The Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce has rolled out measures to promote electric vehicles (EVs). (Photo: VNA)Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce has rolled outmeasures to promote electric vehicles (EVs), a type of vehicle that uses cleanenergy and protects the environment.
Theycomprise policies to encourage the development of production, supply and use ofEVs and EV batteries as well as to promote the provision of post-purchase servicesand construction of charging stations nationwide, along with attractinginvestors to build factories that engage in producing and assembling four-wheeledEVs, the ministry said.
Coordination with the natural resources and environment sector is also amust to set forth measures to handle expired batteries to avoid leavingnegative impacts on the environment and society.
Bouavanh Volavong, Director General of the ministry's Departmentof Industry and Handicraft, said currently, the use of EVsin Laos is urgent to minimise the budget for importing petroleum, adding that the importvalue of this product in Laos is relatively high, accounting for 20% of thecountry’s total value.
According to Bouavanh, vehicles using petroleumcause negative impacts on the environment and society. Meanwhile, Laos hasgreat potential for electricity production, thus, promoting the adoption of EVsnationwide is the right direction to take advantage of internal resources aswell as to ensure the trade balance.
Currently, the use of EVs in Laos still faces many obstaclessuch as EV manufacturing or assembling factories in Laos are limited. Besides,the road system in Laos has not met standards suitable for EVs, especiallynon-urban routes, while the number of charging stations has not yet satisfiedactual demand./.
