Thailand EV registrations surge in March: government spokesman
Bangkok (VNA) – The number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Thailand had soared to 61,594 by the end of March, boosted by government support measures, according to Thai government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri.
EV registrations in March
rose to 8,522, almost double January’s figure of 4,543, Anucha said, citing data
from the Land Transport Department under the Ministry of Transport.
Most of the electric vehicles
registered in March were cars with less than seven seats (6,205 units), followed by
motorbikes (2,263 units).
Anucha attributed the rise to
the government’s incentives for EVs buyers, as well as measures to help EV
manufacturers penetrate the Thai market. Buyers of four-wheel EVs get discounts
of 70,000 to 150,000 baht (2,050 -4,400 USD), depending on battery size. A subsidy of
18,000 baht is available for purchases of e-motorcycles.
For manufacturers of battery
electric vehicles (BEVs), import duties have been cut by 40% on units priced
under 2 million baht and 20% for those priced between 2 million and 7 million
baht. Other government incentives include a 24-billion-baht subsidy scheme for
the local EV battery industry.
Thailand targets to transform into an EV hub,
with electric vehicles making up 30% of the total autos produced by 2030 and sales
of combustion-engine vehicles phased out completely by 2035.
Anucha said the Bangkok
International Motor Show from March 22 to April 2 helped boost EV bookings, noting that registrations had also been bolstered by March deliveries from manufacturers
including Tesla, BYD and MG.
The government’s promotion of EVs will help Thailand develop a sustainable economy that preserves the environment, he said, adding that this is the country's important stepping stone towards a low-carbon society./.