BYD drives record growth in Brazil's electric vehicle market
Searches for used electric cars in Brazil jumped 71% between January and April 2026 compared with the previous four‑month period, indicating growing consumer interest not only in buying but also in valuing used EVs. The same period saw the only EV segment—100 % electric vehicles—post a 0.91‑point increase in average listed prices, while conventional fuel cars fell.
Electric vehicle registrations rose 26% in 2025, boosted by arrivals of Chinese brands such as BYD, GWM, and others. A government import‑quota programme grants US$463 million for CKD and SKD electric‑vehicle kits with zero import duty from July to December 2026, after which tariffs rise to 35 %. State IPVA taxes for EVs vary widely, from full exemption to up to 4% of the vehicle’s value.
BYD topped the retail market in May 2026, with three models—Dolphin Mini, Dolphin and Song—placing among the five best‑selling cars nationwide, delivering 16,883 units (14 % market share). The BYD Dolphin also became the first electric hatch to reach the top‑three in the used‑car sales index, marking the inaugural EV podium finish. Projections suggest Chinese manufacturers could capture 30 % of Brazil’s light‑vehicle sales by 2030, potentially rising to 40 % if domestic firms do not accelerate electrification efforts.
Other makers are expanding the market: Toyota launched its first fully electric SUV, the bZ4X, priced at R$419,990, and Audi unveiled the Q4 e‑tron 2027 with up to 592 km range. The combined growth signals a rapid shift toward electrified mobility across Brazil.