Thailand’s state-controlled oil company PTT has signed contracts with local units of six automakers (BMW, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche and Volvo) to cooperate in developing EVs, and to build a network of 20 charging stations.

Thailand is a regional auto industry production and export hub, and the sector accounts for 10 percent of GDP. The current military government’s policy is to promote the electric vehicle industry and strengthen the security of the country’s energy supply.

According to Reuters, Thailand already has 68,000 “electric vehicles” [it seems likely that they mean electrified vehicles, including hybrids]. Energy Minister Anantaporn Karnchanarat said the government hopes to boost that number to 1.2 million by 2036. The government currently offers tax incentives for makers of EV auto parts, including batteries and motors.

Source: Reuters
Image: Clay Gilliland (CC BY-SA 2.0)