EV Interest Surges to Record High: What This Means for California Businesses

The Numbers Don't Lie: EV Interest Hits Record Levels

A bombshell J.D. Power report just dropped, and the data is clear: Electric vehicle adoption isn't slowing down—it's accelerating at record pace. Even with the federal tax credit ending, consumer interest in EVs has reached its highest point since January 2025.

Let's be clear about what this means: The EV wave isn't coming—it's already here. And nowhere is this more evident than in California, where EV adoption is leading the nation.

Why California Businesses Need to Pay Attention Right Now

If national EV interest is surging, California is absolutely exploding. With the state's mandate requiring 100% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035, and EV registrations already accounting for a significant portion of new vehicle sales, California businesses face a choice:

Let's Do the Math

With 243,000 EV leases expiring nationally in 2026 (triple the number in 2025), and California representing roughly 40% of the U.S. EV market, that means approximately 97,200 California EV drivers will be looking for charging options in 2026 alone.

Here's what makes this even more powerful: 62% of those lessees are staying electric. They're not going back to gas. They're committed EV drivers who need charging infrastructure—and they spend their time and money at businesses that provide it.

The EV Charging Station Opportunity: Why This Is a Goldmine

Here's what makes EV drivers different from regular customers—and why smart business owners are racing to install charging stations:

Real Example: Coffee Shop Revenue Boost

A coffee shop in San Jose installed two Level 2 EV chargers in their parking lot. Within six months:

• Average customer dwell time increased from 22 minutes to 35 minutes
• Per-customer spending increased by 33%
• They attracted 40+ new regular customers who came specifically for charging
• Monthly revenue increased by $3,800—without any additional marketing spend

And here's the kicker: They paid $0 upfront for the installation.

Why 2026 Is the Make-or-Break Year

With 243,000 EV leases expiring in 2026 and 62% of those drivers staying electric, we're looking at approximately 150,000 EV drivers actively shopping for new vehicles next year.

These new EV drivers will establish their charging routines in 2026. They'll find their favorite coffee shop, their go-to lunch spot, their regular shopping centers—all based on where they can conveniently charge.

The Installation Timeline Reality

Here's what most business owners don't know: Getting EV charging stations installed isn't instant. The typical timeline is:

If you start the process today, you'll be operational by Q1 2026—right when the lease expirations begin ramping up. Wait until mid-2026, and you'll miss the first wave of new EV drivers establishing their routines.

"But What About the End of Federal Tax Credits?"

This is the most common objection we hear, and the J.D. Power data answers it perfectly: EV interest is surging despite the end of federal tax credits.

Why? Because the economics of EVs have fundamentally changed:

• Lower upfront costs: New EVs starting under $30,000
• Massive fuel savings: $1,500-2,000/year compared to gas
• Lower maintenance: No oil changes, fewer brake repairs
• California incentives: State and local programs still available
• Improved charging infrastructure: Making EVs more practical than ever

The tax credit helped accelerate adoption, but it's no longer necessary to make EVs economically attractive. The technology and infrastructure have reached the tipping point.

What California Business Owners Should Do Right Now

If you're a California business owner with a parking lot, here's your action plan:

The Bottom Line: Act Now or Miss Out

The data is crystal clear: EV adoption is accelerating, not slowing down. With 60% of car shoppers considering an EV and 243,000 leases expiring in 2026, the question isn't whether your customers will drive EVs—it's whether they'll charge at your business or your competitor's.

California business owners who install charging stations in 2025-2026 will:

• Capture a growing, affluent customer base
• Increase customer dwell time and spending
• Build customer loyalty before competitors
• Generate additional revenue streams
• Future-proof their business for California's EV mandate

The first-mover advantage window is closing. The question is: will you be ready?