One electric or hybrid car enters Paraguay every hour amid 169% growth

Paraguay is experiencing a dramatic surge in the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles, with an average of one such car entering the country every 63 minutes during the first half of 2026. In total, 4,098 hybrid and electric units were imported during this period, marking an impressive 169.3% increase from the same period last year.

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This volume already represents approximately 10% of the total new vehicles imported. One in ten cars currently entering the country incorporates hybrid or electric technology.

This burgeoning segment now accounts for approximately 10% of all new vehicle imports into Paraguay. The market offers a vast selection, with nearly 50 brands and over 200 different models available, ranging in price from around US$12,000. Diego Lovera, Marketing Manager at CADAM (Chamber of Automotive Distributors), notes that "one in ten cars currently entering the country incorporates hybrid or electric technology."

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The composition shows a consumer who advances in stages: conventional hybrids operate as an entry point, while plug-in and pure electric vehicles gain ground as charging infrastructure improves.

Conventional hybrids (HEVs) lead the electrified market, making up 54.6% of imports with 2,238 units. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) follow at 28.6% (1,172 units), and pure electric vehicles (BEVs) constitute 16.8% (688 units). Lovera suggests this composition reflects a consumer journey, with conventional hybrids serving as an entry point before consumers move towards plug-in and pure electric options as charging infrastructure improves.

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The arrival of Chinese manufacturers has reshuffled the competitive landscape: these brands are now present in practically all segments, with aggressive prices that accelerate adoption.

The automotive landscape has been significantly reshaped by the influx of Chinese manufacturers, who now compete across virtually all segments with aggressive pricing. This has expanded the choices beyond a handful of models, allowing consumers to find alternatives that better suit their budgets and daily needs. Furthermore, financing options have become a crucial factor in unlocking demand, with extended payment plans of up to 96 installments and competitive interest rates lowering the initial barrier to entry. Consumers are increasingly considering the total cost of ownership, with reduced spending on fuel and maintenance weighing heavily alongside the initial purchase price.

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Financing is the piece that has finally unlocked demand. Dealerships and banks now offer plans of up to 96 installments with competitive rates, which lowers an entry barrier that was previously decisive.