LISBON, June 2 (Xinhua) -- Electric car sales in Portugal increased by 157.1 percent in May 2023 compared to the same month of last year, the Automobile Association of Portugal (ACAP) said on Friday.

Since January of this year, 37,360 electric or hybrid vehicles have been registered in the country, 70 percent more than the 22,030 units registered in last year's same period.

According to the ACAP, these figures properly reflect the consumers' "changing preferences."

Tesla of the United States continues to be the absolute leader in the Portuguese market, followed by German automakers Volkswagen and BMW.

Portugal encourages the purchase of electric cars by charging lower taxes and offering special financing.