Unveiling California, Electric Vehicle Quirks, California’s electric vehicle, Model Y and Model 3
Tesla’s reign over California’s electric vehicle (EV) market is undeniable. Yet, a closer look reveals a fascinating tapestry of county-specific preferences. While the Model Y and Model 3 consistently top the charts, some counties harbor unique inclinations, defying the norm.
A Tesla-Dominated Landscape
Unveiling California, California’s EV landscape is largely painted in Tesla’s hues. The Model Y and Model 3 have captured over 40% of the state’s ZEV market share through the third quarter of 2024. Despite this dominance, a diverse array of 125 other models from 42 manufacturers competes for the remaining slice of the pie.
County-Specific Preferences
While Tesla remains the most popular brand in every California county, certain regions exhibit idiosyncratic tastes.
- El Dorado’s Cybertruck Craze: El Dorado County stands out with its unusual affinity for the Tesla Cybertruck. With a 4.6% market share, it significantly outperforms the statewide average of 2.9%.
- San Francisco’s Polestar Passion: San Francisco, the city that embraces innovation, shows a penchant for Volvo’s Polestar 2. This sleek EV has garnered more attention in the city than in other parts of the state.
- Santa Clara’s Jaguar Surprise: Santa Clara County witnessed a surge in Jaguar I-PACE sales in 2024, primarily driven by Waymo’s acquisition of over 2,000 units for its autonomous vehicle fleet.
Uncovering the Unusual
To pinpoint these county-specific preferences, we employed a statistical technique known as the Z-score. This metric quantifies how far a brand’s popularity deviates from the statewide average. A higher Z-score signifies a more pronounced preference in a particular county.
By delving into these county-specific trends, we gain insights into the diverse factors influencing EV adoption in California. From futuristic designs to practical considerations, the reasons behind these preferences are as varied as the counties themselves.
