EVAT Outlines Policy for Cross-Network Charging, Energy Storage Systems
BANGKOK – The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) has announced its new strategic plan to drive the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem forward. Led by President Krisda Utamote, the new board, with a tenure from 2020 to 2022, is focused on developing a seamless public charging network and fostering a robust domestic energy storage industry.
The announcement was made on September 28, 2020, at the Knowledge Exchange:KX building. Mr. Utamote was joined by the new vice presidents: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pongpan Kaewtatip (Research), Mr. Sanpetch Tangsawapark (Industry), Asst. Prof. Uthane Supatti, Ph.D. (Academics), and Mr. Chantakorn David Champsilp (Promotion of EV Usage).
“Our new board’s vision is to promote the use of electric vehicles in Thailand to reduce pollution, especially in major cities, while improving energy efficiency in the transport sector,” Mr. Utamote stated. “We will also strengthen Thai manufacturers and help them become more competitive on the global stage.”
The association highlighted its key achievements from 2019 to September 2020, which include:
- International Collaboration: EVAT has become a key partner in the Asian Federation of Electric Vehicle Association (AFEVA) alongside counterparts from the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. The association also signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea to facilitate information and technology exchange and sent delegates to international forums in Indonesia and the Philippines.
- Public Sector Policy: EVAT has actively engaged with government agencies, submitting eight policy proposals to the Ministry of Energy and playing a role on the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee. A major initiative is the “Charging Consortium,” a collaboration with 11 public and private charging station operators to create a unified, cross-network charging system. Furthermore, EVAT signed an MOU with the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Alliance (TESTA), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and three leading universities to build a network for developing domestic energy storage technology.
- Academic and Public Support: EVAT successfully created a prototype electric tuk-tuk from a conventional one, providing a blueprint for local manufacturers. The association also released the complimentary EVAT Directory 2020, an informational guide for the public and industry members. Most recently, EVAT, in partnership with Informa Markets, hosted the fifth iEVTech 2020, Southeast Asia’s largest international EV conference.
Mr. Utamote also presented data showing a significant rise in EV adoption, with the number of registered Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in the first half of 2020 already surpassing the total for all of 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, EVAT collaborated with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to provide clear dividers for over 150 tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok and Chiang Mai to protect both drivers and passengers.
Looking ahead, the association will continue to pursue its eight key policy proposals, which include:
- Developing an integrated EV Roadmap.
- Amending laws to allow for easier registration of electric tuk-tuks and taxis.
- Introducing tax incentives to make EVs more affordable for consumers.
- Promoting the manufacturing of electric motorcycles.
- Enhancing the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs in EV technology and production.
- Establishing standardized parts for EVs and related components.
- Preparing infrastructure to support EV growth.
- Developing a skilled workforce for the EV industry.
“With over 190 members from both the public and private sectors, EVAT is committed to working with all stakeholders to support the development of electric vehicles in Thailand,” Mr. Utamote concluded. “This will help reduce pollution and drive the country’s economy into a new era of e-mobility.”
