Neither electric nor gasoline: nearly 400,000 cars with this technology have already been sold in Spain in just 8 months

The Spanish market is making it clear that between traditional gasoline cars and pure electric vehicles, there is a technology gaining significant ground: plug-in hybrid vehicles. Their combination of a thermal engine and an electric motor allows for reduced fuel consumption and emissions without relying on a power outlet, a balance that is convincing more and more drivers.

ANFAC’s data clearly reflects this trend. From January to August 2026, 386,579 plug-in hybrid cars were registered in Spain, accounting for about 47% of the market. During the same period, plug-in hybrids totaled 102,217 units, while pure electric vehicles had 83,122 registrations. Together, BEVs and PHEVs accounted for 185,339 units, representing 22.6% of the market.

This doesn’t mean buyers are rejecting electric cars. Rather, it shows that there are various levels of electrification available today, and people choose based on how they actually use their vehicles.

Going electric without completely changing habits

For some buyers, the choice seems to be reducing reliance on internal combustion engines without yet fully committing to electric power. Conventional hybrids allow for electric propulsion without the need to plug in the vehicle. On the other hand, PHEVs come with a larger battery to cover most daily trips using electricity, though plugging in is still required, with a thermal engine reserved for longer journeys.

Those who don’t have a charger at home may find HEVs more logical; those who can charge regularly can make better use of plug-in options. The ECO and ZERO labels also play a role as low-emission zones are implemented.

A Case That Helps Explain the Change

In this context, the growth of OMODA & JAECOO is particularly noteworthy. These two brands, which recently entered the Spanish market, have built much of their expansion around hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

From January to August 2026, the company registered 13,412 hybrid vehicles and another 8,697 plug-in hybrids equipped with the same technology platform. In other words, over 20,000 cars featuring their SHS technology in just eight months.

92% of its sales already consist of electrified vehicles (HEV, PHEV, and BEV), and according to data provided by the company, OMODA & JAECOO holds fifth place overall in Spain’s annual market for such electrified models.

The driver doesn’t need to worry about which engine is running

OMODA & JAECOO’s solution revolves around its Super Hybrid System, or SHS. However, its functionality is better understood through practical use rather than engineering details.

The system aims to prioritize electric propulsion while automatically managing the combination of electricity and an internal combustion engine. It can operate in series or parallel with electric motors, a thermal engine, and the DHT transmission. The key is to keep this complexity hidden in the background.

In the OMODA 5 SHS hybrid, JAECOO 5 SHS hybrid, and JAECOO 7 SHS hybrid models, the hybrid version delivers 224 horsepower, has a WLTP fuel consumption of 5.3 liters per 100 kilometers, and receives an ECO rating.

For those who can charge regularly, the OMODA 7 SHS hybrid plug-in and JAECOO 7 SHS hybrid plug-in come equipped with an 18.4 kWh battery, offering up to 92 kilometers of electric range and over 1,200 kilometers of total range, with 279 horsepower and a ZERO rating.

At the top end, the plug-in hybrid OMODA 9 SHS delivers 537 horsepower, a 34.46 kWh battery, all-wheel drive, and up to 145 kilometers of electric range, in addition to a total range of over 1,100 kilometers. Rather than focusing on individual models, these figures show how the same technological philosophy can cater to very different user profiles.

Technology alone doesn’t explain all sales

A car isn’t purchased solely based on its range, power, or fuel consumption. And when it comes to a new brand, trust after purchase can be just as important.

OMODA & JAECOO has established a network of around 115 dealerships in Spain in less than three years. According to the company, the average travel time to one of its sales locations is 23 minutes. Additionally, its specialized parts logistics ensure that 98% of components are available and can be delivered within 24 hours, while batteries come with a warranty of up to eight years or 160,000 kilometers.

That set helps to better understand growth: technology, ease of use, range, sales network, and after-sales support. The Spanish market shows that electrification isn’t progressing along a single path, with pure electric vehicles continuing to grow, hybrids maintaining significant presence, and plug-in vehicles advancing strongly.

In the end, for buyers the questions are much simpler than the engineering behind them: how far can they drive on electric power, how much does it consume, whether they need to plug it in, what range will it have during trips, and what support will they receive after purchase. And perhaps that is one of the key reasons why these technologies are gaining so much traction in Spain.