The Race for Southeast Asia’s EV Crown Intensifies in 2025

A BYD Sealion car by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is seen at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Nonthaburi on March 27, 2024. Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP

Southeast Asia is revving up for an electric vehicle (EV) showdown. Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are all vying for dominance in the region’s rapidly growing EV market, drawing investments from global automakers, especially China’s EV giants.

But with shifting consumer demand, evolving government incentives, and intensifying competition, the road to the top is anything but smooth.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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