This growth responds to a combination of tax incentives, favorable regulatory frameworks, the emergence of Chinese manufacturers, and growing environmental awareness that drives consumers and businesses to adopt cleaner and more efficient alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may also be interested in | The “Latam Mobility 2026” Tour Wraps Up Its Stop in Medell\u00edn and Heads Toward Santiago de Chile and Mexico City<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Brazilian phenomenon is not limited to numbers: it represents a structural shift in how nations of the Global South can lead climate and technological solutions. The momentum has been sustained throughout the first half of the year and responds to interrelated factors including public policies, incentives for local production, and renewed commitment from the private sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brazil has implemented tax incentives that significantly reduce the acquisition cost of electric vehicles for individuals and companies, coupled with green financing programs and tariff exemptions that have helped electromobility move from a niche option to a competitive alternative against internal combustion vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of fleet, the Brazilian Electric Vehicle Association (ABVE)<\/strong> reported that the country now has 505,806 units<\/strong> between fully electric models (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV). Of the total, 266,752 vehicles (52.7%) are plug-in hybrids, while 239,054 units (47.3%) correspond to 100% electric vehicles. During 2025, Brazil held the largest volume of electrified vehicles in the region and accelerated its public charging network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charging infrastructure has kept pace with this growth notably. In May 2026, the public and semi-public recharging network for electric vehicles in Brazil reached 25,429 points<\/strong>, a 20.7% growth compared to February 2026, when the country recorded 21,060 charging stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The data were released by ABVE<\/strong> in partnership with the electric mobility platform Tupi<\/strong>. The expansion was driven especially by fast direct current (DC) chargers, which went from 6,479 to 8,601 units<\/strong> in just three months\u2014a 32.8% growth\u2014now representing 33.8% of the national infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The network reaches 1,788 municipalities, while the North region leads fast-charging growth with a 51% increase. Alternating current (AC) chargers also showed relevant acceleration, rising from 14,582 to 16,828 points, a 15.4% advance. The current ratio is approximately 19.9 vehicles per charging point<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the realm of public policies, the Brazilian Government is evaluating the creation of a specific area dedicated to electromobility within the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), aiming to coordinate public policies, improve the regulatory environment, and stimulate investments in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, and technological innovation applied to urban transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The enactment of Law 18.403\/2026<\/strong> in S\u00e3o Paulo, which ensures the right to install chargers in private condominium parking spaces, has reduced one of the main barriers to residential charging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the industrial front, the focus in 2026 shifts toward rising tariffs and productive localization with BYD<\/strong> and GWM<\/strong>, which will define final prices, value chains, and energy capacity. Brazil ended 2025 with a demand for electrified vehicles that ceased to be a niche and became structural: in the accumulated January-November 2025 period, it added 190,007 light electrified vehicles, and within that total, plug-ins contributed 155,031 units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regarding public transportation, Brazil has consolidated its leadership in electric public transport during the first half of 2026, with sustained growth in its zero-emission bus fleet. According to Fenabrave<\/strong> data, between January and May 2026, 311 new electric buses<\/strong> were registered in the country, representing a 12.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This figure adds to an estimated total fleet of approximately 1,500 electric buses<\/strong> operating in 28 Brazilian cities as of March 2026, consolidating Brazil as the most dynamic market in the region in public transport electrification. The city of S\u00e3o Paulo continues to be the epicenter of this transformation, concentrating approximately 80% of the national fleet with nearly 1,300 units in circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond S\u00e3o Paulo, public transport electrification is gaining ground in other Brazilian cities with innovative projects. In February 2026, Goi\u00e2nia launched the world’s first fleet of electric bi-articulated buses in regular service, with Volvo Buses units and Marcopolo bodywork, demonstrating the country’s technological potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cities such as Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro are advancing in bidding processes to incorporate their own electric fleets, which anticipates accelerated market expansion beyond the S\u00e3o Paulo axis. With an accumulated investment exceeding 2.5 billion reais<\/strong> in new units over the last two years and a sustained growth outlook, Brazil positions itself not only as a regional leader in electric public transport but also as a global reference<\/strong> in the decarbonization of urban transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mexico has consolidated its position as one of the regional leaders in electromobility during the first half of 2026. In February 2026, sales of electric and hybrid vehicles grew 30.2%, reaching 13,348 units<\/strong> and representing 11.3% of the total market, according to the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA)<\/strong> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the first quarter of 2026, 25,003 electric vehicles<\/strong> were sold, representing a 21.6% growth compared to the same period the previous year. This notable performance adds to an accumulated historical vehicle fleet that already exceeds 235,000 units<\/strong> in circulation in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The electromobility boom is supported by an increasingly broad and accessible model offering. Currently, automakers affiliated with the Electro Movilidad Asociaci\u00f3n (EMA)<\/strong> offer more than 110 electric vehicle models and 60 options for plug-in hybrids and extended-range vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This phenomenon has been notably driven by the emergence of Chinese manufacturers, which continue to gain ground in the domestic market, with models such as the BYD Dolphin Mini<\/strong> and