintenance headaches. Now that Honda has stepped up with a capable SUV that offers solid range and GM’s Ultium platform under the hood, California drivers are welcoming it with arms wide open.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E
Ford’s Mach-E isn’t brand-new anymore, but it’s holding its ground in CA. Buyers who still want a sporty feel behind the wheel in their electric cars opt for the Mach-E. Sales data puts it consistently within the top group of EVs in the state.
Drivers who grew up with Mustangs have a soft corner for this car. However, the model also resonates with buyers who simply want a car that blends performance flair with practical range. The Mach-E has been seen a lot recently on the Pacific Coast Highway, which says a lot about its appeal for both daily commutes and weekend drives.
Why These Cars Lead in 2025
Having followed the CA EV market closely, these patterns explain why these five EVs stand out in 2025:
- Range and charging: Cars that can handle long drives between cities, supported by a reliable charging network, are favored. Tesla still dominates here, though Hyundai and Ford have made gains.
- Trust in the brand: Californians who hesitated on Tesla have shifted to legacy brands like Honda and Ford once they offered strong EV options.
- Design appeal: Buyers are no longer satisfied with just efficiency. They are also looking for style, comfort, and uniqueness. The IONIQ 5 shows how much design can influence adoption.
- State policy: California’s zero-emission targets means that EV demand continues to grow, with rebates and incentives also shaping purchase decisions.
California’s EV Shift Compared to Past Years
I remember when Tesla’s dominance in California was near total. In 2020, for example, the Model 3 alone outsold entire brands in the state. But by 2025, the story has changed. While Tesla still leads, new contenders have narrowed the gap, with affordable EVs making inroads in California.
Charging infrastructure has expanded, reducing the “range anxiety” that once enticed buyers into Tesla’s ecosystem. The competition has also improved. Legacy automakers who were slow to act five years ago are now fully invested in EVs, and California is their testing ground.
FAQs: California’s EV Market in 2025
The Tesla Model S Long Range still holds the crown for range, exceeding 370 miles on a single charge. However, among the top-selling five models, the Tesla Model Y leads with an EPA-estimated 330 miles.
Yes. California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) applies to many of these models, but income limits and MSRP caps apply.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is among the fastest, thanks to its 800V architecture. It can charge from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes under optimal conditions.
Generally, yes. With rising gas prices and lower maintenance needs, EVs often save Californians thousands over the life of the vehicle, especially when combined with rebates and federal tax credits.
California leads the nation, with more than 100,000 public and shared private chargers as of 2025. The state has also mandated that all new car sales must be zero-emission by 2035, accelerating infrastructure investment.
The Tesla Model Y and Honda Prologue are top picks for families, given their SUV space, safety ratings, and practicality for longer trips.
Insurance can be slightly higher for EVs due to repair costs, but this varies by model and location. Some insurers in California offer EV discounts to offset this.
For some models, yes. Popular trims of the Tesla Model Y and IONIQ 5 often face wait times, though supply chain improvements have reduced delays compared to 2022–2023.
When I talk to Californians who are buying EVs right now, I hear excitement but also practicality. People want range and reliability first, but they also want something that feels like their car. That’s probably why you see diversity in the list of best EVs Californians prefer.
My favorite would be the IONIQ 5 for its looks, of course, apart from practicality, but I can see why the Tesla Model Y continues to lead. The reality is, Californians now have real choices, and that’s healthier for the entire market.
Final Thought
California’s EV market in 2025 reflects both loyalty and change. Tesla still reigns supreme, but Hyundai, Honda, and Ford have carved out strong positions. For buyers, this competition means better cars, better charging options, and more diverse choices. And the EV waiting list for 2025 is likely to move much faster as a result. It’s heartening to see the state’s car culture evolve to embrace EVs and cleaner modes of commuting. It bodes well for our future!
From car specs to reviews and car tech, and the latest news, Ask About Cars has your back.
