Thailand EV registrations surge in March: government spokesman

Visitors look at a BYD Dolphin during the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand on March 22.(Photo: XINHUA)

Bangkok – 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.

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