Last updated 05.11.2023
by Rinas Bullatovci
Electric Vehicles Surge Across America: Ranking the States
Key Takeaways : November 2023 Data
Total Electric Vehicle (EV) Owners: 2,4 Million.
EV Owners per 1,000 People: Approximately 7.
From 2016 to 2022, there was a remarkable 771.3% increase in the number of electric cars in the United States, rising from 280,300 to 2,442,300.
Comparing 2021 to 2022 shows a significant 67.9% rise in EV ownership.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are surging in popularity across the United States. With falling prices and improved technology, more drivers are realizing the benefits of switching to electric. EVs provide a sustainable transportation option that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers emissions. This article explores the growth of the EV market by ranking the states with the highest adoption rates and detailing their impressive growth over recent years.
Top 10 States with Highest Electric Vehicle Adoption Rates According to New Study
Formrush’s most recent exploration of electric vehicles throughout the United States diligently gathered research data over six years (2016-2022).
A rigorous analysis process supports this comprehensive study. Our research, enriched by insights from Afdc.energy.gov data, examines Electric Vehicle Registration in all 51 states.
You’ll discover valuable insights as you explore the 51 states with EV adoption and gain a deeper understanding of how they rank according to various criteria.
01
California: The EV Leader
23 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 60%
2016-2021 increase: 539%
California is totally dominating the electric vehicle game. With 23 EVs for every 1,000 residents, it’s way ahead of the pack when it comes to adopting clean transportation.
EV ownership in the Golden State absolutely skyrocketed between 2021 and 2022, jumping 60%.
And get this – it grew a whopping 539% between 2016 and 2021! Talk about setting the pace.
The state just hit a huge milestone too – a quarter of all new cars sold there in the second quarter of 2023 were plug-in electrics.
Leading the charge is Tesla, which recently overtook Toyota as the top-selling auto brand in California.
The Tesla Model Y is now the number one vehicle model in the state, beating out popular gas cars and SUVs.
It’s pretty clear that California is super committed to sustainable transportation and is steering toward an emissions-free future faster than its neighbors.
02
Hawaii: Riding the Wave of Change
14 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 39%
2016-2021 increase: 371%
Hawaii is totally catching the EV wave with 14 electric vehicles for every 1,000 people. EV ownership there shot up 39% between 2021 and 2022, and get this – it grew a massive 371% from 2016 to 2021!
The island state is clearly pumped about sustainable transportation. This lines up nicely with Hawaii’s goal to use 100% clean energy by 2045.
Lower costs, environmental benefits, and sweet state incentives are attracting Hawaiian drivers to EVs in droves.
And with all that sunshine, solar-powered electric cars just make sense.
The Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model Y are scoring big with Hawaiians.
While still building momentum, Hawaii’s EV craze signals a shift toward a cleaner, greener future fueled by renewable energy.
As EV popularity keeps rising year after year, you can bet Hawaii will keep riding this wave.
03
Washington: Leading the Charge in the Pacific Northwest
14 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 56%
2016-2021 increase: 599%
It’s obvious Washington state is all-in on sustainability – 1 in every 14 people there drives an electric vehicle!
EV registrations saw a huge 56% increase from 2021 to 2022. And get this – they surged a whopping 599% between 2016 and 2021!
It’s clear Washington is pumped about cutting emissions and going green.
In 2023, a wild 1 out of every 6 new cars sold in the state is electric or a plug-in hybrid.
That’s nearly twice the national average – talk about impressive! More and more drivers in Washington are telling gas guzzlers adios and opting for cleaner rides instead.
This major shift away from traditional gasoline shows Washington is serious about creating a stable climate future.
The state is definitely gathering speed on the road to reducing fossil fuel dependence. As EVs replace more gas-powered cars each year, Washington moves closer to its vision of sustainable, eco-friendly transportation.
04
Oregon: A Sustainable Drive
11 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 55%
2016-2021 increase: 510%
With 11 electric vehicles per 1,000 people, Oregon is totally leading the pack when it comes to eco-friendly rides.
Get this – EV adoption in the state accelerated 55% from 2021 to 2022. And it skyrocketed a whopping 510% since 2016!
Talk about dedication to reducing emissions. More and more Oregonians are telling gas guzzlers goodbye and switching to electric these days – EV sales have nearly doubled recently.
Oregon is charging ahead strategically, boosting its EV fleet for better cost savings down the road.
With around 1,600 public charging stations spread across the state, they’re making it easy to go electric.
