VinFast will lead the export of electric vehicles
Like the rest of Southeast Asia, Vietnam also faces a shortage of electric vehicle charging stations. However, the Vingroup Group said its subsidiary, VinFast, will start exporting electric cars from November this year.
In January this year, VinFast announced that it would produce three electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) models namely VF31, VF32, VF33 for export to North America and Europe. All three models will use artificial intelligence (AI) technology and be partially self-driving.
In early March, Bloomberg reported that VinFast was planning to open an electric vehicle factory in the US after establishing a research office. California authorities have granted VinFast a license to test autonomous cars on streets in this state. VinFast aims to sell the first electric cars in the US market by 2022.
Ludo Mint-To-Be, a limited edition of the Ludo electric motorcycle produced by VinFast
Foreign investment in electric vehicles increased despite the pandemic
In Indonesia, the electric vehicle and battery industry is now the major source of foreign investment because Indonesia has the largest nickel reserves in the world—23% of global reserves. Nickel is necessary for electric vehicle battery production and the Indonesian government reinstated its ban on exporting nickel ore in January 2020.
Tesla’s electric car charging station
Indonesia’s highest-profile proposal has come from Tesla, as Elon Musk’s company seeks to lower its production costs. The Indonesian government hasn’t released details on Tesla’s proposal but has sought the company’s support to develop its e-vehicle industry.
Nissan’s famous Leaf EV electric car is made in Thailand
In Thailand, Nissan has invested heavily in plans to make the country a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. The Japanese manufacturer is also developing technology that allows electric cars to run without needing to plug in to a charging station. As Southeast Asian countries have little to no electric vehicle infrastructure, this could have a major impact on the region.
According to ASEAN Today
