The Thai government has announced that the number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered in the country had increased significantly in March, thanks to various support measures and incentives.
This is part of Thailand’s efforts to become a regional hub for EV production and adoption.
According to government spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri, EV registrations in March rose to 8,522, almost double January’s figure of 4,543. Most of the EVs registered in March were cars with less than seven seats (6,205 units), followed by motorbikes (2,263 units).
The government’s promotion of EVs will help Thailand develop a sustainable economy that preserves the environment, Anucha said, adding that this is the country’s important stepping stone towards a low-carbon society.
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.
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.