People visit the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show. (Photo source: motoshow.in.th)

Bangkok – Oil prices remain elevated, pushing demand for electric vehicles (EV) in Thailand. This is reflected in the number of orders for EVs at the 44th Bangkok International Motor Show.

Industry Ministry Permanent Secretary Nattapol Rangsitpol said the show held from March 20 to April 2 with the participation of 40 automobile and motorcycle makers attracted 1.62 million visitors.

At the event, over 42,880 automobiles were ordered, an increase of 34.45% compared with the figure at the last year's show. Notably, 21.53% of all automobile orders, or over 9,230 ones, were EVs.

Nattapol said EVs have gained more popularity due to supporting measures from the government that brought EV prices down. Meanwhile, consumers now have greater confidence in EV standards. Automakers have also been launching a perse range of new EV models and carrying out sales promotion campaigns for EVs.

He said that the Ministry of Industry has provided the EV industry with supportive factors, for example, the establishment of standards associated with all types of EVs, including those for cars, pickup trucks, buses, cargo trucks, motorcycles, and tricycles. Standards were also established for batteries and charging stations. A total of 128 standards were established in all.

The ministry also developed the Automotive and Tyre Testing, Research and Innovation Center (ATTRIC) – the first of its kind in the ASEAN region - to improve automobile standards, facilitate research on automobile performance and support the testing of prototypes.

Nattapol said the ministry has also worked with relevant agencies to lay down a vision for Thailand to become a major electric vehicles and parts manufacturing centre.

Thailand targets to produce 725,000 electric automobiles per year by 2030, accounting for 30% of the country’s automobile production, Nattapol said, adding that it will add no less than 200 billion baht (nearly 6 billion USD) of value to the economy.