ASEAN’s road to the future of mobility

Bosch editorial team

South-East Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions with the rise of the middle-income group, economic growth and rapid urbanisation. Intensive urban development poses significant challenges of stretched infrastructure, overcrowding, higher energy demands, traffic congestion and exhaust emissions that magnify environmental hazards and cause greater air pollution.

Transportation is one of the major sources of air pollution. A mobility revolution is crucial to driving sustainable mobility in the region towards cleaner air. Mobility demand will be different from country to country and so will the powertrain mix. Yet, the question remains – how will we be able to balance both the environmental benefits and the diverse mobility needs of the population?

According to a Bosch study, around one-third of newly registered vehicles worldwide will be electric by 2030. During the transition period to electrification, two-thirds of the vehicles will still run on internal combustion engines (ICE) and some will be hybrids. It may take even longer than a decade to enjoy the full environmental benefits of an electrification society.

To strike a balance between user preference and environmental effects through sustainable mobility, the “Technology Neutrality” approach offers a variety of powertrain systems ranging from efficient internal-combustion engines and hybrids, to electric and fuel cells powering everything, from bikes and passenger cars to commercial vehicles.

Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles that consume diesel are commonly used in most ASEAN markets for mobility of goods and people. Now regarded as a manufacturing hub, ASEAN is experiencing high e-commerce and on-demand delivery trends that are resulting in rapid growth in logistics service providers (LSPs) and Last Mile Delivery. Diesel engine vehicles, especially pick-up trucks, are ideal for covering long distances and are therefore a preferred choice in logistics. Modern diesel vehicles can contribute to mitigating exhaust emissions by reducing nitrogen oxide discharges to the extent that their direct impact on air quality is close to zero even in urban environments, while also achieving low fuel consumption. Therefore, a diesel engine that conforms to the Euro 6 exhaust-gas standard emits some 15 per cent less CO2 than a comparable petroleum- powered engine. Petroleum engines are nonetheless the most widely used powertrain system worldwide. The increasing motorisation rate in the ASEAN region indicates peoples’ preference to own vehicles that gives them more freedom to commute. This underlines the importance of optimised technology for sustainable mobility, with consistent refinement to make the petroleum powertrain as clean and efficient as possible. Today’s technology for petroleum injection systems help to ensure efficient fuel use and reduce CO2 output. The use of the latest particle filters in conjunction with an innovative injection system can significantly minimise the emissions of gases and particles.

Image credit: Bosch

Air quality issues over the years, plus moderate increases in charging infrastructure, have accelerated the adoption of hybrid engines in smaller vehicle classes in the ASEAN region. A hybrid engine provides commuters with flexibility for short and long distance travel. The combination of a modern internal-combustion engine and an electric powertrain benefits short-haul travel in areas where charging stations may not be widely available, while a modern ICE can cover longer distances. With today’s technology, a hybrid powertrain is highly efficient in reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. “According to a Bosch study, around one-third of newly registered vehicles worldwide will be electric by 2030. During the transition period to electrification, two-thirds of the vehicles will still run on internal combustion engines (ICE) and some will be hybrids.”

While electrified mobility is still at the conceptual stage in many parts of the ASEAN region, the general attitude towards electric vehicles (EVs) is highly positive. Even though motorists have shown an interest in EV ownership, the shift to EVs in this region will be challenging without two essential components – economic viability and an extensive charging environment.

Gradual transition to electromobility could drive ASEAN sustainable growth

While passenger vehicles in other parts of the world may have already experienced an electrification revolution, two-wheelers and commercial vehicle fleets in South-East Asia are currently more ready for EV take-up.

A recent study revealed that more than 80 per cent of households in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam own a scooter or motorcycle. Two-wheeled vehicles are the next-largest segment that could realise large-scale EV adoption.

Several trends – including connectivity, electric powertrains and shared mobility services – are also currently shaping the region’s future of mobility, all of which essentially depend on support from local government to take-off. Although EV cars may not be commonplace in ASEAN today, the region’s fast-changing mobility landscape requires a combined capability to build solutions for moving people and goods. In a nutshell, collaboration is not an option, but a necessity to fast-track EV penetration on a massive scale.

Contact details: Intira Park Corporate, Communications Manager, Robert Bosch Limited, Tel: +66 2 012 8888, intirap@th.bosch.com, www.bosch.co.th

Image credit: Bosch