Asian Governments Vie for Leadership in the Electric Vehicle Industry

Asian governments are engaged in intense competition to gain supremacy in the fast-expanding electric vehicle market, with the goal of leading both the Asian and global EV markets.

Key takeaways

• Asian governments are implementing tax incentives and subsidies to dominate the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
• Thailand and Singapore have reduced EV taxes and costs, boosting production and adoption of these vehicles.
• Overexpansion, labor shortages, and dependency on incentives can negatively impact the EV industry in the long term.

To dominate the electric vehicle (EV) industry, local governments are implementing incentive plans for manufacturing and production.

One of the most recent cases is Thailand, which has implemented significant tax exemptions for EV production, reducing the excise tax from 8% to 2% for models priced under THB 2 million ($58,500).

The measures adopted by the country aim to achieve its goal of having 30% of locally produced vehicles be zero-emission by 2030.

Another example is Singapore, where subsidies have managed to reduce EV costs by up to SGD 40,000 ($30,500), leading to an increase in EV adoption. According to local data, it is estimated that one in three new cars sold in the city-state during the first half of 2024 was electric.

What are the risks of government incentives?

Experts indicate that in the context of fierce competition to dominate the electric vehicle market in the Asian region, offering excessive incentives carries the risk of overexpansion. Overexpansion can result in an oversupply of EVs, which could reduce prices and negatively affect local manufacturers.

Secondly, labor shortages are another risk. The rapid expansion of the EV industry can generate high demand for skilled workers, which could lead to labor shortages and increased labor costs, which can hinder the industry’s sustainable growth.

Additionally, dependency on incentives can be problematic. Manufacturers that rely heavily on incentives may face difficulties if these are reduced or eliminated in the future. This could affect EV sales and production, especially if market conditions change.

Seeking a balance between incentives and production costs in Asia

In a market landscape where incentives play a key role in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, governments must find a balance between incentives and production costs.

Incentives, such as tax exemptions and subsidies, are essential for attracting investments and fostering the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. 

However, excessive dependence on these incentives can lead to significant challenges. On one hand, they can create unfair competition, favoring certain manufacturers and discouraging innovation. Additionally, if incentives are reduced or eliminated in the future, companies that heavily depend on them may face significant difficulties.

On the other hand, production costs must be carefully managed to ensure the industry’s long-term viability. Governments should collaborate with manufacturers to identify ways to reduce these costs without compromising quality. This could include investments in infrastructure, research and development, and the promotion of local supply chains.