Yucatán Electrifies with Record-Breaking Electric Car Sales

Electric vehicle sales in Yucatán have soared, setting a new record in 2024. By August, a total of 1,825 units were sold, marking a 30 percent increase from the total sales of 1,403 units in 2023. This information was released by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), as part of their report on hybrid and electric vehicle sales.

The sales figure for the first eight months of 2024 represents a 138.25 percent increase from the same period in 2023, during which 766 electric units were sold. Electric car sales in the state have been on the rise since 2020, when 274 units were sold. This number grew to 601 in 2021, 1,002 in 2022, and 1,403 in 2023. From 2016 to 2024, a total of 5,732 electric units have been sold in the state.

Interestingly, hybrid vehicles are the preferred choice among buyers, followed by electric vehicles, and then plug-in hybrids. As of August 2024, the sales in Yucatán were as follows: 1,505 hybrids, 254 electrics, and 66 plug-in hybrids. Typically, the largest number of these cars are sold in August, with 241 units sold this year.

Hybrid cars, which combine an internal combustion engine with an electric one, are favored for their fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. They do not require external charging, as the battery recharges during driving through regenerative braking and the combustion engine.

Electric cars, on the other hand, run exclusively on an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. This eliminates pollutant gas emissions and significantly reduces noise. However, they require charging via electric charging stations.

Plug-in hybrid cars are similar to hybrids but have larger batteries that can be recharged both while driving and through a power outlet. This allows for short distances to be covered solely on electricity, making them more efficient and versatile.

As more brands venture into the production of electric cars, it is predicted that they will become more common and affordable. Hybrid units, which cost between 750,000 and 950,000 pesos on average, are chosen for their fuel savings and eco-friendly nature. Electric cars, with an average cost of 920,000 pesos, can travel an average of 150 kilometers per charge.