Energy Ministry to Promote Thailand as an Electric Vehicle Hub

[Jacob Maslow]

Thailand’s Energy Ministry will offer its full support in promoting the country as an electric vehicle production hub. As part of the plan, the ministry will make amendments to regulations and laws regarding electricity transmission and fuel retailers. These changes would allow electricity chargers to be set up at petrol stations.

The amendments are part of a plan to help improve the sales of electric vehicles in Thailand and encourage EV car makers to increase production plants in the country. The pilot project will involve the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and PTT Plc.

Seven electricity chargers will be made available for testing. Chargers will be set up in Bangkok, Chon Buri, Rayong and Ayutthaya. PTT and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority have been working on developing chargers for four years to prepare for a future EV launch.

If the EV program is a success, the first lot of EV vehicle may be available for sale in five years.

The Board of Investment is also talking with policymakers and energy industries to discuss privileges that might encourage EV investment. Adequate infrastructure, high demand and support from the local government are three key factors that would attract investors to Thailand. The country may launch these incentives as early as May.

Incentives have already been launched by the Board of Investment for EV auto part makers, such as air conditioners, batteries and traction motors. The incentives grant a 10% decrease in excise tax.

The board predicts that up to half the EV vehicles produced in Thailand would be sold domestically. The government’s support in expanding charger stations would go a long way in making the EV program a success.

Vehicles that would fall under the EV category would include flex-fuel vehicles, hybrids, fuel-cell vehicles and fully electric vehicles. According to an International Energy Agency, global sales of EVs could reach as high as 6 million vehicles by 2020. Just 113,000 EVs were sold in 2012.

-- 2015-03-28

[selftaopath]

As often as the electricity goes off in our village, it might be a challenge to charge an electric car. But then again... TIT so ONLY talk... Maybe next we'll hear how the govt. is "suggesting" more self driven automobiles b/c now Thailand is ranked almost #1. in road accident deaths.

[wangsuda]

And yet another hub for Thailand. Why doesn't Thailand proclaim itself the hub of the universe for all things known and unknown, and be done with it.

[EricBerg]

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast. Their radius is limited. But should they sell well in the urban zones then it sure would help bring down the horrible number of traffic casualties. That should be the first target for any government. Almost 30,000 dead per year. No country would let that go on so easily.

[rakman]

And all that electricity to power the cars will come from where?

[Jdietz]

And yet another hub for Thailand. Why doesn't Thailand proclaim itself the hub of the universe for all things known and unknown, and be done with it.

You mean it isn't yet?

Edited March 29, 2015 by Jdietz

[Thian]

Yup, the new hub of all hubs. Thailand only!

We all know how "good" the Thai are with electricity.

Also they have a great reputation for building cars and engineering

They better make electric trains all over Thailand, to start with bangkok because the air pollution is really bad. Not to mention the quality of the drivers. Even using indicators is too hard for them.

[Chris Lawrence]

Another really good idea? How many of these good ideas can the General have?

So people won't be able to afford University fees; they haven't got the intellectual talent in Thailand to promote and develop a scheme like this; Thais want to own all new business ventures; They are not producing any electric cars not even mobility chairs?; infrastructure will predominately be around Bangkok as the Elites don't like sharing their toys with the country folk? 113,000 EV produced in 2012?; and I thought it would be a combination of engines that would power vehicle’s?

Maybe they could get the team from Top Gear to help promote the idea; they haven't got a gig at the moment? Clarkson speaks well of the Thais and bridges?

Edited March 29, 2015 by Chris Lawrence

[DLock]

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast. Their radius is limited. But should they sell well in the urban zones then it sure would help bring down the horrible number of traffic casualties. That should be the first target for any government. Almost 30,000 dead per year. No country would let that go on so easily.

Define fast?

The Tesla Roadster Sport electric does 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds.

Fast enough for you?

Range is nearly 400 kilometers...thats sufficient.

If it came in at under 4million baht (comparable to the US) with zero emissions concessions, they'd sell a lot of them. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

But they won't. They will protect the local car industry, and influential importer owners and pay lip service to electric vehicles.

[h90]

governments come governments go but Thailand will be hub hub hub

[BSJ]

Did someone mention

If they price the lecky cars like that Chinese POS (3 million baht) electric car that was posted on TVF a few weeks back their won't be any worries about being on a waiting list! Very few people will buy them!

Edited March 29, 2015 by BSJ

[StefanBBK]

To me it does not make a difference if the tax is 100% or 10% less. Still way too high.

The idea is actually very good. Get on the forefront of things and become a regional leader in production of electric vehicles. Instead of taxing, subsidies would be needed. Same goes for solar power btw.

[givenall]

One more hub. How many is it now. Any one keeping track.

[Duvidl]

Yeah, wow! A 10% decrease in the excise tax! That should help sell a lot of cars. Have they ever heard of subsidies?

[selftaopath]

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast. Their radius is limited. But should they sell well in the urban zones then it sure would help bring down the horrible number of traffic casualties. That should be the first target for any government. Almost 30,000 dead per year. No country would let that go on so easily.

Really? Have you see this:

The Tesla Model S P85D has set a new world speed record for production electric cars, covering a standing quarter-mile sprint in just 11.6 seconds.

