Kia Colombia: “Structural factors are reshaping the electromobility landscape in the country”

May was not just another month for Colombia’s electromobility sector. For the first time, registrations of electrified vehicles surpassed 6,700, marking a year-on-year growth of 129.4%.

According to Jorge Neira, Managing Director of Kia Colombia, this leap is the result of a combination of factors that have been maturing in the market and are now beginning to yield tangible results.

“Today, brands like Kia Colombia are making a determined effort to expand our portfolio of electric vehicles. Models such as the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 are real options for Colombians, offering clean mobility without sacrificing design, technology or range,” explains Neira.

With these additions, Colombian consumers have access to a wider range of electric vehicles, facilitating the transition towards more sustainable mobility.

From the demand perspective, Neira notes that consumers are increasingly informed about the environmental and economic benefits of electrified vehicles.

“Concern for sustainability is no longer merely a value-added aspect, but a decisive factor in purchasing decisions,” he states.

This shift in consumer mindset has been key to the growth of electromobility in Colombia, particularly in urban and corporate fleet segments.

The future of electromobility: an uncertain path if incentives are not maintained

Despite the optimism generated by the increase in registrations, the sustainability of this boom is threatened by legislative uncertainty.

Neira stresses that although the May 2025 results are impressive, “we are convinced this is a structural trend and not a passing phenomenon.”

The key to maintaining this momentum lies in ensuring that fiscal incentives and benefits remain in place—otherwise, growth could slow considerably.

“Short-term conditions can explain some peaks, but it is structural factors that are reshaping the landscape,” adds the Kia Colombia executive.

Challenges for electromobility: focus on charging infrastructure

The growth of electric mobility has also been closely tied to the development of charging infrastructure.

Currently, Colombia has 186 public charging stations, a significant increase compared to the 119 in 2021. However, infrastructure still faces major challenges.

According to data from UPME, the country has a high diversity of charging connectors, but the network expansion remains insufficient to meet the growing demand for electromobility.

In particular, the growth of fast-charging stations and interoperability between charging equipment from different manufacturers are critical aspects for accelerating the transition to electric mobility.

In this regard, collaboration with companies and governments will be essential to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with market growth.

The need for a robust public policy

Meanwhile, Rodrigo Anjel, Technical Director at ANDEMOS, highlights that electrified vehicles have gained ground thanks to the fiscal and tariff incentives implemented in previous years to promote electromobility.

“The exemption from the ‘pico y placa‘ restriction, along with tax benefits, has made electrified vehicles an increasingly attractive option for Colombians,” says Anjel.

However, he warns of the potential elimination of tariff benefits, which could impact the affordability of these vehicles.

Finally, Anjel points out that in order for this trend to continue, it is essential that the government maintains and strengthens the tariff and fiscal incentives for electrified vehicles.

“If action is not taken soon, this market could face a significant slowdown,” warns Anjel, underscoring the importance of a clear and coherent public policy to ensure the growth of electromobility in Colombia.

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