The electric vehicle (EV) market in South America is entering a decisive transition phase. While EV adoption in the region still lags behind North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, the development of EV charging equipment is accelerating as governments, utilities, and private investors prepare for long-term electrification.
Based on recent industry research from Mordor Intelligence and Global Information, Inc. (GII), South America’s EV charging equipment market shows steady growth momentum, driven by policy incentives, rising EV registrations, and expanding commercial fleet electrification.
This article examines how the market is evolving, where growth is concentrated, and what challenges continue to shape charging infrastructure deployment across the region.
Market Size and Growth Outlook
According to Mordor Intelligence, the South America EV charging equipment market was valued at approximately USD 110 million in 2025 and is projected to reach around USD 170 million by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 9.15% over the forecast period.
Although the absolute market size remains relatively small compared to mature EV regions, the consistent CAGR indicates that charging infrastructure is developing in parallel with vehicle adoption rather than lagging behind it. This is a critical difference from earlier EV rollouts seen in other emerging markets.
Charging Technology Trends: Slow Charging Still Dominates, Fast Charging Gaining Ground
One of the defining characteristics of South America’s EV charging landscape is the dominance of Level 2 AC chargers.
Level 2 charging systems currently account for more than 65% of installed charging equipment, reflecting the region’s strong reliance on residential and workplace charging.
At the same time, high-power DC fast charging systems (including 150 kW and above) are expected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 30%, particularly along highways, logistics corridors, and fleet depots.
This dual structure suggests that South America is following a gradual infrastructure development path, prioritizing affordability and grid compatibility first, while selectively expanding fast-charging networks where commercial demand justifies higher investment.
Installation Scenarios: Residential Charging Leads, Transport Hubs Grow Fastest
From an installation perspective, home charging remains the backbone of the market, representing roughly 57% of total installations. This aligns with urban living patterns and shorter daily driving distances in many South American cities.
However, the fastest growth is occurring in transport hubs, including:
Highways and intercity corridors
Airports and ports
Bus depots and logistics centers
These locations are forecast to grow at an annual rate of over 30%, reflecting the increasing electrification of public transport and commercial fleets rather than private passenger vehicles alone.
Country-Level Analysis: Brazil Leads, Colombia Accelerates
Brazil: The Regional Anchor Market
Brazil dominates the South American EV charging equipment market, accounting for over 60% of total regional revenue. The country benefits from:
National and state-level tax incentives
A rapidly expanding EV model lineup
Growing participation from utilities and energy companies
Despite this leadership, charging coverage remains uneven. Fewer than one-third of Brazilian cities currently have public charging infrastructure, highlighting significant room for expansion.
Colombia: Fastest Growth Momentum
Colombia stands out as the fastest-growing market in the region, with forecast growth exceeding 25% CAGR. Government mandates requiring fast-charging stations along major highways are accelerating infrastructure investment, particularly for long-distance travel.
Argentina and Peru: Emerging Opportunities
Argentina and Peru are still in early stages, but both markets show potential:
Argentina has introduced import duty exemptions for EVs and charging equipment.
Peru is experimenting with high-capacity charging solutions linked to mining and industrial electrification projects.
Battery Industry Development and Its Impact on Charging Infrastructure
While GII’s report primarily focuses on South America’s EV battery industry, its findings are closely linked to charging infrastructure growth.
South America holds a strategic position in the global EV supply chain due to its abundant lithium resources, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The emergence of local battery manufacturing facilities is expected to:
Reduce EV costs over time
Encourage local vehicle assembly
Increase demand for standardized, high-reliability charging equipment
As battery prices decline and vehicle availability improves, charging infrastructure demand is likely to follow a delayed but sustained upward curve.
Key Market Drivers
Several factors are shaping the expansion of EV charging equipment in South America:
Rapid growth in EV registrations, especially in Brazil, where year-on-year EV sales growth has exceeded 80% in recent periods.
Government incentives, including tax exemptions, reduced import duties, and public infrastructure funding.
Lower battery costs, improving total cost of ownership for EVs.
Commercial fleet electrification, particularly in public transport, mining, and urban logistics.
These drivers suggest that infrastructure investment is increasingly demand-driven rather than purely policy-led.
Challenges Limiting Faster Deployment
Despite positive momentum, the market faces structural constraints:
High upfront costs for DC fast charging stations, often requiring tens of thousands of dollars per unit.
Grid limitations, especially in remote or industrial regions.
Regulatory fragmentation, with differing standards and approval processes across countries and municipalities.
These challenges explain why residential and depot-based charging continues to grow faster than fully public fast-charging networks.
Future Outlook: Where the Market Is Headed
Looking ahead, the South America EV charging equipment market is expected to evolve in three key directions:
Expansion of corridor-based fast charging, supporting intercity travel and logistics routes
Growth of fleet-focused charging hubs, rather than consumer-only public stations
Increasing localization of manufacturing and assembly, reducing dependence on imports
For manufacturers, operators, and investors, early engagement in these segments could offer long-term advantages as the market matures.
Conclusion
South America’s EV charging equipment market is not experiencing explosive growth, but it is developing in a structured and sustainable way. The combination of rising EV adoption, supportive policies, and improving battery supply chains creates a solid foundation for long-term infrastructure expansion.
For companies willing to adapt to local market conditions and regulatory environments, South America represents not just an emerging market—but a strategically important one for the next phase of global EV growth.
