Hybrid vehicles continued to dominate car sales in Cyprus throughout 2024, outpacing electric vehicle (EV) registrations despite the country’s push toward greener mobility. According to official data from the Statistical Service, consumer preference for hybrids remains strong—even as government and EU targets press for full electrification.
Out of 6,024 new cars registered last year, hybrids led the pack with 3,224 units, ahead of petrol vehicles (2,137), fully electric cars (550), and diesels (113). The pattern extended to the used car market, where 7,903 total registrations included 3,606 petrol cars, 2,950 hybrids, 1,163 diesels, and just 185 electric vehicles.
The numbers reflect a broader challenge for Cyprus: the country is still far from its 2030 goal of having 80,000 fully electric vehicles on the road—a benchmark aligned with European Union environmental targets.
Industry experts point to key obstacles: high EV prices, limited charging infrastructure, and buyer uncertainty around battery range. In contrast, hybrids offer more affordable entry points and a built-in safety net thanks to their petrol backup, making them an appealing middle ground for many drivers.
The Cyprus Association of Motor Vehicle and Electric Vehicle Importers (CEMVEI) has voiced concern that current government incentives are insufficient to close the gap. The group is calling for larger budgets and more generous subsidies—focused exclusively on new EVs rather than used imports—to accelerate progress.
In a bid to improve adoption, the Transport Ministry will open a new round of applications under its electromobility grant scheme on 8 July at 9:00 AM, offering tiered incentives:
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40 grants of €7,500 for new hybrid vehicles (with trade-in), capped at €80,000
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150 grants of €9,000 for new fully electric vehicles
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10 grants of €20,000 for EVs purchased by disabled drivers
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10 grants of €20,000 for large families buying new electric vehicles
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50 grants of €9,000 for used electric vehicles, capped at €35,000
While the new incentives are a step forward, CEMVEI warns that deeper structural reforms will be needed if Cyprus hopes to meet its EV goals on time.
