All xEVs sold in Thailand to be locally-assembled by 2035, Thai gov sets lofty ambition

After a meeting of the Thai “National New Generation Vehicle Committee” on Wednesday, the Thai government has announced its most ambitious plan to date – to have all electrified vehicles sold in Thailand also be assembled in Thailand by 2035.

Bangkok Post reports that the "National New Generation Vehicle Committee", chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Supattanapong Punmeechaow, approved the private sector’s request to hasten the Thai EV plans.

With the 2035 100% target in mind, the Thai government aims for 50% of EVs sold in Thailand to be locally-assembled by 2030. 

By 2035, Thailand aims to become a global production base for e-vehicles. The figures projected by the Thai EV production target show a drastic increase in EV production. A total number of 18,413,000 EVs (including cars, bikes, and buses) is expected to be produced by 2035.

The meeting on Wednesday also approved the establishment of four sub-committees that will take on the following responsibilities:

• Promote the production of electrified vehicles and parts
• Develop the infrastructure and batteries
• Evaluate impacts of electrified vehicles on petrol and greenhouse gases
• PR and encouraging drivers to switch to EVs

Besides the establishment of the committees, efforts by the Thai government reportedly include:

• Raising tax benefits for manufacturers and consumers
• Developing exclusive parking spaces for EVs
• Ensuring battery charging stations are provided across the country
• Preparing the eastern economic corridor (EEC) to be the base for developing e-vehicles in Thailand.

Thailand has been announcing its lofty ambitions regarding EVs since last year. While highly ambitious, the Thai deputy PM has assured the private sector that the government would be able to achieve these goals.

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