Suggested Citation:
Robinson, Anya, Aviv Steren, Gil Tal (2026)

Brief: Increasing Access to Zero-Emissions Vehicles at Dealerships Could Increase Adoption and Improve Equity Outcomes

. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Brief UCD-ITS-RR-26-41

Abstract:

California has set a target of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales by 2035. While the state has made substantial progress, with ZEVs accounting for roughly 25% of new vehicle sales in 2025, adoption remains uneven across communities. Disadvantaged communities (DACs), which face disproportionate exposure to air pollution, continue to lag in ZEV uptake. Most DAC-related policy efforts to date have focused on demand-side interventions, such as consumer purchase incentives, rather than supply-side approaches that increase vehicle availability. Because more than half of ZEV sales in California occur through franchised dealerships, they are a critical gateway through which consumers access these vehicles and may represent an important leverage point for increasing adoption.