The start of the year has revealed a very striking fact in the electromobility market: Nearly 20.000 hybrid and electric vehicles were registered in the first quarterThis marks the highest volume recorded since this type of propulsion began to gain ground. The jump compared to the same period last year is significant and confirms that electrified cars have gone from being a novelty to becoming an increasingly common option in new vehicle registrations.
This push is reflected not only in the number of units, but also in the diversification of models, technologies and originsWith a growing presence of Asian manufacturers and a rapidly expanding range of vehicles including conventional hybrids, plug-in hybrids, mild hybrid systems, and pure electric vehicles. All of this is backed by tax and tariff incentive schemes that have acted as a true accelerator of change.
Record number of registrations: nearly 20.000 units in three months
During the first quarter, the following were recorded: 19.867 new vehicles with alternative engines (between hybrids of different types and pure electric vehicles), which represents the highest level since the introduction of these technologies. In terms of growth rateThe volume is almost three times higher than in the same period of the previous year, reflecting a demand that is taking off strongly.
This progress is not evenly distributed across all electrified technologies. The majority of registrations correspond to non-plug-in hybrids (HEV)which are becoming established as a gateway to electrification for many drivers looking to reduce consumption and emissions without relying on external charging points.
In parallel, the Year-on-year growth is positive in all categoriesHEVs added more than 8.000 additional units compared to the previous year, mild hybrids (MHEVs) exceeded 2.000 new units, pure electric vehicles (BEVs) increased their registrations by almost 1.500 vehicles and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) starred one of the strongest jumps, with an increase of more than 3.400 units.
The result is a market that is rapidly gaining volume, but still relies primarily on hybrid technologies, while Pure electric vehicles remain a minority. in the total number of transactions, largely due to doubts about the available charging infrastructure and autonomy in real-world use.
Which technologies are leading the way: the hegemony of non-plug-in hybrids
If we analyze the distribution by system type, the picture is quite clear: Non-plug-in hybrids (HEVs) account for approximately 60% of transactions and they remain the dominant option. Their main advantage is that they don't require plugging into the grid, which fits well in a context where public charging infrastructure is still far from abundant.
Behind them are the plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), with around 18% of the quarterly marketThese types of vehicles allow you to travel many kilometers in electric mode while maintaining the range of a traditional combustion engine. The PHEV segment is, in fact, one of the fastest growing in the last year, going from a few dozen units to several thousand in a relatively short time.
The systems mild hybrid (MHEV) vehicles represent around 14% of patentsIn this case, we're talking about combustion engines assisted by small electric systems that provide support during acceleration and reduce fuel consumption, but without offering 100% electric driving. Their role is becoming increasingly important in models that aim to lower emissions without yet making the leap to full hybrid solutions.
Finally, the 100% electric vehicles (BEVs) barely account for 8% of the quarterly marketDespite having the greatest potential from an environmental perspective, electric vehicles have a low market share. The report attributes this to factors such as the limited charging network, infrastructure investment needs, and, in some cases, the purchase price, which remains higher than that of hybrid alternatives.
Best-selling models and market concentration
Market behavior also reveals a heavy concentration of sales in a handful of modelsThe most striking case is that of the Ford Territory (HEV), which has become the electrified vehicle with the highest number of registrations in the quarter, with 2.392 units and a share of around 12% of the total.
This mid-size SUV, imported from China and equipped with a 1.5 turbo engine combined with an electric system of up to 245 hpIt has managed to dethrone models that had been leading previous reports, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, one of the regulars in the ranking of best-selling hybrids.
In the segment of non-plug-in hybrids (HEV)A significant shift in sales distribution is evident. A year ago, two models accounted for approximately 93% of registrations, while now the offering has diversified, with six different vehicles representing around 80% of the volume. Among the new additions with considerable impact, in addition to the Territory, models like the BAIC BJ30 stand out.
The section of mild hybrids (MHEV) It shows a bit more dispersion, although there are still a few very clear protagonists: approximately 80% of sales are spread among nine models, led by the Chery Tiggo 7 and the Renault Arkana, which together account for nearly half of the market in this category.
Where the degree of concentration is even greater is in the pure electric vehicles (BEV)In this sub-segment, two models from the BYD brand—the Dolphin Mini and the Yuan Pro—account for nearly three-quarters of total sales, at around 74%. Paradoxically, this is also the category with the greatest variety of models available, driven primarily by Chinese manufacturers who already represent approximately 88% of BEV sales.
A rapidly expanding range of models
In addition to the increase in units, the market is being transformed through the expansion of the catalog of hybrid and electric modelsIn the first quarter of last year there were 81 available variants, while in the same period this year the number has grown to 121 models.
This leap is largely explained by the numerous additions in recent monthsIn October alone, 17 new electrified vehicles were added, and if we take the last six months as a reference, the total number of models that have entered the market amounts to 54. Of these, approximately half are pure electric vehicles (BEVs), which indicates that manufacturers continue to bet on this technology in the medium and long term.
Nevertheless, as the number of BEVs in the catalog increases, Its share of sales remains the lowest. within the range of alternative powertrains. The report links this apparent contradiction to a still relatively small volume and, above all, to structural constraints such as charging infrastructure, access to fast charging points on long journeys, and the availability of home charging solutions.
In the case of hybrids of Chinese originThe growth is especially noticeable. The HEV segment from that country currently holds the largest market share and is also the fastest growing year-on-year. In contrast, hybrids manufactured in Brazil still maintain a significant presence, but with more modest percentage growth.
All of this creates a scenario in which Asian manufacturers, and in particular the Chinese, are gaining ground in almost all electrified sub-segments, both in hybrids and in pure and plug-in electric vehicles, while traditional brands in Europe and the region are forced to accelerate their transition in order not to lose competitiveness.
Impact of incentives and the regulatory framework
The remarkable increase in registrations of hybrid and electric vehicles cannot be understood without the support of regulatory framework and tax incentives current. Among the most decisive measures is a preferential tariff scheme for the importation of this type of vehicle, which sets a tariff of 0% for units from outside the region (extra-zone) with a maximum FOB value of about $16.000.
This benefit is managed through a limited annual quota, set at 50.000 unitsDemand from the sector has been so high that the quotas for the 2025 and 2026 periods are already administratively exhausted, which has led to the creation of priority-ordered waiting lists for importers and dealers.
The measure has had a direct effect on the origin of registered vehicles. units imported from countries outside the zone, especially ChinaThey have experienced an increase of over 6.000% in the first quarter, while vehicles from Brazil —traditionally one of the main regional suppliers— have registered a much more moderate increase, around 15%.
In practice, this translates into a near-absolute dominance of Chinese models in categories such as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)where three of the four best-selling models (including BYD Song Pro, BYD Atto 2 and Changan CS55) come from that country and account for most of the sales in the segment.
Looking ahead to the coming months, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will maintain this incentive scheme as it stands Or whether a review will be undertaken to better balance competition between models from outside the region and those produced locally. The decision will have a direct impact on the evolution of hybrid and electric vehicle registrations and on the composition of the electrified vehicle fleet.
Given this scenario, the hybrid and electric vehicle market is experiencing strong expansion, marked by record patents, an ever-expanding range of products and a clear leading role for Asian manufacturersContinued growth will depend largely on how incentives are adjusted, the capacity of the charging infrastructure to catch up, and the speed with which brands and users adapt to a scenario where electrification is no longer a promise of the future, but a reality that is becoming commonplace.
