TLDRs;
- BYD launches affordable EVs in Argentina after government lifts import duties.
- Dolphin Mini, Yuan Pro, and Song Pro SUVs priced below $16,000.
- Argentina anticipates 50,000 EVs tariff-free in 2026, boosting Chinese imports.
- BYD imports 7,800 vehicles amid low local EV adoption and rising demand.
Chinese automaker BYD has officially launched sales of its electric vehicles (EVs) in Argentina, taking advantage of the country’s recent decision to lift import duties on electric and hybrid vehicles.
This policy change, allowing up to 50,000 EVs and hybrids to enter Argentina duty-free in 2026, opens the door for competitive, affordable options in a market historically dominated by combustion engine vehicles.
BYD’s Argentine lineup includes the Dolphin Mini electric car, the Yuan Pro electric SUV, and the Song Pro plug-in hybrid SUV. All models are priced below US$16,000 before taxes and fees, positioning the company to attract cost-conscious consumers while accelerating the adoption of clean-energy vehicles.
Strategic Import Quotas Boost Expansion
Stephen Deng, BYD’s country manager for Argentina, revealed that the company plans to import roughly 7,800 electric and hybrid vehicles under the new tariff-free quota.
This move comes as Argentina anticipates receiving approximately 40,000 EVs from Chinese manufacturers by the end of January.
Previously, vehicles imported from non-Mercosur countries without local production in Argentina faced a 35% import duty. The new tariff exemption dramatically improves price competitiveness for Chinese brands like BYD, which have been expanding rapidly across South America.
Argentine EV Market Faces High Potential
Argentina, while the second-largest automotive market in South America, has historically maintained the lowest penetration of electric vehicles in the region. High import costs and unfavourable exchange rates have hindered EV adoption, making locally produced combustion engine vehicles more affordable for consumers.
Sebastian Beato, president of Argentina’s Association of Automotive Dealers (ACARA), noted that despite economic volatility and political uncertainty, vehicle sales in the country have remained consistent. He emphasized that the EV segment could see significant growth with new, competitively priced imports entering the market.
BYD Navigates Regional Competition
Globally, BYD continues its rapid expansion, contending with competitors such as Geely Auto and Leapmotor. While the company’s growth in Brazil has been met with resistance from labor unions and local industry groups concerned about domestic job displacement, Argentina’s recent policy adjustments present a relatively favorable environment for the brand.
However, BYD has revised its global sales projection for 2025 downward to 4.6 million vehicles, a 16% reduction from its initial forecast of 5.5 million units, reflecting broader market uncertainties. Despite this, the company’s strategic pricing and tariff leverage in Argentina signal strong growth potential for EV adoption in the region.
As BYD’s affordable electric SUVs arrive on Argentine streets, the move may mark a turning point for the country’s clean transportation sector, offering consumers accessible EV options while positioning Chinese automakers at the forefront of regional electrification.
