As of 2024, there are approximately 340,000 electric vehicles in circulation in Spain, representing about 1.2% of the total vehicle fleet. Even though in 2018 there were no more than 54,000 electric vehicles, which is an increase of 630%, Spain is one of the last countries in the queue for electric vehicles in Europe.
Source: www.cincodías.com, 2024
The Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC) has published the total vehicle sales figures 2024 in Spain. If we were to focus on the vehicles that dominate the automotive press, we might think that electrification has overwhelmingly prevailed. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is true that the so-called ‘Eco’ cars, whether they are electrified or run on gas, have become the majority, surpassing sales of non-hybrid gasoline vehicles and, of course, diesel vehicles, which were the preferred option more than a decade ago. In more than half of the cases (53.3%), buyers sought an ‘Eco’ label car from the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) or even ‘0 Emissions’ in 2024. 37.2% purchased a gasoline car without any type of hybridization. At the same time, diesel continued its free fall, accounting for only 9.5% of the sold diesel cars without any hybridization (there are some hybrid diesels on the market).
As for pure electric vehicles, the reality of the 2024 data shows that they accounted for only 5.36% of total sales, totaling 65,478 units. And although many believe that plug-in hybrids sell much more, the final balance has shown that they only represented 4.88% of registrations, with 59,707 vehicles sold. Non-plug-in hybrids were the ‘kings’. Considering passenger cars, but also quadricycles, commercial and industrial vehicles, and buses, and adding those that plug in (100% electric and plug-in hybrids), non-plug-in hybrids, and gas vehicles (either CNG or LPG), we find that 555,218 units were sold.
One brand that has sold very well is non-plug-in hybrids. This category also includes so-called micro-hybrids, which have a 48V (or even less) electric system that, in most cases, only power the car’s electrical components (navigator, air conditioning…), and cannot move the car electrically. These “electric vehicles” were the most numerous, with 394,841 units sold, representing 32.29% of total sales. Finally, only 2.87% of the vehicles sold in 2024 can run on gas (LPG or CNG), as total sales amounted to 35,130 vehicles.
Spain’s leading electric vehicle models include the Tesla Model 3, with 11,043 registrations, followed by the Tesla Model Y (5,495 units), although sales have plummeted by more than 19% compared to 2023 figures. The MG4 has managed to maintain third place, with over 2,668 registrations. Others include the Nissan LEAF, Renault Zoe, and Hyundai Kona EV, according to data provided by ANFAC. While some of these vehicles are imported, Spain has begun enhancing its domestic production capabilities, with the SEAT Mii Electric and the Peugeot e-2008 being manufactured in local facilities.
The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles as of September 2024 is approximately 37,136 public charging points. However, challenges persist, including bureaucratic complexities that hinder the installation of new stations and a lower penetration of electric vehicles, which can disincentivize investment in infrastructure. Only 29% of the existing infrastructure offers fast charging capabilities, with power outputs exceeding 22 kilowatts (kW). For example, Tesla has one of the best charging infrastructures on the market (which is largely responsible for its success). Still, the American manufacturer in Spain only offers 720 superchargers distributed across over 75 stations nationwide. In 2024, the brand launched 12 new stations with 112 posts of 250 kW, in addition to expanding seven existing ones, adding 40 new posts of 250 kW.
A recent study involving the Tesla Model X during a 650-kilometer journey from Madrid to Andorra found that the cost of “fuel” (electricity) was equivalent to that of a diesel car. However, the trip required over two hours—approximately 35% of the total travel time—for recharging. This highlights that electric vehicles in Spain are still not competitive outside major urban areas.
To begin addressing these challenges, companies like Zunder have secured significant investments, such as a €225 million loan from Santander in July 2024, to expand the charging network across Spain and other European countries. Additionally, initiatives such as the partnership between Iberdrola and BP, which involves a €1 billion investment to deploy 11,700 fast and ultra-fast charging points in Spain and Portugal, are underway to strengthen the charging infrastructure.
The transition to electric mobility is expected to reduce emissions from road transportation, which currently represents a substantial share of the country’s total emissions. Increased adoption of electric vehicles is anticipated to play a key role in meeting Spain’s emission reduction targets. The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) outlines a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 32% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels (among the lowest commitments in the European Union), with the transportation sector playing a pivotal role.
The PNIEC projects that by 2030, there will be 5,5 million electric vehicles on the road, including cars, vans, buses, and motorcycles. This would result in cumulative final energy savings of 3,524.2 ktep/year during the 2021–2030, out of 13,888 ktep for the entire transportation sector. However, this projection appears highly unlikely—if not outright impossible—as the massive electrification of vehicles depends on achieving price parity between electric and combustion-engine vehicles. While the PNIEC initially estimated this parity would be reached by 2025 due to anticipated reductions in battery costs, this has not been the case. On the other hand, we have seen how tricky the categorization of electric vehicles in Spain is.
The total investment associated with the penetration of electric vehicles is projected at €132.4 billion according to the PNIEC. Public financial support for this initiative during 2021–2025 was expected to total €1 billion, assuming annual subsidies of €200 million from the State Budget and regional governments. From 2025 to 2030, the plan assumed price parity would eliminate the need for public support—a scenario now known to be unrealistic.
Achieving these ambitious goals will require sustained efforts to promote electric vehicle adoption and develop the necessary infrastructure. For the electric vehicle sector to effectively contribute to the PNIEC’s 2030 targets, ongoing collaboration between the government, private sector, and consumers will be essential to overcome existing barriers and foster sustainable mobility.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Spain country Manager Juanjo Santos.
The domestic transportation sector, including electric vehicle development and charging infrastructure, is overseen by the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible).
Sara Hernández Olmo
Secretaria general de Movilidad Sostenible
@SaraHerO85