EV Ownership in 2026: Ranking All 50 States + DC

One in three new vehicles sold in Colorado last quarter was electric. In Wyoming, fewer than 800 EVs exist statewide. Same country, same year, radically different realities.

The American EV market fractured in 2025. The federal tax credit died on September 30. Ford announced a $19.5 billion writedown and killed the pure-electric F-150 Lightning. GM posted $7.6 billion in EV charges and delayed the Bolt indefinitely. Stellantis committed $13 billion to new gasoline models.

Q3 2025 saw record EV sales as buyers rushed to capture expiring incentives. Then Q4 collapsed. Market share dropped from 9.5% to 5.7% in a single quarter.

The infrastructure kept growing anyway. The United States added 46 new DC fast charging ports every day in 2025. Total public ports now exceed 241,000 at 81,000 stations. The charging gap is closing even as sales stall.

What matters now is where you live.

Colorado buyers can stack $15,000 in state incentives. Kentucky buyers get nothing. That gap defines EV ownership in 2026 more than any vehicle specification or brand loyalty ever could.

This analysis ranks all 50 states plus DC for EV ownership viability. The results reveal an America splitting into two distinct automotive futures.

The 2026 EV Market: Headwinds Multiply

Three forces are converging to slow U.S. EV adoption.

Federal Incentives Gone

Tariffs Compound Costs

Chinese EVs face a 100% import tariff, established under Biden and maintained under Trump.

Starting April 3, 2025, all imported vehicles and auto parts face an additional 25% tariff regardless of origin.

These tariffs effectively block affordable Chinese EVs that sell for under $15,000 in other markets from reaching American buyers.

Manufacturers Retreating

Ford canceled the pure battery-electric F-150 Lightning. The next-generation Lightning will use a gasoline range extender.

Ford’s Blue Oval City in Tennessee, originally planned for 500,000 annual EV trucks, will now produce ICE vehicles.

The company revised its 2030 EV sales forecast from 45% down to 9-18%.

GM is cutting Cadillac Lyriq and Vistiq production through mid-2026, suspending shifts and laying off workers.

The Chevy Bolt EV restart has been delayed indefinitely.

Hummer EV and Escalade IQ production is slowing.

Stellantis discontinued the Ram EV pickup. The Ramcharger EREV is delayed to late 2026.

The company announced $13 billion for new ICE models while cutting its entire PHEV lineup for 2026.

2026 Sales Forecast

Cox Automotive projects 1.3 million EV sales in 2026, roughly flat with 2025.

Edmunds forecasts EV market share dropping to approximately 6%, down from 7.5% in 2025.

The overall U.S. auto market is expected to decline 2.4% to 15.8 million units.

Methodology

Complete Rankings: All 50 States + DC

Rank	State	Score	Tier	EV Share	Electricity	State Incentives
1	Colorado	63.1	1	32.4%	14.2¢	Up to $15,000
2	California	61.8	1	29.1%	33.60¢	Up to $14,000
3	Washington	58.4	1	~17%	12.67¢	Sales tax exempt
4	Oregon	57.2	1	~14%	13.1¢	Up to $7,500
5	Connecticut	56.8	1	~11%	27.84¢	Up to $9,500
6	New Jersey	56.1	1	~13%	18.4¢	$4,000 + tax exempt
7	Massachusetts	55.7	1	~10%	29.12¢	$3,500
8	Vermont	55.4	1	~11%	20.1¢	$5,000
9	Nevada	55.2	1	~16%	12.84¢	Limited
10	New York	55.0	1	~9%	24.3¢	$2,000
11	District of Columbia	54.2	2	~21%	15.8¢	Limited
12	Maryland	52.4	2	~8%	16.2¢	$3,000
13	Rhode Island	51.8	2	~7%	27.21¢	Up to $4,000
14	Delaware	50.6	2	~10%	14.9¢	Limited
15	Arizona	49.8	2	~8%	13.8¢	Utility rebates
16	Illinois	48.4	2	~7%	16.4¢	$4,000
17	Virginia	47.9	2	~7%	15.1¢	Limited
18	Hawaii	47.2	2	11.1%	39.74¢	Limited
19	Minnesota	46.8	2	~6%	15.6¢	$2,500
20	Michigan	46.1	2	~10%	18.9¢	Limited
21	New Mexico	45.6	2	~5%	14.7¢	$3,000
22	Pennsylvania	45.3	2	~6%	18.2¢	None
23	Florida	45.0	2	~10%	16.1¢	None
24	Georgia	44.8	2	~6%	14.5¢	None
25	North Carolina	44.2	3	~5%	14.8¢	None
26	Texas	43.8	3	~6%	15.2¢	None; $200 fee
27	Utah	42.4	3	~5%	12.52¢	Limited
28	Ohio	41.6	3	~4%	15.4¢	None; $200 fee
29	Tennessee	40.8	3	~4%	12.9¢	None
30	Wisconsin	40.2	3	~4%	17.1¢	None
31	Indiana	39.4	3	~3%	15.8¢	None
32	Missouri	38.8	3	~3%	14.2¢	None
33	Iowa	38.1	3	~3%	13.48¢	None
34	Kansas	37.4	3	~2%	14.6¢	None
35	South Carolina	36.9	3	~3%	14.6¢	None
36	Nebraska	36.2	3	~2%	13.13¢	None
37	Oklahoma	35.8	3	~2%	13.2¢	None
38	Louisiana	35.4	3	~2%	12.39¢	None
39	Alabama	35.1	3	~2%	14.8¢	None
40	Idaho	34.8	3	~3%	11.69¢	None
41	Arkansas	34.4	3	~2%	13.4¢	None
42	West Virginia	33.8	4	~1%	14.1¢	None
43	North Dakota	33.2	4	<1%	12.82¢	None
44	South Dakota	32.4	4	<1%	13.8¢	None
45	Mississippi	31.6	4	~1%	13.5¢	None
46	New Hampshire	30.8	4	~4%	24.8¢	None
47	Kentucky	29.4	4	~2%	12.9¢	None
48	Montana	28.2	4	~2%	12.4¢	None
49	Wyoming	26.8	4	<1%	12.6¢	None
50	Alaska	24.6	4	~2%	26.46¢	None

