Electric mobility is central to the shift toward sustainable transportation in Latin America. In recent years, the region has seen significant growth in both electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure. This transformation is driven by climate urgency, efforts to reduce urban pollution, and global technological progress.
Rapid Growth of the Electric Vehicle Fleet
In 2024, Latin America nearly tripled its fleet of light electric vehicles (BEV and PHEV), reaching over 444,000 units—a 187% jump from the year before. In just the second half of 2024, new electric vehicle registrations rose 78% compared to the first half of the year.
Brazil and Mexico lead in total electric vehicles: Brazil holds more than 50% of the region’s total, with about 237,200 EVs, followed by Mexico with around 95,400 units. Other countries showing strong progress include Costa Rica, Colombia, and Uruguay, each with around 20,000 EVs.
Rapid Expansion of Charging Infrastructure
To drive e-mobility growth, charging infrastructure has expanded rapidly. In Brazil, charging stations surged from 1,876 in 2023 to 12,700 in 2024. Mexico also ramped up, from 1,340 to 3,212 public charging stations over the same period. Together, Brazil and Mexico account for about 86% of public charging sites in the region.
Expanding infrastructure is vital to overcome two primary barriers: range anxiety and a lack of charging points.
Government Incentives and Regulations
Electric vehicle adoption in Latin America is being propelled by public policy. Many governments offer incentives to make EVs more attractive, including:
- Reduced or exempt taxes and import duties.
- Direct subsidies for EV buyers.
- Promotions of electric public transit fleets.
- Regulations supporting charging station installation.
Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay are regional leaders, passing advanced regulatory frameworks and concrete measures to speed up e-mobility. These policies are designed to lower economic and technical barriers that restrict sector growth.
Technology and Market Trends
EV technology continues to improve, with longer-range batteries and declining costs, making Latin American consumers more confident. The variety and accessibility of electric and hybrid models is also increasing. Countries like Chile and Colombia have seen exponential growth in EV sales—Chile posted a 480% spike in electric vehicle sales in just one month, and Colombia’s pure EV sales grew 85% in 2024.
China’s leadership as global EV producer and exporter is also affecting Latin America. Most EVs in the region are made in or imported from China, which controls nearly 48% of world EV sales and has 49 million EVs in circulation.
Challenges for Electric Mobility in the Region
Despite impressive growth, Latin America faces several significant challenges to mainstream e-mobility:
1. High Upfront Costs
Purchase prices for EVs remain a barrier. Although costs are falling, they’re still much higher than traditional cars. Government incentives help, but accessible financing and flexible payment plans are also needed.
2. Insufficient Infrastructure in Rural and Small Towns
Most charging stations are concentrated in major metro areas—São Paulo, Mexico City, Santiago. Less urbanized regions still lack adequate infrastructure, limiting access for the wider population.
3. Technical Limitations and Vehicle Availability
Range and charging times, though improving, continue to cause uncertainty for users used to traditional refueling speeds. Additionally, there is still a limited selection of EV models suited to local tastes and needs.
4. Dependence on Non-Renewable Energy Sources
For e-mobility to be truly sustainable, electricity must come from clean sources. In several Latin American countries, the energy matrix still relies heavily on oil or coal, curbing the environmental benefits.
5. Education and User Culture
Shifting to EVs requires consumer mindset changes. More information and education are needed so users understand the real benefits and best practices of electric vehicles.
Promising Projects and The Road Ahead
Latin America is not just advancing private EVs—public transportation is going electric too. Starting in 2025, more than 5,000 electric buses are expected to be added annually to the region’s urban fleets, supported by innovative business models and comprehensive public policies.
The regional e-mobility market is projected to reach $415 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.5% from 2025 to 2033. This positions Latin America as a crucial actor in global electromobility.
Rapid urbanization and rising environmental awareness are making the shift to sustainable transport systems inevitable.
Conclusion
Electric mobility in Latin America is advancing quickly, thanks to a surge in EV adoption and a boom in charging infrastructure. Public policies and technology shifts are essential drivers.
However, the region must address challenges like high costs, limited rural infrastructure, and energy dependence to secure the transition. Public-private collaboration and innovation will be key to overcoming these barriers.
Electromobility presents a unique opportunity to cut pollution, improve urban quality of life, and put Latin America at the forefront of clean transport. The region’s mobility future is electric and sustainable.
