What is the tax on imported electric and hybrid cars

From January onwards, imported electric and hybrid cars will once again pay Import Tax. The import of these vehicles had been free from this tax since 2015, but the federal government decided to end the exemption.

Taxation will gradually rise depending on the model, reaching 35% in July 2026 – which is the tax charged today on combustion-powered imports.

The continuity of the exemption was a demand from electric car sellers to develop the market in Brazil. For now, electric cars are imported. Production of the models in Brazil should begin next year.

Currently, electric vehicles are exempt and hybrids are subject to 4% Import Tax. The first increase comes into force in January 2024, when the rates rise to 10% and 12%, respectively.

Check below what the Import Tax will be on electric and hybrid cars in the coming years:

From 2024 to July 2026, part of imports will continue to be made with reduced or zero tax, through decreasing quotas.

Between January and July next year, for example, companies will be entitled to import US$130 million in mild hybrids, US$226 million in plug-in hybrids, US$283 million in pure electric vehicles and US$20 million in trucks electrical.