Over the past two years, electric vehicle sales in Ecuador have grown by more than 200%, rising from 86 units in the first two months of 2023 to 470 units so far in 2025.
This increase comes in a context where the overall automotive market shows a 10.2% year-on-year contraction, highlighting the consolidation of electric mobility in the country.
What factors are responsible for this phenomenon? Primarily the entry of new brands into the market and the increase in the range of models, which allows for price diversification and narrowing the gap between fossil fuels.
It’s also important to note that Asian brands have begun to establish themselves in the country. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China, which has been in effect since May, is a testament to this.
The impact of Chinese brands on the expansion of the electricity market
According to data presented by the Association of Automotive Companies of Ecuador (AEADE), the growth in electric vehicle sales is influenced by the entry and consolidation of Chinese brands.
In the past two years, manufacturers such as BYD, Dongfeng, Chery, and Geely have expanded their presence in the country with competitively priced models and improved ranges.
BYD was one of the fastest-growing brands, with sales increasing by 150.9% year-on-year.
Models like the BYD Yuan Pro have gained popularity as they offer affordable technology and options.
Dongfeng and Chery are strengthening their presence with electric SUVs, responding to the high demand for this body type in the Ecuadorian market.
Geely, although with a smaller share, also increases its sales volume with models oriented towards urban mobility.
The participation of these brands partially displaced traditional manufacturers, such as Renault and Hyundai, which dominated the electric market in previous years with models such as the Renault Kangoo ZE and the Hyundai Kona EV.
Electric vehicle segment: which models lead sales?
The electric vehicle market in Ecuador is primarily comprised of SUVs and compact cars, with a smaller share of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles.
- The electric SUV segment is growing in popularity, with models from BYD and Chery dominating sales in this segment.
- Compact electric cars, such as the Kia EV5 and Geely models, are gaining ground in cities like Quito and Guayaquil.
- Electric pickup trucks and electric commercial vehicles still have a small market, mainly due to high initial costs and limited charging infrastructure.
Charging infrastructure: a barrier to sustained growth
Despite sales growth, charging infrastructure in Ecuador is still limited.
Currently, most charging stations are concentrated in Quito and Guayaquil, limiting the adoption of these vehicles in other regions of the country.
The lack of fast chargers on the public grid forces electric vehicle owners to rely on home charging.
There are projects underway to expand charging infrastructure, but the pace of growth has not yet matched the increase in sales.
For the 200% growth in electric vehicle sales to be sustained over time, it will be essential for the government and the private sector to work on an accelerated expansion of the public and private charging network.
