Get Informed / Electric Vehicles in Argentina: Five Domestic Brands and Only 2% of New Registrations

Compartir

Compartir

Electric Vehicles in Argentina: Five Domestic Brands and Only 2% of New Registrations

Argentina is one of the countries with the largest lithium reserves in the world. This metal is key to the development of batteries for electric vehicles. And electromobility is a vital pillar in the goal to decarbonize the planet and combat climate change.

However, while the country is positioning itself as a key player in the supply of 'white gold' and in battery development, the use of electric vehicles on Argentine streets is just beginning.

The range of brands and models grows year by year, but electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for just over 2% of the nearly 450,000 units registered in 2023. In Europe, the percentage reaches almost 50%. (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/11/electric-car-sales-europe-barriers-ev-adoption/)

Most of the registrations were for imported models. However, there are several national factories offering vehicles with very particular formats.

What is the offer in Argentina?

Among the electric vehicles manufactured in Argentina, the models are currently limited to the L6b and L7b categories, meaning 'light quads with a cabin for the transport of people or goods,' with a length of less than 3 meters, according to the regulations.

For these vehicles to circulate on public roads, they must have model configuration licenses (LCM) and environmental configuration licenses (LCA). The first guarantees that the vehicle meets active and passive safety standards. The second refers to reducing the emission of pollutants, vehicular noise, and radiation.

Not all models have these approvals, so some types are only intended for use within private properties like gated communities, industrial complexes, or golf courses.

The five Argentine factories with electric vehicles for sale are:

  • Coradir: Responsible for the Tito, the best-selling national electric model. The factory is located in San Luis (https://movilidad.coradir.com.ar/). It offers two models and six versions. The largest and most advanced is the Tito S5 extended and powered. It has a 21 kWh lithium LFP (Lithium, Iron, and Phosphate) battery with 2,000 cycles, charged in 8 hours. With a steel body and 5 doors, it offers a range of 300 kilometers and a top speed of 95 km/h. It can carry four people.

  • Volt Motors: The Cordoba-based company (https://voltmotors.com.ar/) manufactures 3 models. The Volt E1 Urban Mobility uses an LFP battery, charging in 10 hours and offering a range of 200 kilometers. It reaches a top speed of 105 km/h. Its capacity is 760 liters, with 3 doors, a carbon fiber body, and a tech package. The company claims that over 60% of the parts are national.

  • Sero Electric: Located in Castelar, Buenos Aires (https://www.seroelectric.com/), the company manufactures 5 electric models, although not all are approved for public road use. The Sero Sedan is designed as an urban car with a range of 100 kilometers and a top speed of 50 km/h. The battery charges in 6 hours and can carry up to 270 kg.

  • Hamelbot: The Misiones-based company (https://www.hamelbot.com/) developed the CR2 electric vehicle. It uses a 60V lithium-ion battery, offering a range of 150 kilometers and a top speed of 60 km/h. The battery charges in 6 hours. The body is made of carbon fiber and glass. It is designed to carry two people and cargo. The company also manufactures an 'intelligent' electric mini-tractor.

  • GreenGo: The 'Modulo' is the curious electric vehicle from the GreenGo Cars company (https://greengoecars.com/), located in Rosario, Santa Fe. It is a single-seater utility vehicle made of fiberglass with motorcycle wheels. The lithium battery (with Nickel, Manganese, and Cobalt) offers a range of 80 kilometers and a top speed of 40 km/h. It charges in 5 hours. The vehicle has a cargo capacity of 280 kg.

Growth of Electric Vehicle Registrations in 2023

In 2023, Argentina registered 9,601 hybrid and electric vehicles, representing a 21.3% increase from 2022. 85% of these units were hybrid, using HEV and MHEV technology. The latter option is already being offered by default in high-end models, directly replacing gasoline engines.

In the market, there is a consolidation of small, 100% electric vehicles, all manufactured in Argentina. These made up 4% of the total registrations, with the Tito leading the way.

The offer in 2023 within the electric and hybrid engine sector includes 16 brands with a total of 38 models.

The most registered vehicle was the Toyota Cross HEC, with a total of 4,509 units registered in 2023. It was followed by the Toyota Corolla HEV (2,696) and the Ford Maverick HEV (403). The Tito came in fourth, with 218 units, and was the first in the ranking that runs entirely on batteries. Meanwhile, 56 units of the Tita were sold. The Sero model had 16 units registered, and 1 unit of Volt was registered.

A Chinese Company's Bet

The latest big news in the sector was the announcement of a huge investment in Argentina by Chery, the largest car manufacturer in China. The news broke at the beginning of 2023.

The goal is to build an electric car factory in the country to supply Latin America. Alongside Chery, Gotion, another Chinese company dedicated to battery manufacturing, would join. This company is beginning to explore the possibility of setting up a plant in Jujuy, in collaboration with the local company Jemse. Chery has yet to define where it will build its plant.

In Uruguay, the Chinese company already imports and sells the EQ1 model, which is 100% electric. It can reach a top speed of 120 km/h, thanks to a 30.8 kWh lithium battery.