Electric mobility in Colombia is undergoing a profound transformation , driven by both the arrival of new models and sustained sales growth. Consumer interest and investment from major Asian and local brands have positioned the country as a Latin American leader in the adoption of clean technologies and sustainable vehicles.
However, this boom comes with structural challenges that must be addressed to ensure a successful transition. Charging infrastructure, technological differences, and the need for consumer education are just some of the key issues shaping the future of electromobility in the country.
Market leaders and sales trends
Among the leading companies in the market, BYD holds a dominant position, especially in public transportation . The Asian company operates 96% of the electric bus fleet, with more than 1.470 units circulating in Bogotá since 2020. This presence extends to other major cities such as Cali, MedellÃn, Manizales, Pereira, and municipalities with growing interest in electric alternatives, such as MonterÃa, Bucaramanga, and Ibagué.
BYD's strategy for the coming years includes the incorporation of more than 2.000 new electric buses into the mass transit system over the next three years, with an initial delivery of 100 units planned for the first half of 2026. These units utilize advanced technologies, such as the Blade battery, designed to extend the range and lifespan of the buses , facilitating their operation over long periods without compromising performance.
Meanwhile, the passenger vehicle segment has also shown accelerated growth . By May 2025 alone, BYD had sold 3.395 electric vehicles, representing year-on-year growth of over 400% and reaching 15% of domestic sales of hybrid and electric models . Models such as the Yuan Up SUV and the Seagull compact have helped consolidate the brand's presence in the private sector.
Diversified offering: new launches and market targets
In addition to BYD's expansion, the Chinese brand JAC—represented in Colombia by Autocom—has made a strong commitment to local electromobility with the launch of three new electric models . Its executives stated their objective is to position themselves as the second most relevant brand in the sector, offering vehicles with different ranges and price points to urban and family markets.
JAC's three featured models are:
- E10X: Entry-level electric vehicle with a range of over 301 km, no peak and license plate restrictions, a 10,25-inch central display, ABS brakes, airbags, and a rearview camera. It starts at 79.900.000 pesos, with an introductory bonus and another for the purchase of a home wallbox.
- E30X: Hatchback with a 41 kWh battery, 134 hp, a range of up to 400 km, a panoramic roof, LED lights, a 12,8-inch multimedia screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and six airbags. Its price is around 6 pesos, also including a launch bonus.
- E40X: SUV with up to 402 km of range, 148 hp, 340 Nm of torque, ample interior space, a family-friendly focus, and advanced safety systems (stability control, advanced braking, six airbags). This model is priced at 118.990.000 pesos.
All JAC models include connectivity systems for Android and iOS, a home charger, and fast and slow charging options . Furthermore, the brand incentivizes the installation of home charging points through bonuses and preferential pricing on wallbox purchases.
JAC's entry into the electric vehicle market in Colombia also aims to attract young users and urban families who value flexibility, savings, and environmental impact. The company, with over 19 years of presence in the country, is reinforcing its commitment with a sales and after-sales service strategy tailored to the needs of electric vehicle drivers.
The challenge of charging infrastructure and consumer education
Despite accelerating sales—with over 9.000 electric vehicles registered in 2024 alone, more than double the previous year—the charging network remains the main bottleneck for electric mobility in Colombia . Currently, outside major urban centers, finding a public charging point is difficult and often involves long waits or even makes charging impossible due to differences in adapters.
Most public and private charging stations operate using alternating current (AC), which requires between 6 and 8 hours for a full charge for average 54 kWh batteries. Direct current (DC) fast-charging stations are scarce, and their implementation in homes is impractical due to the high installation and adaptation costs, often exceeding $20.000.
As a result, for most electric vehicle users, home charging via wall chargers has become the most realistic and practical alternative. Manufacturers and dealerships facilitate the purchase and installation of these systems , although cost and the need for prior technical studies remain important considerations.
Another relevant issue is the lack of a unified standard for connectors . Different manufacturers use different systems—Type 1, Type 2, GBT, CHA-DE-MO—which forces drivers to purchase multiple adapters, resulting in reduced charging speeds and a risk of incompatibilities.
All of this highlights the importance of continuing to educate consumers not only about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, but also about the logistical and technical challenges associated with their use and charging . For their part, brands are adapting their business models to foster closer and more personalized relationships with these new electric vehicle buyers.
Increasingly, commercial incentives and partnerships with financial institutions, insurance companies, and assistance companies are creating a true ecosystem around electric mobility in Colombia.
Electric mobility in Colombia is making steady progress, with record sales and an ever-expanding model portfolio. The leadership of brands like BYD in public transportation and JAC's push into private and family vehicles demonstrate the growing interest at both the institutional and private levels. However, the real expansion of this market will depend largely on the evolution of charging infrastructure and the support of public and corporate initiatives that facilitate a truly sustainable and affordable energy transition.