Thailand, along with most other countries in Southeast Asia, has been slow off the blocks to embrace EVs, but demand is starting to gain momentum with Chinese car makers in particular producing cheaper models and increasingly targeting the region.
"I can't handle paying for the price of gas anymore, so I'm here looking to buy an electric car," said Natnicha Srimuang, who purchased an EV at the motor show. Thai gasoline prices are around 40 baht per litre, up 50% from last year.Some see a switch to EVs as a way to save money longer-term. "I to invest my money in a good electric car that fits my lifestyle," said Patricia Duangcham, who said she expects to save thousands of baht a month from the purchase.
The combination of energy price concerns and more affordable models will help spur EV adoption, said Michael Chong, general manager of Great Wall Motor ThailandThis year's motor show was also the first since government subsidies for EV buyers were introduced.While many global car makers displayed EVs, there were long queues to take a peek inside Great Wall Motor's competitively priced 'ORA Good Cat' model.
Domestic demand for EVs is a crucial part of a Thai government strategy to preserve its status as a major regional automaker. The government is targeting production of 725,000 EV units a year, or 30% of total vehicle output, by 2030.
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