Laos is planning to buy a new fleet of electric vehicles for its top officials.

[ASEAN NOW]

 

Laos' government is considering replacing Party and government leaders' gasoline cars with electric vehicles.

 

Authorities have been debating the purchase of electric vehicles for senior Lao officials as part of cost-cutting measures as the Party strives to implement its austerity policy, according to a report from the Ministry of Finance.

 

Background on electric vehicles, including types, brands, and technical specifications, as well as the vehicle power calculation unit, were discussed. The amount of electric vehicles available for purchase, as well as an auction process for disposing off the current fleet of state gasoline vehicles, are all being considered.

 

Dr. Phankham Viphavanh, the Prime Minister of Laos, told the National Assembly in August that the government would cut spending on state vehicles, claiming that the country currently has thousands of vehicles registered to it and that he would issue a decree regulating the use of vehicles by government agencies very soon.

 

Meanwhile, the Government of Laos adopted a new policy this month to promote electric vehicles, with the hopes of reducing fuel imports and emissions in the country. Electric vehicles are projected to account for 1% of all autos in Laos by 2025, and over 30% by 2030.