People visit the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show. (Photo: motoshow.in.th)Bangkok (VNA) – Oil prices remain elevated,pushing demand for electric vehicles (EV) in Thailand. This isreflected in the number of orders for EVs at the 44th Bangkok InternationalMotor Show.
Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary Nattapol Rangsitpolsaid the show held from March 20 to April 2 with the participation of 40automobile and motorcycle makers attracted 1.62 million visitors.
At the event, over 42,880 automobiles were ordered, anincrease of 34.45% compared with the figure at the last year's show. Notably,21.53% of all automobile orders, or over 9,230 ones, were EVs.
Nattapol said EVs have gained more popularity due tosupporting measures from the government that brought EV prices down. Meanwhile,consumers now have greater confidence in EV standards. Automakers have alsobeen launching a diverse range of new EV models and carrying out salespromotion campaigns for EVs.
He said that the Ministry of Industry has provided the EVindustry with supportive factors, for example, the establishment of standardsassociated with all types of EVs, including those for cars, pickup trucks,buses, cargo trucks, motorcycles, and tricycles. Standards were alsoestablished for batteries and charging stations. A total of 128 standards wereestablished in all.
The ministry also developed the Automotive and TyreTesting, Research and Innovation Center (ATTRIC) – the first of its kind in theASEAN region - to improve automobile standards, facilitate research on automobileperformance and support the testing of prototypes.
Nattapol said the ministry has also worked with relevantagencies to lay down a vision for Thailand to become a major electric vehiclesand parts manufacturing centre.
Thailand targets to produce 725,000 electric automobilesper year by 2030, accounting for 30% of the country’s automobile production,Nattapol said, adding that it will add no less than 200 billion baht (nearly 6 billion USD) of valueto the economy./.
