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The 25 States with Highest EV Adoption Rates

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining significant traction across the U.S., with some states leading the charge in adopting cleaner transportation options.

This surge is largely driven by state policies, incentives, and the expansion of charging networks.

Here are the 25 states with the most EVs on the road in 2023. We will share the number of registered electric vehicles and the growth in EV adoption since 2020. This data is just for full EV vehicles, not hybrids and numbers are rounded to the nearest tenth.

California – 1,256,600 EVs

Electric vehicle in California
Cory Doctorow – Electric vehicle in California / Flickr

California dominates the EV market with over 1,256,600 electric vehicles. The state’s environmental policies, rebates, and expansive charging infrastructure have fueled its growth as a leader in clean energy transportation.

In 2020, California had 425,300 registered electrical vehicles.

Florida – 254,878 EVs

Electric car in Florida
Michel Curi – Electric car in Florida / Flickr

Florida has more than 254,878 EVs, with cities like Miami and Orlando expanding their EV infrastructure. The state’s sunny climate makes it an ideal location for the efficient use of EVs, with numerous incentives for buyers.

In 2020, Florida had 58,200 registered electrical vehicles.

Texas – 230,125 EVs

Four Teslas at Columbus, Texas
Ed Uthman – Four Teslas at Columbus, Texas / Flickr

Texas is catching up with over 230,125 electric vehicles, especially in cities like Austin and Dallas. While the state has a strong oil industry, it’s also making strides in green energy adoption, providing a mix of EV incentives and expanding infrastructure.

In 2020, Texas had 52,200 registered electrical vehicles.

Washington – 152,100 EVs

Miles electric vehicle in Washington
David Schott – Miles electric vehicle in Washington / Flickr

Washington has over 152,100 EVs, largely concentrated in Seattle. The state offers attractive financial incentives, and its eco-conscious communities have helped make EVs a common sight on the roads.

In 2020, Washington had 50,500 registered electrical vehicles.

New Jersey – 134,750 EVs

Audi Etron New Jersey
Noya Fields – Audi Etron New Jersey / Flickr

New Jersey’s EV market is growing with more than 134,750 electric vehicles on the road. The state provides some of the highest rebates in the country for EV buyers, and it’s expanding its public charging network.

In 2020, New Jersey had 30,400 registered electrical vehicles.

New York – 131,250 EVs

Electric bus in New York
Metropolitan Transportation Authority – Electric bus in New York / Flickr

New York’s EV market is thriving with more than 131,250 electric vehicles. New York City leads the way, supported by incentives and policies promoting cleaner transportation.

In 2020, New York had 32,600 registered electrical vehicles.

Illinois – 99,570 EVs

 Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle
Chad Kainz – Mitsubishi Electric Vehicle / Flickr

Illinois has a growing EV market with over 99,570 electric vehicles. Chicago is leading the way, with initiatives aimed at expanding the city’s charging infrastructure to support increased demand.

In 2020, Illinois had 26,000 registered electrical vehicles.

Georgia – 92,360 EVs

electric vehicle in Georgia
John Ramspott – electric vehicle in Georgia / Flickr

Georgia boasts over 92,360 electric vehicles, with most concentrated in Atlanta. The state was an early adopter of EV-friendly policies, and while some incentives have ended, the market continues to grow.

In 2020, Georgia had 23,500 registered electrical vehicles.

Colorado – 90,080 EVs

solar decathlon and EVs in Colorado
Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon – solar decathlon and EVs in Colorado / Flickr

Colorado’s eco-friendly culture is reflected in its EV market, with more than 90,080 electric vehicles on the road. Denver is a hub for green transportation, with numerous charging stations across the state.

In 2020, Colorado had 24,700 registered electrical vehicles.

Arizona – 89,790 EVs

Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Grand Canyon National Park – Electric Vehicle Charging Station / Flickr

Arizona has embraced EVs with over 89,790 electric vehicles. Phoenix is seeing a rise in EV ownership, with a sunny climate perfect for their efficient use, along with supportive infrastructure.

In 2020, Arizona had 28,800 registered electrical vehicles.

Virginia – 84,930 EVs

Tesla Model X in Virginia
Eli Christman – Tesla Model X in Virginia / Flickr

Virginia’s EV numbers are steadily rising, with over 84,930 electric vehicles, particularly in Northern Virginia. The state offers various incentives and charging infrastructure to promote EV use.

In 2020, Virginia had 20,500 registered electrical vehicles.

Massachusetts – 73,770 EVs

2014 Ford Focus Electric Vehicle
Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection – 2014 Ford Focus Electric Vehicle / Flickr

Massachusetts boasts over 73,770 electric vehicles, driven by a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Boston and surrounding areas have a robust network of charging stations to support this growth.

In 2020, Massachusetts had 21,000 registered electrical vehicles.

Maryland – 72,140 EVs

Tesla Super Chargers At Maryland
Earth And Main – Tesla Super Chargers At Maryland / Flickr

Maryland has more than 72,140 EVs on the road, with financial incentives and a growing network of charging stations encouraging widespread adoption in cities like Baltimore.

In 2020, Maryland had 18,000 registered electrical vehicles.

