For many years, Spain was one of the most backward markets in Europe in the adoption of electric vehicles. But something has started to change.

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In the midst of the energy transition and with new incentives for sustainable mobility, the country has begun to record historic figures in the sale of plug-in cars, both hybrid and 100% electric.

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The most striking fact is not only the growth in demand, but also who is leading this new map of preferences: Tesla, the brand that for years was synonymous with electric mobility, has been left out of the Top 3.

In May 2025, registrations of plug-in vehicles in Spain —that is, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and pure electric (EV)— skyrocketed with an increase of 80% compared to the same month of the previous year.

A significant increase that has increased the market share of this type of vehicles to unprecedented figures, although still far from countries like Norway, Germany or the Netherlands.

A market that is electrifying, but without Tesla at the forefront

Spain is still far from leading the European ranking in electric mobility, but May marked a milestone. 98,522 new vehicles were sold, 7.08% more than last year. Of that total, electrified cars represented a growing portion of the market.

In the case of self-charging hybrids, which do not require a plug, the trend continues to rise: with 40,746 registrations in May, they represent 41.35% of the passenger car market.

This represents a year-on-year growth of 33.64%. Toyota remains the dominant brand, occupying the top three positions in the monthly ranking: the Toyota Yaris Cross led the way with 1,982 units, followed by the Toyota Yaris (1,842 units) and the Toyota Corolla (1,620 units). The KIA Sportage and the Nissan Qashqai rounded out the top five.

PHEVs gain ground and BYD consolidates its position

Where growth is even more explosive is in plug-in hybrids. With 9,122 units registered in May, PHEVs reached a market share of 9.26%, with an impressive growth of 80.31% compared to 2024. The cumulative figures for the year are also positive: an increase of 42.79% compared to the same period of the previous year.

The protagonist in this segment was BYD, the Chinese manufacturer that has gained notoriety throughout Europe. Its Seal U model led sales with 906 units. It was followed by the Toyota C-HR, with 816 units, and the Ford Kuga with 496. Very close behind was the Jaecoo 7 PHEV, which came in fourth with 467 vehicles, while the MG HS PHEV closed the leading group with 397 units.

In pure electric vehicles, Renault and KIA are ahead

As for fully electric vehicles, the news was also positive. May closed with 6,835 registrations of 100% electric cars, representing a growth of 77.99% compared to the same month last year. The market share now stands at 6.94%, a notable advance that reflects the definitive momentum that the electric car seems to have gained in Spain.

In this case, the top positions were surprisingly absent from Tesla. The Renault 5, a modern reinterpretation of the classic French urban car, topped the list with 519 units. It was followed by the KIA EV3, with 516 vehicles, and the Citroën ë-C3, with 360. The Tesla Model 3 was in fourth place, with 333 units, followed by the Peugeot E-2008, which closed the Top 5 with 269.

This figure contrasts with previous years, when Tesla clearly led electric car sales in Spain. Although the Model 3 continues to be the best-selling electric car so far in 2025, its decline in the monthly ranking seems to mark a trend.

Tesla loses ground in a more competitive market

The case of Tesla deserves special mention. The American brand is going through a difficult time in Europe, with adjustments in production, prices, and deliveries.

In Spain, its position has been clearly affected by the arrival of new competitors and the consolidation of other traditional players that have accelerated their offer of electric cars at more competitive prices.

Although the Tesla Model 3 remains one of the benchmarks in the electric segment, its performance in May shows a relative decline. The company itself has faced logistical problems, as well as a lukewarm market response to its latest updates.

On the other hand, the prices of models like the Model Y, which range between $44,000 and $52,000, continue to be an obstacle for many Spanish buyers looking for more affordable options.

In contrast,Brands such as BYD and MG have managed to offer plug-in vehicles for under $35,000, which has boosted their sales in a very price-sensitive market.

China is gaining ground in Spain

The entry of Chinese manufacturers into the Spanish market has been one of the key factors in this reconfiguration of the automotive landscape. BYD, MG, Jaecoo, and Aiways are capitalizing on the interest in more affordable electric vehicles, without neglecting technology or performance.

The BYD Seal U, for example, has received good reviews for its range and quality of finish, with a base price starting at around $34,500. Similarly, the MG ZS EV has been one of the most popular options among those looking for their first electric car, with prices starting at $28,000.

A permanent change or a temporary peak?

The big question now is whether this sales growth is structural or a one-time effect of incentives, launches, and promotions. The increase in available models, aid from the Moves Plan, and improvements in charging infrastructure seem to have created the perfect breeding ground for acceleration.

However, experts warn that there are still barriers to overcome. The charging network remains insufficient in many regions of the country, and the disparity in electricity prices also discourages change, especially for those without access to home charging.

On the other hand, the lack of a clear national strategy for the development of the electric car industry generates uncertainty among manufacturers. The potential imposition of new tariffs on Chinese cars by the European Union could also be a game-changer in the coming months.