Electric Vehicles: Good News Keeps Rolling In

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a niche choice—they’re becoming the norm. From rising global sales to expanding charging infrastructure and positive driver experiences, the momentum behind electric transportation is unmistakable. Locally and globally, the transition to cleaner, electric mobility is accelerating, and Davis is part of that story.

Big Picture: EV Momentum Is Strong—and Growing

Recent survey and market data paint a clear picture: once people experience driving electric, they rarely go back.

  • EV driver satisfaction remains exceptionally high. Plug In America’s EV Driver Survey shows that at least 9 out of 10 EV drivers love their vehicle and expect their next vehicle to be electric as well.

  • Households are going all-in on electric. Over 20% of respondents reported transitioning additional gas vehicles in their household to electric after driving an EV daily. About 32% now say all vehicles in their household run on electricity only.

  • EVs are often the next step after hybrids. More than 13% of respondents reported driving a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle daily before switching to a fully electric vehicle—highlighting EVs as a natural progression for many drivers.

Charging Infrastructure Is Catching Up

Range anxiety continues to fade as charging infrastructure expands nationwide.

  • EV charging deployment is advancing across the U.S. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is back underway, supporting fast-charging corridors for long-distance travel.

  • In Q3 2025 alone, nine NEVI-funded charging stations opened in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, helping ensure EV drivers can travel confidently between regions.

The Global Shift Is Real

The move to electric transportation isn’t limited to the U.S.

  • Worldwide EV sales rose 23% in October 2025, underscoring a global commitment to cleaner transportation.

  • Governments, automakers, and consumers around the world are investing in EVs.

Davis Spotlight: Local EV Adoption

Davis continues to be a leader in sustainability, and EV adoption is an important part of that progress.

  • New light-duty ZEV sales in Davis through 2025: 4,774

  • New light-duty ZEV sales in Davis within 2025: 501

  • Number of light-duty Estimated EVs registered in Davis (end of 2024 + 2025 EV sales) (The next update is expected late-April / early-May 2026): 4,677

These trends show how Davis residents are helping reduce emissions, improve air quality, and support the city’s climate goals through electric transportation.

Help Shape Yolo County’s Transportation Future

Yolo County is inviting community members to help shape the future of clean transportation by sharing input through a new interactive map and short survey. As part of the County’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Action Plan, this feedback will help identify where EV charging, e-bike and e-scooter options, carshare, and other clean mobility solutions are most needed. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Russian, and participants can enter for a chance to win a gift card. Community members are encouraged to submit their feedback by January 31, 2026—your input matters. Take the short survey to help the County better understand local transportation needs and guide the next steps in building a cleaner, more accessible mobility future.

After the survey period closes, there will be two workshops where community members can share their input:

Virtual Workshop:

In-Person Community Drop-In Workshop:

  • When: Thursday, April 9th
  • 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Location: TANA Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer at 1224 Lemen Ave, Woodland, CA 95776

Davis Electric Vehicle Association End-of-Year Meeting

The Davis EV community came together on December 10th for the end-of-year Davis Electric Vehicle Association (DEVA) meeting, hosted at Hanlees Nissan in Davis. The event was both informative and fun, with pizza fueling lively conversations about the future of EVs. You can see the recording here. The first DEVA meeting of 2026 is February 11th!

Highlights

  • Hands-on experience: Attendees had the opportunity to test drive seven different electric vehicles, including:

    • Chevy Silverado EV pickup

    • Chevy Equinox EV

    • Kia EV6

    • Kia EV9

    • Kia Niro EV

  • Charging conversations: Group discussions focused on EV charging—what’s working well, what challenges remain, and how charging access can continue to improve locally.

  • Community building: The meeting reinforced one consistent theme seen in national surveys—EV drivers are enthusiastic, informed, and eager to share their experiences.

What’s Next

From global sales growth to local test drives and conversations over pizza, the message is clear: electric vehicles are here to stay. As infrastructure expands and more drivers make the switch, Davis remains well-positioned to lead by example.

The EV transition isn’t just about technology—it’s about community, choice, and sustainable living.

Sources:

EV Outlook: What to Expect in 2025

https://www.energy.ca.gov/

More Reading

EV Outlook: What to Expect in 2025

The Road Ahead for Electric Vehicles