Uruguay’s EV sales surge, claiming majority of market
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In Uruguay, electric vehicle sales jumped in August, reaching 56% of all vehicle purchases. This growth represents a 171% increase compared to the same month last year, with nearly 4,000 electric vehicles sold.
The country has rapidly transitioned from early adoption to becoming a majority electric vehicle market in just two and a half years, increasing BEV market share from 5% to 50%.
While plug-in hybrid vehicles are also sold, they currently make up only about one-tenth of total electric vehicle sales. This surge in EV purchases is happening alongside a generally strong vehicle market, but sales of gasoline and hybrid cars are declining, falling 16% throughout 2026 compared to last year, and 20% compared to 2024. BYD currently leads EV sales in Uruguay with 25% of the market, followed by Geely and GAC.
The Geely Geome/EX2 was the best-selling model in August, surpassing the BYD Seagull. Analysts suggest that while high gasoline prices and upcoming EV taxes may play a role, the primary driver of this growth is that electric vehicles now offer better value for consumers in Uruguay. The government will introduce a 5% to 9% tax on imported EVs starting in 2027, but this remains lower than taxes on gasoline cars, and cheaper EVs will remain exempt.
Uruguay’s success places it among global leaders in EV adoption, above countries like China and the United Kingdom.
