The growth in Peru mirrors a broader trend across Latin America. EV sales, while still a fraction of the 135,394 new vehicles sold in the country over the first nine months of 2025, reached a record 7,256 units — a 44% year-on-year increase. Chinese automakers are capitalizing on this surge, supported by the Port of Chancay north of Lima. This new megaport, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has cut trans-Pacific shipping times in half, enabling faster distribution of vehicles across the continent.
BYD, already a leading EV brand in the region, plans to open its fourth Lima dealership by the end of the year, while Chery and Geely maintain more than a dozen locations across Peru. “The electric car is doing very well here, more than two new cars are sold every day,” Zwiebach said. Rising demand has also encouraged him to expand his renewables business to include EV charger installations for clients in Lima and Arequipa.
Chinese manufacturers are leveraging surplus production and competitive pricing to capture market share across South America. In Uruguay, for example, BYD now ranks as the third-biggest seller of all vehicle types, with Chinese brands accounting for 22% of the market — more than double their share in 2023. In Chile, Chinese vehicles reached nearly 30% of new car sales in early 2025. The International Energy Agency reports that EV penetration across Latin America doubled to roughly 4% in 2024 and continues to rise, aided by affordable models and government incentives.
Peru’s Chancay port has become a key distribution hub. Cosco Shipping, which operates the facility, anticipates 19,000 vehicle arrivals from China by year-end, with shipments already reaching Chile, Ecuador, and Colombia. These flows are helping Chinese automakers consolidate their presence while addressing production surpluses at home.
Brazil is emerging as another strategic market. BYD and Great Wall Motors (GWM) have established local assembly plants in Bahia and other repurposed facilities, allowing them to navigate tariff barriers and export to neighboring countries through Mercosur agreements. Despite growing imports, the Brazilian government is gradually reinstating import duties on EVs, reflecting concerns about local employment and domestic production.
While EV adoption in South America still faces challenges, including long distances and uneven charging infrastructure, early adopters like Zwiebach emphasize the benefits. “It’s difficult to travel the entire Peruvian coast, but the car costs less to run and never needs to go to the service garage,” he said.
With Chinese manufacturers expanding both production and regional distribution networks, South America is witnessing a rapid shift toward electric mobility, reshaping the continent’s automotive market and offering consumers increasingly accessible and affordable EV options.