Electric Vehicle Adoption in ASEAN; Prospect and Challenges

Abstract

Energy demand in transportation sector is increasing and the transportation sector currently emits high amount of greenhouse gases. Electric vehicles (EVs) were introduced to mitigate these emission of greenhouse gases. EVs are well-deployed at leading countries such as China, Europe, and United States due to EV-friendly policies and well-planned EV charging infrastructure. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is following these leading countries and aims to become the next EV hub. Effective deployment of EVs not only require involvement from governments but also willing consumers that push EVs into communities. A survey was carried out among policy makers, manufacturers, and academia to determine suitable policies and financial incentives to increase deployment of EV in the market. The survey also included the hurdles and issues faced by the community to adopt EVs, and identifies that high purchase cost and charging issues are hampering the deployment of EV in ASEAN. EV-friendly policies and financial incentives were suggested in the survey and will be a good reference material for EV manufacturers and policy makers in ASEAN.