Portugal is rapidly establishing itself as a leading European market for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, bolstered by significant growth in both EV sales and public charging infrastructure. Recent data indicates the country is well-positioned to continue this trajectory, though challenges remain in scaling the charging network to meet increasing demand.
In 2024, one in three new cars sold in Portugal was an EV, a figure comfortably exceeding the European and global averages of 25%. Specifically, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are gaining popularity, with their share of total new vehicle sales rising from 9% in 2021 to 20.5% in 2024 – more than double the European average increase over the same period (5.5 percentage points). This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including the expansion of charging infrastructure, sustained government purchase incentives, and a wider selection of BEV models, particularly from Chinese manufacturers.
The expansion of Portugal’s public charging infrastructure has largely kept pace with the growth in the EV parc. The number of public charging points increased by 50% in 2024, with 38% of these being high-speed DC charging points – more than double the European average. Despite this progress, the ratio of EVs to public charging points remains relatively high at 24, almost double the European average, indicating a continued need for infrastructure development.
The Roland Berger EV Charging Index 2025 places Portugal in 12th position, a significant improvement reflecting the country’s recent advancements. According to Thomas Schlingensiepen, Principal at Roland Berger’s Lisbon Office, “As Portugal enters a new stage of EV market maturity there is a growing need to rethink the current charging network model.” This suggests that while current infrastructure expansion is positive, a more strategic and potentially innovative approach will be necessary to sustain growth and address the evolving needs of EV drivers.
January 2026 saw continued momentum in EV charging activity. The national public charging network recorded over 825,000 charging sessions, representing a 36% increase compared to January 2025. This demonstrates sustained demand and the increasing reliance on public charging infrastructure as EV adoption rises.
The broader European context also highlights Portugal’s strong performance. While data for the entire European market in 2025 is still being finalized, preliminary figures indicate a 1.8% increase in new car registrations with battery-electric vehicles accounting for 17.4% of the market share. December 2025 specifically showed a substantial surge in EV registrations, with a 51% increase for battery-electric cars and a 36.7% increase for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
The growth in Portugal’s EV market is not occurring in isolation. Spain is also experiencing a surge in EV sales, contributing to the overall positive trend in Southern Europe. However, the specific dynamics and infrastructure challenges differ between the two countries.
The increasing demand for EV charging is prompting a re-evaluation of existing network models. The current infrastructure, while expanding, may require adjustments to accommodate the growing number of EVs on the road and ensure convenient and reliable charging access for all users. This could involve investments in faster charging technologies, strategic placement of charging points, and innovative pricing models.
The success of Portugal’s EV transition is likely to depend on continued collaboration between government, private sector companies, and energy providers. Sustained purchase incentives, streamlined permitting processes for charging infrastructure deployment, and investments in grid upgrades will be crucial to maintaining momentum and solidifying Portugal’s position as a leader in e-mobility.
Looking ahead, the focus will likely shift towards optimizing the charging experience and addressing potential bottlenecks in the network. This includes improving the reliability of charging points, enhancing user interfaces, and integrating charging infrastructure with smart grid technologies. The ability to effectively manage these challenges will be key to unlocking the full potential of EVs and accelerating the transition to a sustainable transportation system in Portugal.
