Electric vehicle production expected in Thailand over 3-5 years

BANGKOK, March 27 (TNA) - Energy Minister Narongchai Akrasanee has projected that production of electric vehicles (EVs) should be made in Thailand over the 3-5 years. Narongchai told journalists that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered a joint study by concerned agencies on how to promote an EV production in Thailand, with a conclusion expected soon. Narongchai assessed that EV production should, thus, be seen in the country over the next 3-5 years, while related laws have to be amended so that EV charging stations could be opened to create confidence for both motorists and EV manufacturers. Meanwhile, Chokedee Kaewsang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), revealed that a committee tasked with promoting EV investment is scheduled to confer the next two months on BOI privileges to be granted to EV manufacturers in Thailand. According to the BOI deputy chief, major problems to be discussed include how much interest would be- manufacturers have under certain conditions, namely a proposed idea that the first phase of EV production should be a plug in-hybrid type which is a hybrid car, while manufacturing of a 100 per cent EV should follow later. The BOI deputy chief suggested that, most importantly, the Energy Ministry must indicate clearly who will invest on EV charging stations, acknowledging that BOI is worried over EV investment, as the number of EVs in Thailand has dwindled from 4,712 units in 2012 to 2,372 units presently because of battery which does not last long. But in the case of hybrid EV vehicles, the production has increased to 63,970 units from 37,606 units in 2012. (TNA)