The latest figures show that Tunisia’s automotive market underwent a rapid transformation between January and July 2026. Electric vehicles, powered partially or entirely by electricity, accounted for more than 12% of total vehicle registrations, compared with 5% during the same period in 2025.
Chinese brands dominate with 60% of electric vehicle registrations in Tunisia
The electric and hybrid vehicle market in Tunisia has recorded remarkable growth, driven primarily by increasing interest in rechargeable technologies. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) registered a spectacular 522% increase, reaching 2,177 vehicles. Meanwhile, fully electric vehicles (EVs) rose by 525%, reaching 1,543 units. Conventional hybrid vehicles (HEVs) recorded a more moderate increase of around 13%.
The figures also indicate that Chinese manufacturers continue to dominate the Tunisian market, accounting for nearly 60% of electric vehicle registrations in Tunisia.
This acceleration in the adoption of these types of vehicles can be attributed to tax incentives, a wider range of available options, and growing awareness of new powertrain technologies. However, this growth does not hide the numerous challenges facing the sector, particularly regarding infrastructure quality and its compatibility with the requirements of these vehicles. Further development of the charging station network, stronger after-sales services, technician training, and the implementation of an integrated strategy for battery supply and management are also key challenges.
Ambition to sell 2,000 electric vehicles despite ongoing challenges and government incentives
The sector aims to reach 2,000 electric vehicle sales by the end of the year, as the government moves to support the transition toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly means of transportation, according to a previous statement by Ibrahim Debbache, President of the Chamber of Car Dealers and Manufacturers.
Despite the positive indicators, Debbache stressed that Tunisia’s electric vehicle market remains in its early stages, with its share still limited compared with the overall automotive market. He added that developing the charging station network, reducing costs, and strengthening maintenance and technical support services are among the main challenges to ensuring the sector’s sustainable expansion in the coming years.
According to data from the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), the cost of driving 100 kilometers in an electric vehicle is approximately 6 Tunisian dinars, compared with around 16 dinars for a comparable vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine.
This difference in operating costs is an encouraging factor for professionals, particularly taxi drivers, as well as families considering switching to electric vehicles. This trend is further supported by the growing diversity of brands available on the Tunisian market and their competitive pricing, with models aimed at both family and individual use, as well as vehicles attracting motorsport enthusiasts.
This development comes at a time when global trends toward sustainable mobility and the use of clean energy are gaining momentum, opening up new opportunities for the Tunisian market to keep pace with the transformations taking place in the global automotive industry.
