By Jiraporn Kuhakan and Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK, (Reuters) – Thousands of people attended this week’s Bangkok International Motor Show. Electric vehicles (EVs), which were under the spotlight because of rising petrol prices as well as a 15% government subsidy for some EVs, were prominently displayed.

Thailand and most of Southeast Asia have been slow in adopting EVs. However, demand for EVs is growing with Chinese carmakers producing more affordable models and now targeting this region.

Natnicha, who bought an EV from the motor show, said, “I cannot handle the gas price anymore.” Thai gasoline prices average 40 baht (USD1.20) per gallon, an increase of 50% over last year.

Some view a shift to EVs in order to make long-term savings.

Patricia Duangcham said that “I want” to put my money into an electric car that is suitable for my lifestyle.

Michael Chong, General Manager of Great Wall Motor Thailand, stated that EV adoption can be accelerated by the combination of low energy costs and cheaper models.

The first time that government subsidies were offered to EV buyers was this year’s motorshow.

There were many global auto makers displaying EVs. However, the lines for Great Wall Motor’s EV-friendly ‘ORA Good Cat’ model was long.

To maintain its position as a regional leader in auto manufacturing, Thailand must ensure that there is sufficient domestic demand. A target of production of 725,000 electric vehicles per year by 2030 is set by the government. This would be 30% of the total output of automobiles.

Thailand’s fourth largest auto production and export center is Thailand. Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co Ltd.

PTT Pcl, a state-owned energy company has joined forces with Foxconn in Taiwan to create EVs for Thailand by 2024.

China’s Great Wall Motor has also announced plans to make EVs available in Thailand within the next two years.

Thailand’s demand for EVs is growing, even though it started from a low level. The number of fully-electric cars registered in Thailand increased by about 400 last year. However, this is still a small percentage of total car sales, which was 759,119.

Despite all the buzz about EVs at the motor show, attendees intend to keep their engines burning despite concerns about this new technology.

Ponchai Lertlai, 59, stated, “The EV vehicle is still in its early stages, so no one can predict what kinds of problems might occur.”

($1 = 33.35 baht)