the BYD Yuan Pro<\/strong> standing out as the most in-demand in the entry-level segment. Even early 2026 reports indicate that BYD<\/strong> maintained a dominant position, selling 7 out of every 10 electric cars<\/strong> in Mexico. Its Dolphin Mini model is a clear example of its success, with around 2,800 units in circulation and plans to add 3,000 more in the short term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Charging infrastructure has shown significant progress. The public recharging network experienced a 24.6% annual increase, reaching 4,378 connection points<\/strong> in the country, while the private network exceeded 55,000 positions<\/strong>, equivalent to a 25.7% increase. Fast-charging points have been one of the most important developments, with an approximately 25% increase in the number of connectors, reducing waiting times and improving service efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of public policies, during the first quarter of 2026, 2,218 loans were granted specifically for the acquisition of electric units for mobility services. The public transport sector has experienced accelerated transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Mexico City, the Electric Transport Service (STE)<\/strong> announced the addition of 13 new trolleybuses to its fleet, as part of the capital’s transportation modernization and preparations for the 2026 World Cup. These new units will be allocated to the operation of Trolleybus Line 14, which will connect the Universidad stop with the city center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chile has recorded explosive growth in the adoption of zero- and low-emission vehicles during the first half of 2026. According to data from the National Automotive Association of Chile (ANAC)<\/strong> , sales of plug-in electrified vehicles reached 8,754 units<\/strong>, of which 5,512 correspond to 100% electric vehicles. BYD<\/strong> remains the best-selling brand in the electric car segment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The country has been a pioneer in public transport electrification. In 2025, Chile had 2,505 electric buses<\/strong> in operation, and this figure is projected to reach 4,400 units<\/strong> in 2026. This fleet positions Chile as one of the world leaders<\/strong> in electric bus penetration in public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regarding charging infrastructure, the country has more than 3,100 charging stations<\/strong>, combining fast and slow chargers, and projects adding more than 200 additional units during 2026. The National Electromobility Strategy sets ambitious goals, including that 100% of light- and medium-duty vehicle sales be electric in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tesla<\/strong> dominates the 100% electric vehicle market in Chile with a 27.1% share<\/strong> and 1,128 units sold cumulatively through May 2026. It is followed by Volvo<\/strong> with 350 units (8.4%), BYD<\/strong> with 345 units (8.3%), Maxus<\/strong> with 335 units (8%), and Chevrolet<\/strong> with 221 units (5.3%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, Chile has been a pioneer in public transport electrification. In 2025, Chile had 2,505 electric buses in operation, and this figure is projected to reach 4,400 units in 2026, positioning Chile as one of the world leaders<\/strong> in electric bus penetration in public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regarding charging infrastructure, the country has more than 3,100 charging stations, combining fast and slow chargers, and projects adding more than 200 additional units during 2026. The National Electromobility Strategy sets ambitious goals, including that 100% of light- and medium-duty vehicle sales be electric in the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of public policies, the Energy Roadmap 2026-2030<\/strong> seeks to enable electrical interconnection initiatives between Chile and Peru, Chile and Argentina, and Chile and Bolivia, in addition to strengthening regional energy integration. The Chilean government is also promoting public-private agreements to sustain electromobility growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colombia has experienced spectacular growth in the electric vehicle market during the first half of 2026. In March 2026, the country recorded an all-time high with 5,083 100% electric vehicle units<\/strong> sold, doubling February’s figures (2,508 units) and surpassing the previous record from December 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The market in Colombia has been marked by explosive growth driven by the arrival of Tesla<\/strong>, which in just three months managed to position the Tesla Model Y<\/strong> as the best-selling vehicle in the country, even surpassing traditional combustion models. In the year-to-date accumulated through May, the brand leads the electric market with 7,735 units<\/strong>, far ahead of BYD<\/strong> with 4,999.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite Tesla’s dominance, BYD<\/strong> maintains a prominent presence with the BYD Yuan Up<\/strong> as its best-selling model, occupying second place in the electric ranking in several months. Other models completing the top 5 best-selling electric vehicles include the Chery iCAR 03<\/strong>, the BYD Seagull<\/strong>, and the GAC Aion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the accumulated January-May 2026 period, RUNT<\/strong> reported 19,542 electric vehicle registrations<\/strong>\u2014a 217.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025\u2014with electrified vehicles (electric and hybrids) representing nearly half of new car sales in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tax benefits and circulation facilities, such as exemption from “pico y placa” (driving restrictions), have been the main drivers of this transition, and therefore, companies like Renting Colombia<\/strong> already operate fleets of up to 3,000 clean-energy vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In infrastructure, Colombia took a fundamental step with the launch of Ruta-E<\/strong>, the country’s first electric freight corridor and one of the most extensive in Latin America, connecting Bogot\u00e1 with Cartagena over 1,200 kilometers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The project, promoted by the Ministry of Transport and the international organization CALSTART<\/strong>, aims to mobilize more than 1,000 electric trucks by 2032<\/strong> and reduce more than 185,000 tons of CO\u2082 per year<\/strong>. The initiative includes the installation of charging points for electric trucks at least every 100 kilometers along the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite market enthusiasm, infrastructure challenges persist. Currently, Colombia faces a ratio of one charger for every 337 electric vehicles<\/strong> and an 8-month infrastructure lag. The country’s energy portfolio estimates that approximately 19,386 public chargers<\/strong> will need to be installed by 2030, with