16 E-MOBILITY
ASEAN’s fully-charged EV hub Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
Imagine busy urban streets, alive with battery-powered motorcycles, cars and buses, but without the haze of exhaust fumes and the noise of whirring engines. Imagine e-ferries docking quietly at piers and travelling along waterways without emitting hot, black smoke into the air or oil into the water. Imagine cities that are more livable with healthier air and cleaner water. Imagine ASEAN’s fully-charged EV hub. Thailand is committed to playing a leading role in the global electric transpor tation revolution and fulfilling its international commitment to greenhouse gas reduction. Indeed, the use of electric vehicles (EVs) has quickly become a practicality in Thailand, where multiple models of EVs from global and local manufacturers have generated great enthusiasm among local car users. They are attracted by the environmentallyfriendly advantages and reasonable prices, which have increased confidence in long-term uses. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have already become popular among Thailand’s car users, and the country is projected to see an increase in the number of more intensive battery-fuel vehicle types of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on the road over the next few years. As more of these EVs are being sold, their prices are falling due to a better economy-of-scale, making them an even more appealing alternative to cars with traditional combustion engines. In catering to the vibrant consumer market, this trend also reflects the concrete national framework of promoting usage of, and confidence in EVs by expanding the network of charging facilities as well as developing EV supporting industries. With EVs considered to be an important first step towards realising the next-generation transportation goals as they seek to leverage digital technology to improve functionality, the Thai government is making efforts to attract significant investment in the EV industry.
UPDATE 3/2021
