Else Beekman
The shift from petrol-powered vehicles to electric mobility is taking longer than expected in Spain. Although the global move towards eco-friendly transportation is underway, electric vehicle (EV) sales are not growing as fast as predicted.
Experts point to several factors that are holding back the market, despite improvements in the country’s charging infrastructure. Electric mobility is viewed as a crucial step in reducing vehicle emissions, but this large-scale transformation also faces challenges. While the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) aims to cut pollution, the industry is struggling to phase out old infrastructure and invest in new, expensive technologies.
The struggles behind the electric shift
While many European countries have seen a rise in electric vehicle sales, Spain lags behind. In 2023, plug-in hybrids and EVs accounted for 26% of new car registrations in France, 31% in Portugal, but just 12% in Spain. Laura Gonçalves, the General Director of Powerdot, one of Spain’s leading charging service providers, highlighted this gap. She noted that the adoption of EVs in Spain hasn’t grown as quickly as expected.
The sluggish sales are part of a broader trend. In June 2024, electric car registrations dropped by nearly 3% compared to 2023. However, Gonçalves pointed out some positive signs: by the end of the first half of 2024, EV registrations increased by 1.2%, with 25,864 vehicles sold. Notably, purchases by private buyers rose by 11.8% in June and 9.3% in the first half of the year.
Charging infrastructure sees significant growth
While EV sales are slow, Spain’s public charging network has expanded rapidly. According to the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), there are now around 32,400 public charging points in the country, a 60% increase from last year. This growth in charging infrastructure outpaced the rise in EV sales, which increased by 50% during the same period.
Electric cars in Spain
Spain has now over 150,000 electric cars on the roads and in addition 225,000 hybrid vehicles. Madrid leads with around 40,000 electric cars, followed by Catalonia (30,000), Andalucia (20,000), and Valencia (15,000). Regional differences in policies and infrastructure affect adoption rates.
The government has implemented initiatives like the Plan Moves, offering financial incentives and tax benefits to encourage electric car purchases. Private companies are also investing in charging infrastructure and making electric vehicles more accessible.
Also read: All about electric car driving in Spain