The light electric passenger car market in Portugal continues to grow every month. This is evident in the first eight months of 2023, with a total of 22,839 registrations.

According to figures shared by the Portuguese Automobile Association (ACAP), this represents an increase of 124.2% compared to the same period in 2022.

During the January to August period, 48.4% of newly registered passenger cars were powered by alternative energy sources, specifically, 16.4% were electric.

In the eighth month alone, there were 3,275 registrations, a 160.4% increase compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, plug-in hybrid vehicles acquired 2,191 units in August, adding to a total of 16,906 for the first half of the year.

Electric hybrid cars reached 1,692 registrations in the eighth month, bringing the annual total to 21,048.

Pure electric car registrations achieved a 16.1% market share in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, they saw a 46.6% increase compared to the previous year.

The growth in plug-in hybrid vehicle registrations accounted for 11.1% of the total market share.

Electrified vehicles now make up 26.6% of the market share, up from 20.8%.

On the other hand, diesel-powered cars continue to lose popularity among the Portuguese, with a 4-point decrease in market share, now standing at 13%.

Gasoline saw a 5.5% decrease but still accounts for 40.6% of total registrations.

Tesla leads the EV registrations

When it comes to pure electric vehicles, Elon Musk‘s company is the favorite among the Portuguese.

Last month, the company added 1,167 registrations, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 5,771.

At this point, one of the most chosen models by users was the Tesla Model Y.

It is known for its battery that provides a range of between 430 and 533 kilometers, depending on the version.

Furthermore, it has a dual motor and all-wheel drive, with a charging capacity of up to 250 kW.

In second place is BMW with 290 registrations. The German brand has a total of 1,859 in the first eight months.

One of the best-selling models from the brand is the i4.

It is a vehicle equipped with BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology.

The five-door offers a power output of up to 400 kW and a range of up to 590 kilometers.

Next, Peugeot ranks third with a total of 263 units in August and 1,823 in 2023 so far.

The most popular choice is the Peugeot 2008.

The compact SUV offers 115 kW of power and a range of 406 kilometers.

It also allows for an 80% battery charge in 30 minutes at a 100 kW fast-charging point.

In the plug-in hybrids, Mercedes-Benz takes the lead in the eighth month with 512 registrations.

However, in the first half of the year, BMW takes the lead with a total of 3,471 sales – 433 in August – a difference of 196 compared to Mercedes, which accumulates 3,275.

Following them is Volvo with 332 sales last month and a total of 1,990 registrations.

Finally, in hybrid electric vehicles, Toyota stands out. The Japanese brand adds 315 registrations in the eighth month and 4,830 in the last period.

Then comes Ford with 232 in August and 3,344 in 2023.

Lastly, Nissan with 196 in the penultimate month of summer and 2,664 accumulated this year.