GWM has become the first automaker in Thailand to meet the EV 3.5 requirements for electric vehicle (EV) production before the programme's end, after previously becoming the first automaker to fulfil the EV 3.0 requirements.

The company will primarily manufacture EVs at its Rayong factory and plans to increase the proportion of locally sourced components to more than 50% to serve the Thai domestic market and support future exports.

GWM fulfils EV 3.5 production requirements

GWM Thailand said it has met the requirements of the EV 3.5 (Electric Vehicle Support Measures Phase 2) programme ahead of its July 31st, 2026 deadline.

The company was also the first automaker to begin domestic EV production in Thailand and subsequently became the first to fully comply with the EV 3.0 measures in 2025.

GWM signed agreements to receive benefits under the EV 3.0 (2022-2025) and EV 3.5 (2024-2027) electric vehicle support measures.

The programmes are intended to support the development of EVs and key component industries in Thailand and the government's 30@30 policy, which aims to establish Thailand as a regional EV manufacturing base.

GWM began EV production in Thailand at its GWM Smart Factory in Rayong province and fulfilled the EV 3.0 requirements in 2025. In July 2026, it met the EV 3.5 requirements for domestic EV production to offset imported vehicles. The GWM Ora 5 EV was among the models used to meet the requirements.

The production volume required under the EV 3.5 conditions enables the company to offset imported EVs. GWM said the production also meets the requirements of the programme and contributes to Thailand's EV manufacturing capacity, following the development of pickup truck and eco-car production in the country.

Rayong plant to support domestic sales and exports

GWM will continue producing EVs in Thailand for the domestic market and future exports. EVs sold in Thailand will primarily be manufactured at the GWM Smart Factory in Rayong province.

The facility is an integrated production plant based on the Smart Factory concept and serves as a right-hand-drive vehicle production base for Southeast Asia. It can manufacture multiple powertrain types on the same production line, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with a maximum annual production capacity of 80,000 units.

GWM also plans to increase its use of components sourced from Thai manufacturers to more than 50% and expand cooperation with local suppliers. The company said this would support the domestic supply chain, economic activity and employment, including more than 1,100 Thai employees. GWM said it will continue to supply vehicles and related services to the Thai market while supporting government policies related to EV production and the development of the domestic EV supply chain.