Chinese research center to bolster Thailand's EV development

Thailand has taken a significant step towards becoming a regional hub for electric vehicle (EV) development with the establishment of the China Automotive Technology and Research Center in Bangkok.

The cooperation marks a starting point for bringing together the capabilities and modern automotive industry network from China to develop the local industry and infrastructure of Thailand in support of its ambition as a major global production base, Natthaphon, permanent secretary of the Thai Ministry of Industry said in a statement.

As one of the targeted industries, Thailand aims to strengthen the country's competitiveness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through its EV promotion. So far, 10 automakers have joined the government's initiatives to support the use and production of EVs, with more than 50,000 battery-run electric vehicle bookings, the ministry said.

Under Thai government policy, the Southeast Asian nation aims to produce at least 30 percent of its domestically produced vehicles to be zero-emission by 2030, with a production capacity estimated at 725,000 units.