According to data from the National Single Transit Registry (RUNT) and the National Association of Sustainable Mobility (Andemos), 17,430 new vehicles were sold in April, with four of the ten best-selling models being electrified.
The Mazda CX-30 (non-plug-in hybrid) led the overall list with 535 units sold. Its market price in Colombia is around 130 million pesos.
It was followed by the Toyota Corolla Cross (hybrid), with 522 units sold and an approximate price of 142 million Colombian pesos.
In fifth place was the Suzuki Swift (hybrid), with 419 units sold, available from 99 million pesos, making it the most affordable electrified option in the group.
Next came the BYD Yuan Up, the only fully electric model in the ranking, with 414 units sold and a price close to 134 million pesos.
Prices for these four electrified models range between 99 and 142 million pesos. These costs are higher than several internal combustion models included in the same ranking.
What is the price difference between electrified and combustion engine vehicles?
In contrast, the most popular combustion engine vehicles generally have lower prices.
The Renault Kardian, in third place with 446 units sold, starts at 79 million Colombian pesos.
It is followed by the Renault Duster, fourth in the ranking, with 439 units and an estimated price of 88 million pesos.
Another example is the Kia K3 Cross, ranked seventh with 398 units sold. Its price is around 91.99 million pesos.
Next is the Mazda CX-5, with 351 units sold, priced at approximately 138 million pesos, comparable to some hybrid models.
The Toyota Hilux, ninth in sales with 299 units, has a higher estimated price of 185 million pesos.
Rounding out the list is the Chevrolet Onix, with 298 units sold, priced similarly to the Kardian, under 80 million pesos.
What benefits apply to electrified vehicles in Colombia?
Bogotá is positioned as the driving force behind electromobility in Colombia, not only due to its size and economic weight but also because of a combination of local incentives—such as the “Pico y Placa” policy—and operational barriers that encourage the shift to electric vehicles.
Cali, in contrast, while showing notable growth, starts from a significantly lower baseline.
Data from Andemos confirm this: Bogotá went from 532 to 1,795 registered electric units between 2024 and 2025, a 237.4% increase.
Meanwhile, Cali multiplied its electric fleet by more than five, rising from 43 to 259 units, a 502.3% increase, though still far behind Bogotá in volume.
Why does the capital have an advantage? A key measure: Pico y Placa
The difference is not solely due to market size, but also urban policy decisions.
In an interview with Mobility Portal Latinoamérica, María Juliana Arango, general manager of Inpel, a Cali-based charging infrastructure company, noted that the “Pico y Placa” exemption for electric vehicles was decisive in Bogotá.
“In the capital, combustion cars can only circulate without restrictions two days a week. This forces users to choose: either own two cars or switch to electric,” she explained.
In Cali and Medellín, the restriction applies only one day per week, allowing residents to adjust their routines without changing technology.
This policy boosts demand for electric vehicles in Bogotá and could be seen as an example of sustainable mobility measures.
Infrastructure: another tangible advantage
Another decisive factor is charging infrastructure. According to INPEL, Bogotá has a more robust public network that accommodates the diversity of connectors required by the market.
“In Colombia, there is no entry restriction based on connector type. Vehicles with Type 1, Type 2, and GBT plugs are all on the road. The capital has adapted to this reality faster than other cities,” Juliana said.
This translates into more options, key for daily use and the expansion of the electric vehicle fleet.
The sector’s recommendation is clear: every public charging station should include at least the three main connector types to ensure effective coverage.
Market leaders and the influence of Chinese brands
The growth of electric vehicles in Bogotá is also linked to the strong presence of Chinese brands, especially BYD, which leads with 1,753 units as of March 2025, a 755.1% increase compared to 2024.
Other brands such as KIA (2,062.5%), Volvo (358.1%), and Zeekr also contribute to the growth.
In contrast, traditional European manufacturers like BMW (-35%) and Renault (-21.2%) are losing market share in the segment, indicating a market shift towards new offerings with a better cost-benefit ratio.
