Canada, Costa Rica leading EV transition 


July 2025

The video “Electrifying the Americas” explores the continent’s transition toward electric and hybrid vehicles (XEVs), including BEVs, MHEVs, and PHEVs. Adoption rates vary widely across countries, reflecting different levels of momentum and infrastructure readiness.

Smaller nations such as Canada, Costa Rica, and Uruguay are leading in market penetration despite their modest vehicle totals. Canada saw 15% of sales as XEVs in 2024, though this eased to 9.7% in early 2025. Costa Rica reached 14.6% last year and 10% in early 2025, while Uruguay surged from 7.6% to 13% in the first quarter of 2025. Larger markets show mixed progress: the United States grew from 8% in 2023 to 9.2% in 2024 but slipped to 7.5% in early 2025, with XEVs making up 1.4% of its 297 million vehicles. Brazil rose from 5.4% in 2024 to 8% in 2025, with 400,000 electrified vehicles, nearly half hybrids. Mexico, Colombia, and Chile are showing breakthroughs, while Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador remain slower adopters.

The conclusion emphasizes that electrification is underway across the Americas, but each country is pacing differently. Smaller economies demonstrate leadership through strong policies, while regional giants face uneven traction. Slower adopters highlight challenges but also untapped potential.