Electrifying
Southeast Asia: The Transition from ICE to EVs
WORDS BY ANTONINA JOSON
Several parts of the world are shifting away from traditional internal combustion engine( ICE) vehicles and towards low-emission vehicles in the name of sustainability. A key region to the global auto market, Southeast Asian region is particularly keen on making the shift to EVs. In fact, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations( ASEAN) declared that it is a“ must” for its member-states to make this transition.
As a result, several Southeast Asian governments are putting in great effort to help their citizens turn their sights towards low-emission vehicles. Some of these governments established partnerships
with multinational corporations to achieve some of its targets. EV-focused projects such as ridehailing app Grab’ s electrification of its fleets across the region may further this goal.
However, it should be noted that these efforts are met with some resistance. Some parts of Southeast Asia are still not prepared as EVs are seen as expensive and existing infrastructures might not be able to support them.
In this article, we’ ll be taking a look at the progress of some of Southeast Asia’ s countries in the shift from ICE vehicles to EV.
8 ISSUE 52 APRIL 2025 / WWW. AFMA. ORG. AU