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LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

A daily publication Of the dialogue

August 5, 2025

What’s the Future of Electric Vehicles in Latin America?

Latin American countries, including Brazil and Mexico, have seen increasing sales of electric vehicles in recent years. // File Photo: pengzphoto via Adobe Stock.

Q

  • At least three Chinese companies—Great Wall Motor, BYD and Chery—are currently planning to open assembly factories in Brazil to produce electric vehicles (EVs), The New York Times reported July 23. Brazil’s imports of Chinese EVs tripled last year as compared to 2023, according to Brazil’s National Association of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, leading the South American country’s government to hike import duties in order to encourage more vehicle manufacturing locally. What makes Brazil an attractive destination for Chinese EV manufacturers, and what are the prospects in Brazil for automakers from the United States and elsewhere? To what extent are consumers from Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America likely to embrace EVs in the coming years? How is U.S. trade policy affecting EV manufacturing in Brazil?

A

Thomas Rideg, managing director of Local Origins in Toronto: “Brazil presents a compelling opportunity for Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, driven by strong market potential, strategic alignment and cost competitiveness. With more than 215 million people and the largest automotive market in Latin America, Brazil is experiencing growing interest in sustainable mobility. Yet, domestic EV production remains limited, with slow adoption of battery-electric vehicles and minimal local innovation, creating a gap for affordable, tech-forward Chinese models. The relationship between China and Brazil is currently at a high, reinforced by BRICS cooperation, Brazil’s clean energy matrix (more than 80 percent renewables) and China’s increasing regional presence. At the same time, Western manufacturers…”

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ABOUT THE LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR

The Inter-American Dialogue publishes the Latin America Advisor every business day for a distinguished membership of informed corporate leaders, scholars, and government officials invested in Latin America’s development and future. The Advisor‘s highly regarded Q&A section covers questions submitted by subscribers themselves. Commentators regularly include heads of state, business leaders, diplomats, economists, analysts, and thought leaders from around the world. Many of the world’s largest and fastest-growing companies subscribe to the Advisor. To subscribe, click here. For terms and conditions, click here. For more information, contact Gene Kuleta, editor of the Advisor, at gkuleta@thedialogue.org.
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Gene Kuleta
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Jack Quinn
Reporter

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board of advisors

Diego Arria
Director,
Columbus Group

Merike Blofield
Professor of Political Science,
University of Hamburg

Devry Boughner Vorwerk
CEO,
DevryBV Sustainable Strategies

Joyce Chang
Global Head of Research,
J.P. Morgan

Marlene Fernández
Corporate Vice President for Gov’t Relations,
Arcos Dorados (McDonald’s)

Peter Hakim
President Emeritus,
Inter-American Dialogue

Donna Hrinak
Director,
Adtalem Global Education

Jon E. Huenemann
Council Member,
GLG Inc.

James R. Jones
Chairman,
Monarch Global Strategies

Craig Kelly
Senior Director,
Int’l Gov’t Relations,
Exxon Mobil

Barbara Kotschwar
Professor of Political Economy,
Georgetown University

John Maisto
Director,
US Education Finance Group

Nicolas Mariscal
Chairman,
Grupo Marhnos

Thomas F. McLarty III
Chairman,
McLarty Associates

Beatrice Rangel
Director,
AMLA Consulting

Ernesto Revilla
Head of Latin American Economics, Citi

Gustavo Roosen
President,
IESA

Andrés Rozental
President, Rozental &
Asociados

Shelly Shetty
Managing Director,
Sovereigns, Fitch

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