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.

Why it matters: Homeownership is just 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.

By the numbers: 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.
• North Dakota (1.3%), Wyoming (1.6%) and Louisiana (1.6%) ranked among the lowest.

State of play: For the first time, the Census Bureau asked households with vehicles kept at home whether they owned or leased an EV, offering a nationwide snapshot of who has gone electric.

• The figures cover fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Our thought bubble: Many factors, including local government policies, can influence EV adoption rates, but ultimately, it comes down to affordability and access to charging, says Axios Transportation Correspondent Joann Muller.

• Homeowners with higher incomes are more likely to afford EVs, sometimes as a second car.

The intrigue: A 2026 study by researchers at the University of Vermont and University of California, Davis, found higher home-charger installation costs at rental properties in Burlington, Vermont.

• Renters were also less likely to adopt fully electric vehicles, even after researchers accounted for home values and vehicle preferences.

Zoom in: Even California, the nation’s EV leader, has a sharp homeowner-renter divide, new Census data show.

• About 17.7% of homeowners reported an EV, compared with 8.9% of renters.
• Santa Clara County, home to much of Silicon Valley, led the nation at 24.1% of households — roughly 163,000 households.

Zoom out: Washington (8.9%), Hawaii (8.5%) and Nevada (8.2%) ranked among the leading states.

• Outside California, Boulder County, Colorado, and Loudoun County, Virginia, each recorded 13.9%.

Yes, but: California renters reported EVs at a higher rate than homeowners nationwide.

• The Census figures don’t track charging access or explain why households choose EVs.
• With only one year of data, they also can’t tell us whether the homeowner-renter gap has grown.