Tier 1: Best Conditions (Score 55+)

1. Colorado — Score: 63.1

• Q3 2025 EV Share: 32.4% (highest single-quarter for any state ever)
• Full-Year 2025: 27.3% of all new vehicle sales
• Total EVs Registered: 210,000+
• Electricity Cost: 14.2¢/kWh

State Incentives: Up to $15,000 for income-qualified buyers through stacked programs

Colorado hit 32.4% EV market share in Q3 2025. One in three new vehicles sold ran on electricity. The state responded to federal credit expiration by raising Vehicle Exchange Colorado rebates to $9,000 for new EVs and $6,000 for used. The state tax credit drops from $3,500 to $750 on January 1, 2026. The $2,500 bonus for vehicles under $35,000 MSRP remains. Population concentrates along the Front Range, where charging density matches coastal states. Outdoor culture has driven strong Rivian and F-150 Lightning adoption.

2. California — Score: 61.8

• Q3 2025 EV Share: 29.1% (state record)
• Q3 2025 ZEV Sales: 124,755 vehicles
• Cumulative ZEV Registrations: 2.4 million+
• Public Charging Ports: 200,000+ (26% of U.S. total)
• Electricity Cost: 33.60¢/kWh

State Incentives: Up to $14,000 for income-qualified buyers

California sold 124,755 zero-emission vehicles in Q3 2025. EV sales jumped 30% from Q2 as buyers captured expiring federal credits. State incentives remain strong for income-qualified buyers. Clean Cars 4 All provides up to $12,000 for trading in a gas vehicle, plus $2,000 for charging equipment. The challenge: electricity costs 33.60¢/kWh, nearly double the national average. Annual charging costs exceed $1,200 for typical drivers.

3. Washington — Score: 58.4

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~17%
• Electricity Cost: 12.67¢/kWh

State Incentives: Sales tax exemption on EVs under $45,000

Washington combines strong adoption with some of the nation’s cheapest electricity. Hydropower keeps rates low. The state adopted ACC II ZEV mandates effective with 2026 model year vehicles. Seattle metro drives most adoption. Eastern Washington lags significantly.

4. Oregon — Score: 57.2

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~14%
• Electricity Cost: 13.1¢/kWh

State Incentives: $2,500 standard rebate; up to $7,500 income-qualified

Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides $2,500 for most buyers. Income-eligible residents can receive up to $7,500. The state has committed to 50 new NEVI-funded fast charging stations. Round 2 applications closed February 2026. Portland metro shows strongest adoption. Rural eastern Oregon remains challenging.

5. Connecticut — Score: 56.8

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~11%
• Electricity Cost: 27.84¢/kWh

State Incentives: Up to $9,500 through CHEAPR program

Connecticut’s CHEAPR program offers $2,250 standard rebates for EVs. Income-qualified buyers can add $2,000 (new) or $3,000 (used) through Rebate Plus. High electricity costs offset by strong incentives and dense charging infrastructure. Small geographic footprint means charging stations cover the state effectively.

