Sacramento, California – For Californians considering an electric car, the decision can come down to something far less exciting than the vehicle itself: where to plug it in. A new package of six laws signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom targets those everyday hurdles, from slow charger approvals to limited access at apartment buildings.
The legislation pairs efforts to speed up charging projects with clearer consumer information and broader access to electric transportation. Newsom framed the measures as a way to give families and businesses more choices while reducing their dependence on oil and global fuel markets.
Three of the bills address how quickly charging stations can move from plans to operation.
SB 969, authored by Senator Reyes, updates inspection rules that can hold up public chargers before they open. It allows manufacturer-tested equipment to begin operating sooner while retaining protections intended to ensure drivers get the electricity they purchase.
SB 1283, by Senator Ashby, clarifies that streamlined charger permitting also covers related construction. That includes trenching, electrical upgrades, solar canopies and battery storage, work that can be necessary to complete an installation.
For people without a private driveway or garage, AB 1820 could bring charging closer to home. The bill, by Assemblymember Schiavo, reduces permitting barriers and fees for projects at apartments and mixed-use developments.
The remaining measures, SB 1213 by Senator Eloise Reyes and SB 1267 and SB 615 by Senator Ben Allen, address transparency in state incentives for zero-emission trucks, charging access in homeowner associations and clearer information about EV batteries.
The package builds on financial assistance already available through MyFirstEV. Eligible first-time buyers can receive an instant rebate of up to $3,500 for a qualifying new zero-emission vehicle or up to $1,750 for a qualifying used vehicle. A $135.5 million state investment, matched by participating automakers, provides $271 million in point-of-sale savings.
California’s charging network already includes more than 216,445 public and shared plugs, including over 20,000 DC fast-charging ports. The new laws aim to make further expansion easier, particularly where residents live and routinely park.
The state has also recorded more than 2.7 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales. In the second quarter of 2026, buyers purchased 86,857 new ZEVs, accounting for 19.1% of new vehicle sales statewide.
For prospective buyers, the practical next step is comparing vehicles, available savings and charging options. Information and participating dealers are available through Electric For All.