California · U.S. · Axios · Axios
New Census data reveal a homeowner-renter divide in America's electric-car transition
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Homeowners were nearly twice as likely as renters to have an electric vehicle in 2025, new Census data show, revealing a striking divide in America's shift to electric cars.
Key facts
- About 7.3 million U.S. households, 5.5% of the nation's 134 million, reported having at least one EV, according to the 2025 American Community Survey released Thursday
- Washington (8.9%), Hawaii (8.5%) and Nevada (8.2%) ranked among the leading states
- Even California, the nation's EV leader, has a sharp homeowner-renter divide, new Census data show
- Homeowners were nearly twice as likely as renters to have an electric vehicle in 2025, new Census data show, revealing a striking divide in America's shift to electric cars
Summary
Homeownership is one factor in EV adoption, but reliable access to charging is critical, giving homeowners with private driveways or garages an advantage over renters, particularly those in multifamily buildings. About 7.3 million U.S. households, 5.5% of the nation's 134 million, reported having at least one EV, according to the 2025 American Community Survey released Thursday. Homeowners reported EVs at a rate of 6.4%, compared with 3.6% of renters. California led the nation at 13.8% overall, more than twice the national rate.