It’s clear Oregon is pumped about sustainable transportation and is cruising toward a greener future.
As EV momentum picks up speed each year, the state keeps blaze-ing a trail away from traditional gas vehicles and towards lower emissions.
05
Nevada: Sparking an EV Revolution in the Silver State
10 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 89%
2016-2021 increase: 1545%
With 10 electric vehicles for every 1,000 people, Nevada is clearly all aboard the EV train.
Get this – EV registrations in the state surged an impressive 89% from 2021 to 2022. And they skyrocketed a whopping 1,545% since 2016! Talk about a major shift toward eco-friendly rides.
Nevada is projected to see job growth as EV popularity keeps accelerating.
For EV drivers, the fuel savings are awesome – we’re talking $1,000 to $1,300 yearly.
Over the lifetime of an EV, we could be looking at $11,600 to $17,100 in savings, depending on gas prices.
Tesla’s Model S and Model X are hot in Nevada, along with the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Chevy Bolt EV.
It’s obvious Nevada is pumped about the EV revolution and steering toward a more sustainable future fueled by innovation.
06
Colorado: Scaling New Heights in EV Adoption
10 EV’s per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 62%
2016-2021 increase: 1030%
With 10 electric vehicles per 1,000 residents, Colorado is quickly moving up the EV ranks and showing some serious love for sustainable rides.
Get this – EV registrations in the state surged 62% from 2021 to 2022. And they exploded by a mind-blowing 1,030% between 2016 and 2021!
It’s obvious Colorado is committed to the environment.
The state offers a $5,000 tax credit for new EV purchases, whether you’re buying or leasing for at least two years.
And starting in 2024, there’s an extra $2,500 credit for new EVs under $35,000.
Between its eco-conscious people and EV-friendly policies, Colorado is hitting the accelerator on the road to lower emissions.
More and more drivers are opting for cleaner electric options instead of gas guzzlers. It’s clear the state is gathering speed on the move to electric.
07
New Jersey: A Green Garden State
10 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 82%
2016-2021 increase: 1971%
With 10 electric vehicles per 1,000 residents already and more coming, New Jersey is quickly becoming a haven for eco-friendly EV owners.
Get this – EV registrations in the state accelerated 82% from 2021 to 2022. And they’ve skyrocketed a whopping 1,971% since 2016! That shows New Jersey is super dedicated to environmental stewardship.
Thanks to sweet incentives and a planned ban on new gas vehicle sales by 2035 – following California and New York – EV sales are expected to keep climbing.
The Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and Model S are scoring big, along with the Nissan Leaf.
With green policies and incentives pumping the accelerator, New Jersey is cruising toward lower emissions.
As the EV craze keeps building, the Garden State is cultivating a culture focused on sustainable transportation.
08
Arizona: Harnessing the Desert Sun
9 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 62%
2016-2021 increase: 1300%
Arizona’s sunny landscapes are now home to a booming EV scene. With 9 electric vehicles per 1,000 people, the state saw a 62% spike in EV ownership from 2021 to 2022.
And get this – ownership has surged an impressive 1,300% since 2016! It’s obvious Arizona is committed to eco-friendly rides.
Sweet incentives like reduced registration fees and open HOV access have made EVs super popular there.
And with all that sunshine and beautiful scenery, Arizona is becoming a real haven for EV enthusiasts.
The state is clearly cruising toward wider EV adoption, guided by its sustainable mindset.
With momentum building, Arizona’s scenic roads are steering it toward an emissions-free future.
09
Utah: The Desert Bloom of EV's
9 EVs per 1,000 people
2021-2022 increase: 70%
2016-2021 increase: 1020%
In Utah, known for its epic canyons and alpine peaks, the EV scene is picking up speed. 9 out of every 1,000 residents now drive an electric vehicle.
That’s a 70% spike in EV ownership since 2021. And get this – it has surged an amazing 1,020% since 2016!
These numbers show Utah is serious about preserving its natural beauty while promoting eco-friendly rides.
EVs are gaining traction after making up just 0.1% of car registrations in 2016.
Utah’s moves to expand the EV charging network are fueling this shift.
The Nissan LEAF, Tesla’s Model Y and Model S, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai IONIQ 5 are hot there.
With its focus on nature and sustainability, Utah is steering toward emission-free transportation.
10
Vermont: The Green Mountain EV Surge
9 EV per 1,000 people
Growth 2021-2022: 56%
Growth 2016-2021: 1667%
Vermont’s beautiful landscapes are now the backdrop for a rising wave of electric vehicles.