North Carolina – 70,160 EVs

Electric vehicle charging station
James Willamor – Electric vehicle charging station / Flickr

North Carolina has over 70,160 electric vehicles, with growing EV networks in cities like Raleigh and Charlotte. The state offers various rebates and incentives to boost EV adoption.

In 2020, North Carolina had 16,200 registered electrical vehicles.

Pennsylvania – 70,150 EVs

Port Clinton, Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle
David Wilson – Port Clinton, Pennsylvania Electric Vehicle / Flickr

Pennsylvania’s EV market is picking up with over 70,150 electric vehicles, particularly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The state is investing in expanding charging stations and providing tax incentives for EV owners.

In 2020, Pennsylvania had 17,500 registered electrical vehicles.

Oregon – 64,360 EVs

Electric vehicles in Oregon
Oregon Department of Transportation – Electric vehicles in Oregon / Flickr

Oregon is home to over 64,360 electric vehicles, supported by Portland’s strong push for green energy. The state provides significant rebates and an expanding charging network for EV drivers.

In 2020, Oregon had 22,800 registered electrical vehicles.

Ohio – 50,390 EVs

columbus ohio streets
Columbus, Ohio Downtown – Wikipedia

Ohio has over 50,390 EVs, with cities like Cleveland and Columbus encouraging electric vehicle adoption through rebates and increasing the number of charging stations available across the state.

In 2020, Ohio had 14,500 registered electrical vehicles.

Michigan – 50,280 EVs

1996 GM EV1 Electric Vehicle
Joe Ross – 1996 GM EV1 Electric Vehicle / Flickr

As the home of the American auto industry, Michigan is seeing more than 50,280 EVs on its roads. Detroit and Ann Arbor are key cities expanding their EV infrastructure as local manufacturers shift toward electric vehicle production.

In 2020, Michigan had 10,600 registered electrical vehicles.

Nevada – 47,360 EVs

Nevada electric vehicle charging
Dept of Energy Solar Decathlon – Nevada electric vehicle charging / Flickr

Nevada’s EV market is growing, with over 47,360 electric vehicles registered. Las Vegas and Reno are expanding their charging networks, supporting the rise in electric car ownership.

In 2020, Nevada had 11,000 registered electrical vehicles.

Utah – 34,000 EVs

Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Utah
Sharon Hahn Darlin – Electric Vehicle Charging Station in Utah / Flickr

Utah is home to over 34,000 electric vehicles, driven by a strong focus on environmental initiatives. Salt Lake City has a growing network of charging stations, and state incentives have made EVs more accessible.

In 2020, Utah had 11,200 registered electrical vehicles.

Minnesota – 37,050 EVs

Tesla Model S in Minnesota
Michael Hicks – Tesla Model S in Minnesota / Flickr

Minnesota is making strides in EV adoption, with over 37,050 electric vehicles on the road. The Twin Cities are investing in more charging stations and offering tax breaks to encourage greener transportation.

In 2020, Minnesota had 10,400 registered electrical vehicles.

Tennessee – 33,220 EVs

morristown tennessee street
Tennessee Street – Wikipedia

Tennessee has over 33,220 electric vehicles, thanks in part to local EV manufacturing facilities. Nashville and Memphis are key cities expanding their charging networks to support more EVs.

In 2020, Tennessee had 7,800 registered electrical vehicles.

Connecticut – 31,560

2012 Fisker EVer Karma EC in Greenwich, CT
2012 Fisker EVer Karma EC in Greenwich, CT – Wikipedia

Connecticut has 31,560 registered electric vehicles. Fairfield County remains the epicenter of EV adoption in Connecticut, accounting for 40% of registered EVs, followed by Hartford and New Haven counties.

In 2020, Connecticut had 9,000 registered electrical vehicles.

Missouri – 26,680 EVs

maplewood missouri street
Wikipedia

There are 26,860 registered electric vehicles in Missouri. They are primarily used in urban areas, with a concentration of charging stations in more affluent districts such as Kansas City’s downtown, financial, and Power and Light districts. However, there are efforts to expand EV infrastructure across the state, including rural areas. 

In 2020, Missouri had 6,700 registered electrical vehicles.

Indiana – 26,100 EVs

Ford Think City in Indiana
JOHN LLOYD – Ford Think City in Indiana / Flickr

Indiana has seen a rise in EV ownership, with nearly 26,100 electric vehicles registered. Cities like Indianapolis are expanding their charging networks and offering incentives for EV buyers.

In 2020, Indiana had 7,000 registered electrical vehicles.

It is clear the growth of electrical vehicle is happening, and fast. While there is still many concerns with EV adoption by consumers, the overall growth is still very high. As technology improves and EV chargers become more prevalent, it is expected the growth will continue.. 

Source: US Department of Energy

15 Reasons Consumers Are Still Hesitant To Adopt EVs

electric vehicle being charged at home
ASPhoto777 on Depositphotos

In a recent survey from the EY Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), it was found that US consumers planning to buy an EV dropped from 48% in 2023 to 34% in 2024. This 14% decrease in EV interest shows that people are still not on board with EVs, and there may be good reason. See some of the top concerns consumers have about buying an EV.

The Many Other Unknown Electric Car Brands

nio electric car
NIO EVE

Tesla may be the big name in electrical vehicles, but there are many other EV brands out there that are building some really cool things.

 

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