6. New Jersey — Score: 56.1

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~13%
• Total EVs Registered: 134,753
• Electricity Cost: 18.4¢/kWh

State Incentives: Up to $4,000 rebate + sales tax exemption

New Jersey offers up to $4,000 in rebates through its Charge Up New Jersey program. The state exempts EVs from sales tax, adding another $2,000-$4,000 in effective savings. Dense population and short distances between cities make range anxiety minimal. Charging infrastructure ranks among the highest per square mile nationally.

7. Massachusetts — Score: 55.7

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~10%
• Public Chargers: 8,426 (highest density per square mile nationally)
• Electricity Cost: 29.12¢/kWh

State Incentives: MOR-EV rebates up to $3,500

Massachusetts has 8 public chargers per 10 square miles, the nation’s highest density. MOR-EV rebates provide up to $3,500 for new EVs and $3,500 for used. High electricity costs (29.12¢/kWh) are the primary drawback. Compact geography means infrastructure covers the state thoroughly.

8. Vermont — Score: 55.4

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~11%
• Electricity Cost: 20.1¢/kWh
• NEVI Fund Utilization: 60%

State Incentives: Up to $5,000 through Replace Your Ride

Vermont fell from #1 in October 2025 to #8. The state didn’t deteriorate. Colorado and California posted record quarters while Vermont’s small population limits growth potential. Replace Your Ride offers up to $5,000 for new EVs. Per-capita charging infrastructure remains among the nation’s best.

9. Nevada — Score: 55.2

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~16%
• Electricity Cost: 12.84¢/kWh

State Incentives: Limited utility rebates

Nevada benefits from low electricity costs and strong Tesla presence. The Gigafactory near Reno drives local awareness and adoption. State-level incentives are minimal, but cheap power offsets that gap. Las Vegas metro shows strong adoption. Rural Nevada remains challenging.

10. New York — Score: 55.0

• Q3 2025 EV Share: ~9%
• Public Chargers: 15,890 (second nationally)
• Electricity Cost: 24.3¢/kWh

State Incentives: Drive Clean Rebate up to $2,000

New York has 15,890 public charging stations, second only to California. Drive Clean Rebate provides up to $2,000, though funding availability fluctuates. New York City metro drives most adoption. Upstate shows lower rates. High electricity costs and modest incentives limit the overall score.

Tier 2: Solid Conditions (Score 45-54.9)

11. District of Columbia — Score: 54.2

DC has among the highest EV market shares nationally. Limited geography caps total impact. Excellent charging density within city limits.

12-24. Tier 2 States

Maryland (#12), Rhode Island (#13), Delaware (#14), Arizona (#15), Illinois (#16), Virginia (#17), Hawaii (#18), Minnesota (#19), Michigan (#20), New Mexico (#21), Pennsylvania (#22), Florida (#23), and Georgia (#24) round out Tier 2 with scores between 44.8 and 52.4.

Tier 3: Fair Conditions (Score 35-44.9)

Tier 3 includes North Carolina (#25), Texas (#26), Utah (#27), Ohio (#28), Tennessee (#29), Wisconsin (#30), Indiana (#31), Missouri (#32), Iowa (#33), Kansas (#34), South Carolina (#35), Nebraska (#36), Oklahoma (#37), Louisiana (#38), Alabama (#39), Idaho (#40), and Arkansas (#41).

Tier 4: Challenging Conditions (Score Below 35)

Tier 4 includes West Virginia (#42), North Dakota (#43), South Dakota (#44), Mississippi (#45), New Hampshire (#46), Kentucky (#47), Montana (#48), Wyoming (#49), and Alaska (#50).

Charging Infrastructure: January 2026

Per the Alternative Fuels Data Center (January 1, 2026):

NEVI Program Status

The $5 billion federal NEVI program has underperformed. As of late 2025:

• 370+ stations operational at 80+ locations
• States awarded contracts for ~4,000 DC fast ports at 990 sites
• Only 16% of allocated funds obligated

The program was frozen in February 2025 after the Trump administration rescinded guidance. Seventeen states sued in May 2025. A federal court ruled the funding freeze violated the Impoundment Control Act. New interim guidance was released in August 2025.

Electricity Costs by State

U.S. Energy Information Administration, October 2025:

Cheapest:

1. North Dakota: 12.82¢/kWh
2. Utah: 12.52¢/kWh
3. Washington: 12.67¢/kWh
4. Nebraska: 13.13¢/kWh
5. Iowa: 13.48¢/kWh

Most expensive:

1. Hawaii: 39.74¢/kWh
2. California: 33.60¢/kWh
3. Massachusetts: 29.12¢/kWh
4. Connecticut: 27.84¢/kWh
5. Alaska: 26.46¢/kWh

State Incentives Without Federal Support

With the federal credit gone, state programs determine effective purchase price.

