QUITO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's sales of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) saw a surge in January, mainly driven by Chinese EV brands, the Association of Automotive Companies of Ecuador (AEADE) said Wednesday.

The country's EV sales in the period increased from 181 units to 612 units year on year, AEADE said in a sales report, noting that hybrids and EVs accounted for 22.2 percent in the Ecuadorian car market.

According to the report, 15 Chinese brands, including BYD, Dongfeng, GAC, Chery and JAC, were among the 21 best-selling EV brands in January.

BYD led the surge of Chinese EV sales in Ecuador with 311 units sold, a 170.4-percent increase year on year.

AEADE added that January became the best month for the Ecuadorian automotive market, with a 37-percent growth in new vehicle sales, up from 8,276 units in 2025 to 11,342 units in 2026.

Genaro Baldeon, the president of AEADE, said that the decrease in country risk has made financing more accessible, which drives demand and keeps the automotive market in Ecuador active. ■