The Government of Javier Milei modified the import scheme for hybrid and electric vehicles that can enter the country without paying the import tariff and significantly raised the maximum value allowed for 100% electric cars.
The measure directly impacts the automotive market and consumers, and opens the possibility for brands that until now were excluded from the program to participate in the quota, offering models at lower prices.
The change was established through decree 1128/2026, which raised the maximum FOB value for pure electric vehicles from USD 16,000 to USD 35,000. Meanwhile, the limit for Mild-Hybrid or micro-hybrid models remains at USD 16,000, while the limit for hybrids and plug-in hybrids increased to USD 18,000.
Tesla Vehicles
The modification expands the universe of vehicles that can access the regime and, especially, allows Tesla to move forward with its entry into the Argentine market.
The company had been limited by the maximum value in effect during the quotas for 2025 and 2026, as even its most affordable models exceeded that parameter.
Tesla is authorized to enter the Argentine market
The new limit is particularly relevant for the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, the two most affordable models from the company mentioned in the note. In the United States, the Model 3 is priced between USD 36,990 and USD 54,990, while the Model Y ranges from USD 39,990 to USD 57,990.
Under the previous regime, both models could not enter the program that allows avoiding the 35% import tariff due to their values. The increase of the limit to USD 35,000 FOB changes that scenario and clears the way for Tesla to start selling its electric vehicles in Argentina.
Tesla Vehicles
However, this does not mean that the Tesla will be sold, for example, at USD 35,000 in Argentina, because other costs must also be added, such as transportation, internal taxes, VAT, logistics, and marketing.
The measure also aims to expand the number of brands and models available. During the first two years of the program, China accounted for 85% of the quota, so the increase in the maximum value allows for the incorporation of vehicles from other origins and expands the available offer for consumers.
The quota remains
The scheme currently maintains a total quota of 50,000 units between hybrid and electric vehicles. It is still not defined whether for the 2027 quota there will be a specific amount for each technology or if the same mechanism used during 2025 and 2026 will be maintained.
With the new limit, the Argentine market is open to a broader offer of electric vehicles and allows manufacturers that previously could not participate due to their FOB prices to compete within the duty-free import program, benefiting all consumers.
