Visitors look at a BYD Dolphin during the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand on March 22.(Photo: XINHUA)Bangkok (VNA) – 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 AnuchaBurapachaisri.
EV registrations in Marchrose to 8,522, almost double January’s figure of 4,543, Anucha said, citing datafrom the Land Transport Department under the Ministry of Transport.
Most of the electric vehiclesregistered in March were cars with less than seven seats (6,205 units), followed bymotorbikes (2,263 units).
Anucha attributed the rise tothe government’s incentives for EVs buyers, as well as measures to help EVmanufacturers penetrate the Thai market. Buyers of four-wheel EVs get discountsof 70,000 to 150,000 baht (2,050 -4,400 USD), depending on battery size. A subsidy of18,000 baht is available for purchases of e-motorcycles.
For manufacturers of batteryelectric vehicles (BEVs), import duties have been cut by 40% on units pricedunder 2 million baht and 20% for those priced between 2 million and 7 millionbaht. Other government incentives include a 24-billion-baht subsidy scheme forthe 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 salesof combustion-engine vehicles phased out completely by 2035.
Anucha said the BangkokInternational Motor Show from March 22 to April 2 helped boost EV bookings, noting that registrations had also been bolstered by March deliveries from manufacturersincluding Tesla, BYD and MG.
The government’s promotion ofEVs will help Thailand develop a sustainable economy that preserves theenvironment, he said, adding that this is the country's important stepping stone towards a low-carbon society./.
