Challenges for the adoption of electric vehicles in Thailand: potential impacts, barriers, and public policy

The impacts of electric vehicles (EVs) to the current transportation and logistics system are an emerging topic that has recently garnered public interest in many countries. Several developing countries that rely on the large amount of production in automobiles manufacturing are preparing to adopt national strategies to mitigate the negative impacts from the shift toward electric vehicles. In addition, the restructuring of the transportation system and traffic regulations to prepare for the integration of electric vehicles into the current transportation model is also an important concern for policy-makers. The study of potential impacts and barriers regarding the adoption of EVs would provide better insights that could aid the implementation of public policy. The topics that will be discussed here are both from technological standpoints such as differences in the general properties of EVs in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), and social and environmental standpoints which are predicted to be pivotal drivers for their adoption. These features are collectively analyzed to aid the relating implementation of industrial, transportation, and environmental public policies. Moreover, additional policy recommendations for the situation in Thailand are proposed based on this discussion. It is concluded that extensive public policy framework for the adoption of EVs and the development of EVs manufacturing industry is essential for developing countries with less technological readiness to effectively integrate this new type of vehicular technology into its industrial and transportation economy.