Marin County, along with Santa Clara County, maintained its position as a frontrunner in zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales across California in 2024, according to new data released by the state. The California Energy Commission reported a ZEV market share of 40.1% in Marin County. This figure, derived from data collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles, encompasses battery, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles.
“By comparison, the state average was just over 25%, so Marin continues to lead in electric vehicle adoption and didn’t see the decrease in 2024 that some other areas did,” stated Anne Richman, executive director of the Transportation Authority of Marin, at the February 27 board meeting. “So we are continuing to try to support that.”
This rate places Marin County at number two among California’s 58 counties. The county’s ZEV adoption rate has steadily increased over the past decade, with 7.7% in 2014, rising to 25.9% by 2021, and 37.7% in 2023. Santa Clara County led the state with a 42.8% market share, while Alameda County, which held the second position in 2023, fell to 37.7%. San Francisco’s rate was 35.6%.
In 2024, Marin County drivers purchased 4,929 battery, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell electric vehicles, an increase from 4,416 the previous year. A significant portion of these sales included 1,025 Tesla Model Y vehicles; 478 Tesla Model 3 vehicles; 81 Model X vehicles; 61 Cybertrucks, and 58 Model S vehicles. Other popular ZEVs in the county included the Rivian R1S, with 278 sold; the Audi Q4 e-tron, with 133 sold; the Audi Q5, with 105 sold; and the BMW i4, with 131 sold.
Across California, ZEV sales reached 443,374 vehicles, with the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and Hyundai IONIQ 5 being the most popular models. According to the California Air Resources Board, approximately 30% of all new ZEV sales in the United States occur in California. According to the California Air Resources Board, the state’s zero-emission vehicle regulation mandates that all new vehicles must achieve 100% zero-emission and clean plug-in hybrid-electric by the 2035 model year.
Cory Bytof, San Rafael’s sustainability program manager, credited the state’s leadership for driving the shift towards ZEVs. “Manufacturers responded, and now there are so many types of vehicles with good range; it’s become much easier for people to find something that matches their functional and other needs,” Bytof said. “Our local programs and policies augment that by helping to provide streamlined charger permitting, more workplace charging, and by helping to fill the knowledge gap.” These efforts are a result of collaboration with partners such as MCE, the Transportation Authority of Marin, and Ride and Drive Clean.
Ride and Drive Clean, a collaboration of various organizations, aims to reduce carbon emissions by promoting electric vehicle adoption. Carleen Cullen, the executive director, noted that while Marin has made significant progress, residents in apartment buildings and lower-income communities are still being left behind.
“Now, new low-cost charging solutions are available for apartment buildings, and low-income drivers can get up to $20,000 in savings on a new or used EV,” Cullen explained. “The challenge is awareness — many people don’t know these programs exist. More outreach and education are key to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to go electric.”
Cullen also pointed out that potential tariffs and the possible end of the federal EV tax credit could pose challenges. She suggested that those considering purchasing an EV might benefit from doing so sooner rather than later, given these uncertainties. On a positive note, Cullen noted that EV charging is becoming more accessible, with most drivers now able to use Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Bill Carney, a board member of the Marin Climate Action Network and Sustainable San Rafael, said gas cars contribute over half of climate pollution. Carney encourages the county and municipalities to hold annual ZEV education and test drive events, while urging state and local entities to maintain rebates and incentives.
“Now more than ever, we need to continue to do our part locally and push even harder statewide,” Carney emphasized.
In a related development, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District launched its “Charge!” grants program, offering at least $10 million in funding to help offset the costs associated with purchasing and installing new chargers for light-duty electric vehicles. Qualifying projects will include those at apartment buildings, transit parking locations, workplaces, and other sites. Eligible applicants include businesses, homeowner associations, nonprofits, public agencies, and tribes.
“By prioritizing EV funding for disadvantaged and low-income communities, we can help make driving electric the best option for all Bay Area residents,” said Philip Fine, executive officer of the district. The application period for the Charge! program is open through June 6.
