California is the U.S. model for zero-emission cars and one of the world’s biggest markets for electric vehicles. Today California accounts for about 40% of the country’s electric vehicle sales with more than 140,000 EVs on its roads. Why has California become a life-sized laboratory for the entire planet? To find out, we explore the celebrated California culture, a mix of back-to-nature hippie counter-culture, and the hi-tech spirit of West Coasters steeped in new technologies.