an estimated investment of 260 million dollars<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Argentina<\/strong> experienced significant growth in electric vehicle adoption, albeit from a still small base. Between January and April 2026, 1,617 electric vehicles<\/strong> were registered, representing an 874% increase compared to the same period the previous year. In January alone, 533 units were registered, a figure that nearly matched half of the entire 2025 total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In infrastructure, the country has just over 260 public charging points and nearly 1,500 private chargers installed, although the challenge remains the lack of a unified system that consolidates all available information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the regulatory front, in May a bill was presented to establish a comprehensive electromobility regime that sets goals such as reaching 2,500 public charging points by 2030<\/strong> and achieving electric vehicles representing 10% of new unit sales that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peru<\/strong> has shown sustained progress in electromobility. According to the Peruvian Automotive Association (AAP)<\/strong> , in the first quarter of the year, sales of electrified vehicles grew 77%, adding 3,627 units. In the first five months of 2026, electric vehicle sales skyrocketed 247%<\/strong> .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Electromobility is consolidating in the country driven by the impact of the Chancay Port, potential local vehicle assembly, and fast-charging challenges. In infrastructure, the charging network is still incipient, with more than 50 recharging points available nationwide, although companies like Repsol Per\u00fa<\/strong> have already inaugurated their first stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the governmental level, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC) announced it will issue a decree to promote electromobility in the coming weeks, and the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU) participated in the launch of the regional E-Motion program to support the transition toward cleaner, low-emission public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, sales in Uruguay<\/strong> reached 7,358 units<\/strong> , representing a 133% growth compared to the same period the previous year, and already account for 30%<\/strong> of the total accumulated sales in the automotive market so far this year. In infrastructure, state-owned UTE<\/strong> plans to install 300 new chargers during 2026, adding to the more than 400 existing charging points, to keep pace with the sustained growth of the electric fleet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This boom in Uruguay has been driven by a combination of tax incentives and the arrival of new models, mainly of Chinese origin. However, the Uruguayan government announced in May that it will review these benefits, considering that the market has already reached its “maturity,” which could modify the outlook for the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the regional level, electrified vehicle sales already account for 14.5%<\/strong> of the region’s total. Multilateral organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)<\/strong> and the United Nations Program are backing electromobility initiatives in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Brazilian example of increased electric vehicle sales could accelerate public policies in neighboring countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. Local governments are beginning to study regulatory frameworks that encourage private investment, public transport decarbonization, and the development of regional value chains around batteries, vehicle software, and charging components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first half of 2026 has sent clear signals that electric mobility in Latin America has ceased to be an incipient trend and has become a structural reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brazil leads in sales volume and infrastructure, Mexico in supply diversity and market growth, Chile in public transport electrification, and Colombia in sales dynamism and long-range infrastructure projects.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Challenges for the second half include the need to accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure to keep pace with fleet growth, standardization of connectors and payment systems, cost reduction through economies of scale and local production, and strengthening regulatory frameworks that encourage private investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The emergence of Chinese manufacturers such as BYD<\/strong>, GWM<\/strong>, and Dongfeng<\/strong> will continue to be a determining factor in model offerings and price pressure, while traditional automakers such as Volvo<\/strong>, Mercedes-Benz<\/strong>, BMW<\/strong>, and Tesla<\/strong> continue to expand their presence in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Latin America is heading toward a future of cleaner, more efficient, and more connected mobility<\/strong>, with Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia as the engines of a transformation that promises to redefine transportation in the region over the coming years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Latam Mobility 2026 Tour<\/strong> will arrive in Santiago, Chile, on August 25<\/a><\/strong>, bringing together experts and strategic players to further strengthen the sustainable mobility ecosystem in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBrazil: The Giant Reshaping the Global Leadership Landscape<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/movilidad-220626-e-1024x576.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMexico: Firm Bet on Zero-Emission Public Transport<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/movilidad-220626-h-1024x682.webp\")
Chile: Growth in Sales and Consolidation of Leadership in Electric Buses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/movilidad-220626-g-1024x640.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nColombia: Sales Records and Latin America’s First Electric Freight Corridor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/movilidad-220626-d-1024x576.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Rest of the Region: Gradual Advances with Growth Potential<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"movilidad\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/movilidad-220626-a-1024x617.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOutlook for the Second Half<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/movilidad-220626-c.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Year 2026 of Consolidation for Mobility<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/latamobility.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Gira-IIL.jpg-1-1024x576.jpeg\")
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