BYD Readies Thai Exports as Chinese EVs Lead in Southeast Asia

For the first time, Chinese EV firms invested more abroad than at home in 2024, led by Southeast Asia assembly plants. Yet core battery cell production remains in China, Rhodium data shows.
For the first time, Chinese EV firms invested more abroad than at home in 2024, led by Southeast Asia assembly plants. Yet core battery cell production remains in China, Rhodium data shows. Image via BYD Brazil

Government electric vehicle EV incentives in Thailand and Indonesia are significantly influencing the region’s auto market, lifting Chinese brands while slumping Japanese incumbents.

BYD will start shipping Thai-built plug-in hybrids to Europe in late August, while in Indonesia, EV share approached 10% in the first half of 2025, with sales soaring 366% compared to last year.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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