Follow the leader? ASEAN members‘ policy towards electric vehicles with focus on Thailand

Abstract:

This paper analyses the challenges smaller emerging countries face when trying to attract manufacturing of advanced automotive technology. The case of electric vehicle (EV) promotion in ASEAN, with special attention to Thailand, is investigated to elaborate if and how smaller nations can pursue innovation via policy. It is found that ASEAN nations pursue differing EV policies, which can be explained by different levels of economic development and differing industrial policies. Regarding Thailand, it is observed that the formerly rather successful product champion approach, i.e. targeting particular vehicle types, reaches its limitations when the target becomes innovative technology without a clear development trajectory. This explains why formerly existing balance between incentives and clear performance requirements is absent in the latest iteration of Thai production champion policy.