In a significant development for Thailand's urban transportation sector, ride-hailing company Bolt has reported a remarkable increase in the use of electric vehicles (EVs) on its platform. The announcement comes as the country celebrates World Car Free Day and demonstrates a growing preference for emission-free mobility options among Thai commuters.
According to data released by Bolt, its Green category, which features electric and hybrid vehicles, has seen a staggering 257.5% increase in active EV cars. These eco-friendly vehicles have collectively traveled over 4.51 million kilometers – equivalent to approximately 112 trips around the Earth's equator.
Nathadon Suksiritarnan, General Manager of Bolt in Thailand, expressed enthusiasm about the growth: "This success reflects our users' growing awareness and commitment to electric and hybrid shared mobility. It also highlights that Thai people are not only choosing lower-emission options for their private use but are also increasingly embracing shared mobility solutions."
The surge in EV adoption on Bolt's platform aligns with broader trends in Thailand. A recent report by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) and EV-maker Great Wall Motor revealed that 34.1% of those who switched to EVs cited cheaper electricity costs as a key factor. Moreover, 81.3% of current fossil fuel vehicle users expressed interest in transitioning to EVs, with 89.4% motivated primarily by lower fuel costs.
Thailand's commitment to reducing emissions is evident in its ambitious goals. The country aims to cut emissions from the energy and transport sectors by 7%-20% compared to business-as-usual scenarios, targeting a 20%-25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 relative to 2005 levels.
The nation has already seen a dramatic 690% increase in EV registrations in 2023, surpassing 75,000 vehicles. As of early 2024, EVs represent 18.4% of all passenger car registrations, up from 11.6% in 2023. Ttb analytics highlights that the rapid adoption of EVs is driven by their significantly lower fuel costs—about 59% to 67% less than traditional internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicles.
Bolt remains committed to expanding its electric and hybrid vehicle offerings and enhancing the infrastructure that supports zero-emission urban transport. As Thailand continues its journey towards greener mobility, the success of platforms like Bolt in promoting EV usage marks a significant step towards achieving the country's environmental goals and building more sustainable urban environments.