Chile's National Automotive Association (ANAC) reported 11,910 units of zero and low-emission vehicles sold in the first three months of 2026, a 94% increase from last year. This marks a record market share of 15.9%. March sales surged 148% to 5,893 units.
ANAC reported that non-plug-in electrified vehicles lead with 71% of sales, totaling 8,498 units: 4,833 microhybrids and 3,665 conventional hybrids. Plug-in electrified vehicles account for 29%, with 1,802 pure electrics and 1,610 plug-in hybrids.
March's 148% sales increase is linked to the "Efecto Bencina", driven by fuel price instability. Leading brands in plug-ins are BYD (603 units), Tesla (537), and Changan (425). For non-plug-ins, Suzuki (2,703), Toyota (1,798), and Peugeot (989) top the list.
Top models include Suzuki Fronx (1,370) and Swift (1,024) in microhybrids; Toyota Corolla Cross (694) and Yaris Cross (685) in conventional hybrids; Tesla Model Y (291) and Model 3 (246) in electrics; and BYD Song Plus (216) and Changan CS55 Plus IDD (201) in plug-in hybrids.
This trend signals a shift in Chilean mobility, with eco-vehicles moving from niche to strategic choice amid rising traditional fuel costs.