Eppo to wind down EV subsidy period

Eppo to wind down EV subsidy period

A parked EV recharges a battery. Eppo will end subsidies for charging stations soon. (Photo by Amornthep Chotechalermphong)
A parked EV recharges a battery. Eppo will end subsidies for charging stations soon. (Photo by Amornthep Chotechalermphong)

The Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo) expects to close the application period for partial subsidies for the development of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in 2019.

Wattanapong Kurovat, director-general of Eppo, said this project was for state agencies and companies interested in constructing EV charging stations for the past four years. It had six rounds of enrolment.

In the initial period, Eppo offered a full subsidy to applicants.

Eppo financed the project via the Conservation Fund and collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT).

The office has extended 46 million baht over six rounds.

"We have had applications to develop 80 charging stations so far, well below our expectation of 100 stations," said Mr Wattanapong.

Forty of the stations are in service, while the remainder are expected to begin operations this year. Two EV versions are compatible with the stations: plug-in hybrid and battery EVs.

He said EV charging stations have become more affordable for investors, so the subsidy programme will not be necessary in the future.

Moreover, state agencies and companies can apply for Board of Investment incentives to build EV charging stations.

"Eppo has a leftover budget of 1 million baht it plans to return to the Conservation Fund," said Mr Wattanapong.

Yossapong Laoonual, EVAT president, said the cost for EV charging stations has dropped over three years to 1 million baht for quick-charge varieties and 100,000 baht for normal charging stations.

In the past, the cost for a quick-charge type stood at around 2 million baht and the normal type was 400,000-500,000 baht.

"There are a small number of EVs on the road, so we need more action plans to encourage Thai motorists to buy new EVs," said Mr Yossapong. "Thailand has 10,000 registered plug-in hybrid EVs and 200 battery EVs."

In a related development, Eppo and EVAT have joined hands with other state agencies, educational institutions and companies to co-organise the Asean Sustainable Energy Week 2019 during June 5-8 in Bangkok.

UBM Asia Thailand is the main organiser.

The event will highlight renewables, energy efficiency and environmental innovations and technologies from 45 countries. The organisers expect 25,000 participants during the four-day showcase.

EVs will be presented at this exhibition with test driving opens.

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