Standard rebates:

• Illinois: $4,000 (through June 2026)
• New Jersey: $4,000 + sales tax exemption
• Massachusetts: $3,500
• New Mexico: $3,000
• Minnesota: $2,500
• Oregon: $2,500 (standard)
• New York: Up to $2,000

2026 Outlook

The American EV market faces a difficult year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best state to own an electric car in 2026?

Colorado ranks as the best state for EV ownership in 2026, with a score of 63.1 out of 100. The state achieved a record 32.4% EV market share in Q3 2025 and offers up to $15,000 in combined state incentives for income-qualified buyers. California (#2), Washington (#3), Oregon (#4), and Connecticut (#5) round out the top five.

Is there still a federal EV tax credit in 2026?

No. The federal EV tax credit was eliminated on September 30, 2025, when Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The $7,500 new vehicle credit and $4,000 used vehicle credit are no longer available. The 30% charging equipment credit expires June 30, 2026.

Which states have the best EV incentives in 2026?

States with the strongest EV incentives in 2026 include: Colorado (up to $15,000), California (up to $14,000), Connecticut (up to $9,500), Oregon (up to $7,500), and Maine (up to $8,000 for income-qualified buyers). Most top incentives require income qualification.

Which states have no EV incentives?

Eighteen states offer no EV purchase incentives: Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, Oklahoma, Arkansas, West Virginia, South Dakota, and New Hampshire. Texas and Ohio also impose $200 annual EV registration fees.

How many public EV charging stations are there in the US?

As of January 2026, there are approximately 81,000 public EV charging stations with 241,000 total charging ports in the United States. This includes 67,916 DC fast charging ports and 172,911 Level 2 ports. California has the most with 200,000+ ports (26% of the national total).

What is the cheapest state to charge an electric car?

North Dakota has the cheapest residential electricity at 12.82¢ per kWh, followed by Utah (12.52¢), Washington (12.67¢), Nebraska (13.13¢), and Iowa (13.48¢). However, low electricity rates don’t guarantee good EV ownership conditions. North Dakota ranks #43 overall due to sparse charging infrastructure and zero incentives.

What is the most expensive state to charge an electric car?

Hawaii has the most expensive residential electricity at 39.74¢ per kWh, followed by California (33.60¢), Massachusetts (29.12¢), Connecticut (27.84¢), and Alaska (26.46¢). A typical EV driven 12,000 miles annually costs $1,431 to charge in Hawaii versus $461 in North Dakota.

How many electric cars are registered in the United States?

As of late 2025, there are 6.5 million electric vehicles registered in the United States, representing 2.25% of all vehicles on the road. California leads with over 2.4 million cumulative EV registrations, followed by Florida (254,878), Texas (230,125), and New Jersey (134,753).

Are EV sales increasing or decreasing in 2026?

EV sales are expected to remain flat or slightly decline in 2026. Cox Automotive projects 1.3 million EV sales, roughly even with 2025. Edmunds forecasts EV market share dropping to approximately 6%, down from 7.5% in 2025. The elimination of federal tax credits and manufacturer retreat from EV commitments are primary factors.

Why are automakers backing away from EVs?

Ford, GM, and Stellantis are reducing EV investments due to slower-than-expected demand, high production costs, and the elimination of federal incentives. Ford took a $19.5 billion writedown and canceled the pure electric F-150 Lightning. GM posted $7.6 billion in EV-related charges. Stellantis announced $13 billion in new ICE vehicle investments while cutting its PHEV lineup.

What are tariffs on electric vehicles in 2026?

Chinese EVs face a 100% import tariff, effectively blocking affordable Chinese models from the U.S. market. Additionally, all imported vehicles and auto parts face a 25% tariff regardless of country of origin, implemented April 3, 2025. These tariffs prevent American buyers from accessing sub-$20,000 EVs common in other markets.

What is the NEVI program?

NEVI (National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) is a $5 billion federal program to build public EV charging stations along highways. As of late 2025, approximately 370 NEVI-funded stations are operational at 80+ locations. The program was temporarily frozen in February 2025 but resumed after a federal court ruling. States with the highest NEVI fund utilization include Maine (97%), Hawaii (78%), and Pennsylvania (66%).

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Data Sources:

• U.S. Energy Information Administration — Electricity rates (October 2025)
• Alternative Fuels Data Center — Charging infrastructure (January 2026)
• Alliance for Automotive Innovation — EV registration data
• Colorado Energy Office — Q3 2025 market share
• Veloz — California Q3 2025 data
• Cox Automotive — 2026 market forecast
• Congressional Research Service — OBBBA legislation
• Plug In America — NEVI deployment tracker