With 9 EVs per 1,000 people, the state saw a 56% increase in EV registrations from 2021 to 2022. Get this – registrations have surged an incredible 1,667% since 2016!
These numbers show Vermont is super dedicated to environmental stewardship and pushing toward a cleaner future.
The state has major EV goals too – it wants 35% of new and used car sales to be electric by 2026.
The Nissan LEAF, Chevy Bolt EV, Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Kona are top models there.
With its focus on nature and sustainability, Vermont is cruising toward widespread EV adoption.
Its rolling hills and green mindset are steering the state toward emission-free transportation.
11. District of Columbia: 8 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 59%, 2016-2021 increase: 883%.
12. Florida: 8 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 76%, 2016-2021 increase: 1348%.
13. Maryland: 8 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 80%, 2016-2021 increase: 1341%.
14. Massachusetts: 7 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 62%, 2016-2021 increase: 1272%.
15. Virginia: 7 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 84%, 2016-2021 increase: 1726%.
16. Connecticut: 6 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 65%, 2016-2021 increase: 1000%.
17. Georgia: 6 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 77%, 2016-2021 increase: 234%.
18. Delaware: 5 EVs per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 80%, 2016-2021 increase: 1700%.
19. Illinois: 5 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 83%, 2016-2021 increase: 1053%.
20. New Hampshire: 5 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 75%, 2016-2021 increase: 1650%.
21. Texas: 5 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 84%, 2016-2021 increase: 1152%.
22. New York: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 63%, 2016-2021 increase: 1289%.
23. North Carolina: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 81%, 2016-2021 increase: 1472%.
24. Minnesota: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 62%, 2016-2021 increase: 1419%.
25. Oklahoma: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 130%, 2016-2021 increase: 2617%.
26. Rhode Island: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 72%, 2016-2021 increase: 1333%.
27. Pennsylvania: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 77%, 2016-2021 increase: 1381%.
28. Maine: 4 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 67%, 2016-2021 increase: 1567%.
29. New Mexico: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 69%, 2016-2021 increase: 1320%.
30. Michigan: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 89%, 2016-2021 increase: 1969%.
31. Idaho: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 69%, 2016-2021 increase: 1375%.
32. Tennessee: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 80%, 2016-2021 increase: 746%.
33. Montana: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 106%, 2016-2021 increase: 1550%.
34. Ohio: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 61%, 2016-2021 increase: 1212%.
35. Missouri: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 79%, 2016-2021 increase: 1179%.
36. Alaska: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 54%, 2016-2021 increase: 900%.
37. Wisconsin: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 69%, 2016-2021 increase: 504%.
38. Indiana: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 70%, 2016-2021 increase: 1262%.
39. Kansas: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 69%, 2016-2021 increase: 1167%.
40. South Carolina: 3 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 82%, 2016-2021 increase: 1588%.
41. Nebraska: 2 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 70%, 2016-2021 increase: 1433%.
42. Iowa: 2 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 68%, 2016-2021 increase: 1450%.
43. Alabama: 2 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 85%, 2016-2021 increase: 1640%.
44. Kentucky: 2 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 81%, 2016-2021 increase: 1420%.
45. Arkansas: 2 EV’s per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 113%, 2016-2021 increase: 2450%.
46. Wyoming: 1 EV per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 60%, 2016-2021 increase: 700%.
47. South Dakota: 1 EV per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 71%, 2016-2021 increase: 1100%.
48. South Dakota: 1 EV per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 71%, 2016-2021 increase: 1100%.
49. West Virginia: 1 EV per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 90%, 2016-2021 increase: 1800%.
50. Mississippi: 1 EV per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 85%, 2016-2021 increase: 2300%.
51. North Dakota: 1 EV per 1,000 people, 2021-2022 increase: 50%, 2016-2021 increase: 500%.
Methodology:
Based on the data for electric vehicle (EV) ownership in U.S. states. This methodology summarizes the key metrics for each state, including the number of EV's per 1,000 people and the percentage increases in EV ownership from 2021 to 2022 and from 2016 to 2021. It provides a clear and concise overview of how states compare EV adoption and growth over time.
The formula used to calculate the "EV Owners per 1000 People" for each state is as follows:
EV Owners per 1000 People = ( Electric (EV) ÷Population)×1000.
To calculate the percentage increase for the "EV" value, I have used the formula:
Percentage Increase = (New Value−Old Value ÷ Old Value ) ×100%.
Data Sources: