Electric vehicles are gaining ground in Spain, although their share depends on the period and vehicle category measured. Battery-electric cars accounted for 8.8% of Spanish registrations in 2025, with 101,600 vehicles registered, information from figures Agencia EFE reported from ANFAC, Faconauto and Ganvam. In September 2026, their share reached 18.5% of monthly registrations, or 17,366 cars, close to two in ten for that month. Battery-electric cars and plug-in hybrids together made up about one-third of September registrations, a broader measure than fully electric cars alone.
OCU’s survey, which the organisation says gathered responses from 3,810 electric-car owners across ten European countries, examines reliability as buyers consider moving away from petrol and diesel. Price and brand reputation remain part of that decision, alongside breakdowns, servicing and the everyday cost of ownership. EFE, citing ANFAC, Faconauto and Ganvam, reported that public incentives and the arrival of more affordable models helped lead the recent rise in registrations.
In OCU’s reported reliability ranking, BMW and Smart score 91 out of 100, followed by Tesla, BYD and Dacia on 89. Kia, Nissan, Renault and MG each score 87. OCU also places Tesla first for owner satisfaction, ahead of BMW and Polestar, while Mercedes-Benz ranks strongly for satisfaction but lower on reliability. These scores reflect the survey’s reported ranking; they do not guarantee that every vehicle from a brand will deliver the same ownership experience.
The economic case also depends on how and where a car is used. OCU estimates that home-charging electricity for a car consuming 18 kWh per 100 kilometres would cost around €2,700 over 100,000 kilometres, compared with about €12,000 in petrol for a comparable distance. It puts average annual servicing at €140 for an electric car and €250 for petrol or diesel models. Actual totals vary with electricity and fuel prices, vehicle efficiency, charging losses, mileage and the services included.
Insurance remains a impressive cost in OCU’s comparison: comprehensive cover for electric cars reportedly averages 36% more than for petrol models, with premiums varying by vehicle and insurer. Purchase prices can also be higher, while the article identifies subsidies under Spain’s Plan Auto+ as one measure helping buyers narrow the gap. Comparing the full cost, including financing, insurance, charging and maintenance, gives a more useful picture than looking at the purchase price alone.
Battery longevity is another factor shaping perceptions. The article notes that many manufacturers offer battery warranties of eight years or 160,000 kilometres and cites real-world experience showing batteries lasting beyond 300,000 kilometres when properly used. Charging habits matter: keeping the battery roughly between 20% and 80% for routine use, avoiding frequent deep discharges and limiting unnecessary rapid charging can reduce stress on the pack. Warranty terms and charging recommendations vary by model, so buyers should check the manufacturer’s guidance.
Spain’s fast monthly growth comes alongside a continuing gap with the wider European market. Battery-electric cars represented 18.5% of new registrations in Spain in September 2026, compared with 29.9% across the EU that month, according to figures reported by Foro Coches Eléctricos citing ACEA and Spanish industry registration data. Public charging provision is also expanding: Vozpópuli reported that ANFAC’s electromobility barometer counted 58,075 publicly accessible charging points through September, including 1,393 added in the latest quarter. The count covers charging points, but their location, power and availability also determine how useful the network is to drivers.
For prospective buyers, OCU advises comparing financing offers, including those from banks, and carefully reading dealership contracts for potentially unfair clauses. Reliability scores can help narrow a shortlist, but total ownership costs and the terms of a specific vehicle’s warranty and insurance remain basic to the decision.
As the market evolves, global manufacturers and battery suppliers are taking on a growing role, including Chinese companies and brands such as BYD. For a broader perspective on how Chinese companies are reshaping the electric-vehicle industry worldwide, see this analysis of China’s expanding dominance in EV batteries.
Spain’s electric-car market is advancing, and OCU’s ranking gives buyers a snapshot of how owners rate reliability and satisfaction across several brands. The figures sit within a market where the fully electric share varies significantly between annual and monthly measures, while running costs depend on individual usage. For consumers weighing a switch, comparing the specific model, its warranty, charging needs and contract terms matters as much as the brand’s position in a survey.
