As Southeast Asia moves toward a low-carbon future, EVs are emerging as a transformative solution. The region is taking meaningful steps to expand EV charging infrastructure, streamline standards, and build a sustainable mobility ecosystem that meets both local needs and global ambitions.
From Phnom Penh’s EV initiatives to Thailand’s charging advancements, countries across the region are not only experimenting with policy and technology but also collaborating more than ever before. At the core of this transformation is the urgent need for interoperability, a priority CharIN is championing throughout ASEAN.
Cambodia: Accelerating e-mobility with strategic partnerships
Cambodia, a smaller but increasingly agile player in the EV space, is gaining traction through strategic policy and partnerships. In 2021, the government introduced a policy reducing import duties on EVs by about 50% compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. This step has significantly increased affordability for consumers and businesses alike.
At the same time, the Cambodian government is actively encouraging foreign direct investment, including EV assembly plants, and is working to expand EV charging networks. One notable example is a partnership with a ride-hailing app to deploy EVs and chargers across Phnom Penh, a move that aligns with both cost-reduction and pollution mitigation goals.
Private sector players like Grab and Charge+ are also stepping in to co-develop infrastructure-sharing models. These models allow multiple users to access limited charging stations, easing one of the main constraints in early-stage EV markets.
Regional cooperation: CharIN’s role in unifying Southeast Asia’s EV ecosystem
As countries pursue national EV goals, one of the most significant challenges remains the lack of regional alignment in charging infrastructure and user experience. Across Southeast Asia, apps and payment systems are often fragmented, with many requiring local language skills, ID numbers, or domestic billing information. This makes cross-border EV travel inconvenient or even impossible for many drivers.
Governments are responding. For instance, Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry is considering the launch of a universal EV charging app to unify its fragmented landscape.
CharIN is actively engaged with stakeholders across ASEAN, offering technical expertise on interoperable charging, smart charging, encrypted communication, and global policy frameworks. These insights are based on lessons learned from other regions and are tailored to local market needs.
In regular exchanges with ministries, utility companies, and industry leaders, CharIN supports the development of regulatory roadmaps that promote standardized EV charging protocols, paving the way for an integrated and scalable e-mobility infrastructure.
To support the dynamic e-mobility developments in Southeast Asia, Penny CHAU Pui Yee Chau joined CharIN this year as Project Manager Asia, working alongside Jacques Borremans , Managing Director CharIN Asia to strengthen our presence and engagement across the ASEAN region.
Learn more about CharIN’s regional activities across Asia with our Asia CharIN Team.
Building smart infrastructure: Thailand’s EV charging milestones
Thailand continues to make strides in building a smarter and more accessible e-mobility charging ecosystem. CharIN is actively engaged with key national stakeholders such as EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) to exchange technical knowledge and share international best practices that support the country’s green transition.
In April 2025, CharIN discussed EU's approach towards V2G and Plug & Charge where CharIN EU shared their insights with EGAT. Since EGAT aims to generate 50% through renewable energy, energy storage and flexibility to charge are essential. So we can expect that EU related legislation towards V2G is of much interest within ASEAN. held a technical exchange with EGAT focused on European experiences in smart charging capabilities. With EGAT aiming to generate 50% of its electricity from renewable sources, solutions that enable energy flexibility and efficient grid integration are becoming increasingly important.
Thailand has already achieved important milestones in supporting its EV ecosystem. EGAT’s digital platform EleXA allows users to easily locate charging stations and check real-time availability, while BackEN, an EV management system, is now used across more than 110 CPO-operated charging stations. These tools provide real-time monitoring, data analytics, and operational control, helping to future-proof the country’s charging network.rces further strengthens the need for grid flexibility, bidirectional charging, and energy storage solutions.
CharIN encourages its members and partners to join the discussion at Mobility Tech Thailand 2025 an event expected to shape the future of EVs in the region.
CharIN at MobilityTech Asia - Bangkok 2025
July 2 - 4 , 2025
We are proud to support the event as an official Conference Partner, and to contribute with a speech and booth on the event.
The road ahead: From local projects to regional systems
Southeast Asia’s mobility transition is gaining momentum. Countries like Cambodia are pushing innovative adoption models, while regional leaders like Thailand are advancing next-generation technologies like Plug & Charge and V2G. What’s needed now is regional collaboration to bridge the gap between national innovation and cross-border operability.
CharIN is proud to support this process by acting as a trusted advisor, knowledge hub, and connector across the ASEAN region. Through technical support, regulatory insights, and global best practices, we aim to help Southeast Asia establish an integrated, future-proof EV ecosystem that supports climate goals and economic growth alike.
News Info
Published on: 06/12/2025
News contacts
Related News
Driving EV Adoption in Southeast Asia
06/12/2025
Open page Driving EV Adoption in Southeast Asia
Welcome Elyse Martinez as local representative of CharIN in the Philippines
04/11/2025
Open page Welcome Elyse Martinez as local representative of CharIN in the Philippines
Zero Emission Bus Conference 2025
03/11/2025
Open page Zero Emission Bus Conference 2025
CharIN Celebrates Milestone Year in 2024: Advancing Electric Mobility Across Latin America
12/12/2024
Open page CharIN Celebrates Milestone Year in 2024: Advancing Electric Mobility Across Latin America
CharIN and Task 53 Forge Strategic Partnership
11/29/2024
Open page CharIN and Task 53 Forge Strategic Partnership