California Alt-Fuel Car Sales Remixed
Zero-emission models take a hit, including Tesla’s, while hybrids take off.

Tesla continues to lose market share in California, where zero-emission vehicle sales in general have fallen so far this year.
Pexels/Kindel Media
California, which leads the U.S. in electric-vehicle sales, saw a continued decline in Tesla brand deliveries in the second quarter.
The EV maker, founded in the Golden State before moving to Texas in 2021, had a seventh straight quarter of sales declines there, said the California New Car Dealers Association, citing Experian Automotive data.
The U.S. EV market leader’s California sales fell 18% year-over-year in the first six months of 2025, or a 2.7-point market share drop, according to the Experian numbers. The decline has led a decrease in zero-emission vehicle sales share in the state so far this year from 22% to about 20%.
California had been on track to ban sales of gas-powered vehicles in 2035 by requiring all new-vehicle sales to be zero-emission models, but in May Congress killed Environmental Protection Agency waivers that would have enabled the change. The state has sued the Trump administration in an effort to reverse the decision.
“Dealers are focused on what Californians are buying, not just what policymakers want them to buy,” said CNCDA Chairman and Camino Real Chevrolet President Robb Hernandez in a press release on the data. “It’s clear many consumers still face barriers to going fully electric, whether that’s due to affordability, lack of infrastructure, or range anxiety.”
Hybrid vehicle sales have skyrocketed in the state this year, rising 54% year-over-year and achieving a 19% market share. When sales of all alternative-fuel vehicles – hybrid, purely electric, and fuel-cell – are added up, they comprise 43% of the state’s new-vehicle market, according to the Experian data.
LEARN MORE: Prius Celebrates Silver U.S. Anniversary
More Industry

Holman Opens New Lexus Dealership
Located in the heart of Clark County, Lexus of Vancouver features a multi-level showroom, more than 30 service bays, an indoor drive for drop-off and pick-up and a fleet of courtesy vehicles.
Read More →
Denver Ferrari Store in New Group
The recent sale of the dealership by Lithia adds to an expanding stable for a family-owned collection of franchises.
Read More →
Nissan Reports Significant Sales Growth
Following the release of Nissan’s 2025 fiscal year report, the automaker announced that its retail-first approach has led to a significant jump in dealer sales.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: Effective Safety Features
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers a positive safety study from GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and a business acquisition by Cox Automotive.
Read More →
Recalled Autos Spike in Q1
The volume of affected units continued to rise as more software-focused models present different types of problems, creating complex risk, Sedgwick reports.
Read More →
Program Brings Wheels to Families in Need
NADA is taking Vehicles for Change’s Keys to Independence Program national so auto dealers can help families in need gain access to reliable transportation.
Read More →
EFG Aims to Help Dealers Face Rising Reinsurance Volatility
Rising claims severity, higher repair costs and delayed reserve adjustments are putting new pressure on auto dealerships' reinsurance programs.
Read More →
Hybrids in Focus
Another automaker announces plans to dedicate more resources in the U.S. to the now popular power train as it also looks to minimize trade tariff costs.
Read More →
IIHS Adds to Safety Rankings
A midsize Hyundai and a small Toyota have joined the nonprofit's 2026 Top Safety Pick+ award rankings, thanks to improved crash test results and crash-prevention measures.
Read More →
Dealer Debrief: FTC and Pricing
In this week's debrief, host Lauren Lawrence covers long loan terms, the FTC's crackdown on pricing, and disaster prep for dealerships.
Read More →