Accelerating from 0-60 miles per hour in 3.1 seconds and crossing the finish line at 114.6 mph, the Model S's record was set at Palm Beach International Raceway and is officially recognised by the National Electric Drag Racing Association.

Those figures are not only fast for an electric car - the 0-60mph time makes the P85D the fastest-accelerating four-door production car ever made, despite weighing over two tonnes and offering seating for five adults and two children.

The Model S is produced by Tesla, an American electric car company founded and run by PayPal billionaire Elon Musk, who is also CEO of SpaceX, a private space transport service developing reusable rockets.

[Maestro]

...

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast.

A ride in what brand and model of an electric car led you to this conclusion?

[wabothai]

May be I should invest in a motel chain at the gasstations.

[JOC]

Yup, the new hub of all hubs. Thailand only!

We all know how "good" the Thai are with electricity.

Also they have a great reputation for building cars and engineering

They better make electric trains all over Thailand, to start with bangkok because the air pollution is really bad. Not to mention the quality of the drivers. Even using indicators is too hard for them.

Also they have a great reputation for building cars and engineering

Actually Thailand has a great reputation for building cars.

Many foreign brands are having their cars build in Thailand. Many of the approx 2M/year go to export!!

[taony]

Why don't they ever actually do something first before they "promote" that they are or they will?

[rubl]

I believe in many things. One day Thailand will have 4G, probably around the time one may charge their electric car in Nakhon Nowhere

[rubl]

Yup, the new hub of all hubs. Thailand only!

We all know how "good" the Thai are with electricity.

Also they have a great reputation for building cars and engineering

They better make electric trains all over Thailand, to start with bangkok because the air pollution is really bad. Not to mention the quality of the drivers. Even using indicators is too hard for them.

Also they have a great reputation for building cars and engineering

Actually Thailand has a great reputation for building cars.

Many foreign brands are having their cars build in Thailand. Many of the approx 2M/year go to export!!

I would guess that also many (or actually most) of the electric cars to be produced in Thailand will be exported. Assuming the price is right that is. I fear the home market for electric cars is limited to smaller models only, the type kids like to play with

[Crazy chef 1]

And yet another hub for Thailand. Why doesn't Thailand proclaim itself the hub of the universe for all things known and unknown, and be done with it.

You mean it isn't yet?

it is...thought in school to Thai kids...just not yet announced...

[whatawonderfulday]

Another "Thailand Hub" of something based on stupidity, ignorance, intellectually challenged morons placed in their high office positions by the government of similar abilities.

[apetley]

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast. Their radius is limited. But should they sell well in the urban zones then it sure would help bring down the horrible number of traffic casualties. That should be the first target for any government. Almost 30,000 dead per year. No country would let that go on so easily.

Define fast?

The Tesla Roadster Sport electric does 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds.

Fast enough for you?

Range is nearly 400 kilometers...thats sufficient.

If it came in at under 4million baht (comparable to the US) with zero emissions concessions, they'd sell a lot of them. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

But they won't. They will protect the local car industry, and influential importer owners and pay lip service to electric vehicles.

So maybe 7 or 8 million bht in Thailand that couldn't even do Bangkok to Chiang Mai without stopping for a recharge.

[edwinchester]

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast. Their radius is limited. But should they sell well in the urban zones then it sure would help bring down the horrible number of traffic casualties. That should be the first target for any government. Almost 30,000 dead per year. No country would let that go on so easily.

Define fast?

The Tesla Roadster Sport electric does 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds.

Fast enough for you?

Range is nearly 400 kilometers...thats sufficient.

If it came in at under 4million baht (comparable to the US) with zero emissions concessions, they'd sell a lot of them. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

But they won't. They will protect the local car industry, and influential importer owners and pay lip service to electric vehicles.

So maybe 7 or 8 million bht in Thailand that couldn't even do Bangkok to Chiang Mai without stopping for a recharge.

And therein lies the problem. Range and charging times, so unless there is a quantum leap in battery technology it will forever remain a technical cul de sac.

Fuel cell/hydrogen really is the future as the infrastructure is a lot easier than the charging systems for cars and refuelling times similar to petrol/diesel.

Emissions? Truly zero compared to the carnage done during battery production.

[wow64]

Another day another Hub.

[Benmart]

HUB is an acronym for How Underachievers Behave.

[digibum]

Electric cars are far from fast nor do they accelerate fast. Their radius is limited. But should they sell well in the urban zones then it sure would help bring down the horrible number of traffic casualties. That should be the first target for any government. Almost 30,000 dead per year. No country would let that go on so easily.

Others seem to have pointed out that Tesla cars completely defy your assertion but Tesla is not the only car manufacturer building surprisingly decent electric vehicles.

[casualbiker]

I believe in many things. One day Thailand will have 4G, probably around the time one may charge their electric car in Nakhon Nowhere

Thailand HAS 4g LTE NOW. True and Dtac have service available. Probably not in Nakhon Nowwhere though!!

[patrickl]

Thailand - the hub of hubs!

I've heard it being the hub of the automobile industry (even though they're all leaving), the hub of technology (even though they're decades behind Singapore) and now the hub of electric cars ...even there's like a 150% import tax on clean cars right now.