The national government is working on the final details of the new quota for importing hybrid and electric cars without tariffs, corresponding to the 2026 period. The program, administered by the Secretariat of Industry and Commerce of the Ministry of Economy, will allow up to 50,000 units to enter without paying the 35% extra-zone tariff.
The submission of offers closed last October 16, and the official result of the award will be announced in the coming days. According to sources from the agency, the awarded units must respect a maximum price of USD 16,000 FOB, that is, the shipping value before taxes and transportation costs.
A tender with high demand
The tender for the second year of this regime was considered a success, as the number of applications far exceeded the 50,000 vehicles available. This interest reinforces the government's intention to promote the adoption of clean technologies and reduce the price of electric and hybrid cars in the Argentine market.
Autos eléctricos 2026: Economía adjudicará 50.000 unidades sin arancel del 35%
However, due to the excess of applications, the award has been delayed. The Ministry of Economy must carefully analyze the proposals to ensure an equitable distribution between local manufacturers and importers.
How the quota will be allocated
The award scheme establishes a 50% division between both sectors:
25,000 units will be allocated to Argentine manufacturers.
25,000 units will be assigned to importers.
The selection is based on two key variables: the retail price in dollars and the arrival date in the country. Both are evaluated together, which allows prioritizing both the most competitive offers and the models available in the shortest time.
Autos eléctricos 2026: Economía adjudicará 50.000 unidades sin arancel del 35%
Brands such as BAIC, BYD, and MG have already submitted multiple models in their proposals, generating intense competition among bidders. Among the alternatives being considered by the government, two scenarios are being analyzed: distributing the quota among all brands with lower volume or prioritizing the most economical offers with the earliest arrival.
Reallocation of the 2025 remainder
In addition to the 2026 tender, the Executive also plans to reuse a remainder of 10,000 units from the 2025 quota. These are batches released by companies that did not complete the administrative procedures or withdrew from their award.
Nevertheless, these vehicles must enter the country before January 31, 2026, the same deadline established for duty-free imports. This condition restricts participation, since only automakers with stock ready to ship will be able to access this benefit.
Although demand far exceeds availability, the measure reaffirms the official commitment to modernizing Argentina's automotive fleet.
