Automakers to invest in electric vehicles

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) - Several automakers have been interested to invest more in plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles in Thailand, which will further develop Thai automotive industry, said Permanent Secretary for Industry, Somchai Harnhirun. The permanent secretary today presided over the opening of the EV Technology and Innovation learning center at the Thailand Automotive Institute. The center is established to be a resource center on the electric vehicles for state agencies and public members. He said Thailand is projected to produce more than two million cars for export this year while the use of electric vehicles in the country amounts to 80,000 vehicles, according the registration of electric vehicles at the Department of Land Transport. Out of this number, 90 per cent are motorcycles and ten per cent are cars. To promote electric auto production and use, the Board of Investment (BoI) has offered privileges for investment in auto assembly and auto part production of electric vehicles as well as in construction of electric vehicle charging stations. About two million electric vehicles are being used around the globe and there is fast -growing innovation in production. Now, electric vehicles can run for about 200 -500 kms on one charge, increased form only 80 kms in the past. (TNA)