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Thailand to ban sale of combustion engines by 2035, aiming to be EV manufacturing hub

Jason · Apr 23, 2021 06:00 PM

Thailand to ban sale of combustion engines by 2035, aiming to be EV manufacturing hub 01

In what can only be called an ambitious move, Thailand has set out to phase out the internal combustion engine. By 2035, the country aims to sell only electric vehicles (EVs), and establish itself as the Southeast Asian hub for EV manufacturing at the same time. Petrol and diesel engines, you've been warned. 

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In an interview with Bloomberg, adviser to Energy Ministry’s national policy committee, Kawin Thangsupanich said, "We can see the world is heading in that direction so we have to move quickly, We want to capture that growth post-pandemic, and we have the ambition to be the production center because we already have the existing supply chains.”

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Thailand to ban sale of combustion engines by 2035, aiming to be EV manufacturing hub 01

It goes without saying that the automotive industry is massively important to Thailand. It is worth 10% of the economy, employs 850,000 workers, and supports industries from iron and steel to petrochemicals and plastic. 50% of cars made in Thailand are exported to countries including the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. You can see why Thailand wants to be an EV manufacturer, don't you?

Thailand to ban sale of combustion engines by 2035, aiming to be EV manufacturing hub 02

To future-proof it, Thailand is acting now, and fast. In the roadmap to 100% EV adoption, the Energy Ministry has set a target of having 50% market share for EVs by 2030 (up from a previous 30%). 

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Electrified tuk tuks? That'll be something!
Image credit.

How will this roadmap be realised? Tax incentives, proper infrastructure and developing regulations that promote EV manufacturing. ”If we let the EV adoption happen naturally, it could take too long. As a producer, setting a clear target makes the country more attractive for investment.” said Yossapong Laoonual, honorary chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand.

Thailand to ban sale of combustion engines by 2035, aiming to be EV manufacturing hub 04

In announcing this roadmap, Thailand will be one of the first in the ASEAN region to spearhead this brave new adventure into electrified vehicles, not just as a consumer, but a manufacturer. Will Malaysia follow suit? Only time will tell, but we surely hope so.

 

Jason

Road Test Editor

Jason's foremost passion is all things automotive, where he spent his formative working years as a Product Planner and Trainer. An Advanced Driving Instructor by training and an all-round enthusiast, Jason loves going into intricate details about driving dynamics. Will drive anything with 4 wheels and a steering.

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