The ASEAN Center for Energy (ACE) and the Asian Federation of EV Associations (AFEVA) conducted a policy dialogue as a hosted event at the 10th Philippine EV Summit at the SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia in Pasay City last October 21, 2022. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) supported the policy dialogue as part of its new global programme to promote the shift to electric mobility in low and middle-income countries world-wide.
The purpose of the policy dialogue is to accelerate the development of the EV market and industry in the ASEAN by addressing issues affecting individual member states as well as the regional sectors. Two major issues that are apparent in the region were discussed – the absence of policies on Electric two/three wheelers and retrofitting / conversion of ICE vehicles to electric.
Mr. Edmund Araga, gave his welcome remarks, underscoring the very important role that two and three wheelers play in e-mobility in the ASEAN. They provide the greatest potential for EV adoption as well as the opportunity to grow the EV industry in the region.
Ms. June Yeonju Jeong, Program Officer, Sustainable Mobility Unit UN Environment Program presented UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme that supports more than 50 low-and-middle-income countries with the shift from fossil fuel to electric vehicles. In the Philippines, a demonstration project on electric two and three-wheeler for freight deliveries was implemented with Pasig City LGU and the Philippine Postal Office as project recipients.
Mr Septia Buntara Supendi, Manager for Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation of the ASEAN Center Energy (ACE) presented the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) Phase II: 2021- 2025, Programme Area No 4: Energy Efficiency & Conservation.
The aim of this programme is to reduce energy intensity by 32% by 2025 and encourage EE&C efforts, especially in transport and industry. Under this programme, EV adoption is promoted in the region. ACE sees potential collaboration with AEFVA in EV integration in five key areas: cooperation on the promotion of harmonized EV standards and technologies; networking within the region/member associations to promote joint ventures/collaboration of business entities; sharing of best practices and information about the industry; extending support and active participation in member associations’ initiatives and projects; facilitating student exchanges and university cooperation within the region.
Two sessions were allotted to discuss the two major issues, respectively. Joining the panel discussions were Mr. Septia Buntara Supendi, Manager for Sustainable Energy, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Conservation ASEAN Center for Energy; Dr Yossapong Laoonual, Honorary Chairman Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand; Mr Krisda Utamote, President of Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand; Dato Dennis Chuah, President of Electric Vehicle Association of Malaysia; and Mr. Edmund Araga, President of Asian Federation EV Associations (AFEVA).
The first session discussed the situation of Electric two and three wheelers in ASEAN with respect to market and policy.
Dr. Manny Biona, Executive Director of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines presented an overview on thestate of play on electric two and three-wheelers in the ASEAN region. The panel discussed the need to craft a policy with regard to technical regulations and standards with the respective ASEAN member countries as well as their harmonization at the regional level.
The second session on conversion of ICE powered vehicles to electric. Mr. Krisda Utamote, President of Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand presented the challenges and opportunities for conversion in the case of Thailand. Thailand’s national target to achieve 30% ZEV usage or around 225,000 units/year in 2025 is challenging. Despite the market needs, certain BEV models are not yet available, especially for pickup trucks.