Thailand has approved 198 electric vehicle (EV)-related projects worth more than THB 137 billion (US$ 4.14 billion) as of May 2026.

The projects cover vehicle production, batteries, key components, energy storage systems, charging infrastructure and related supply chains.

According to media sources, the Board of Investment (BOI) had approved 198 EV-related projects by May 2026, with combined investment exceeding THB 137 billion. The projects form part of Thailand's efforts to expand its automotive manufacturing base and develop domestic capabilities across the EV supply chain.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) account for around US$ 1.2 billion of investment across 18 projects. Additional investments cover hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as electric buses and motorcycles.

The programme extends beyond vehicle assembly to batteries, traction motors, battery management systems, energy storage systems, charging stations and battery-swapping facilities. The objective is to increase domestic participation in the EV value chain and develop the manufacturing and infrastructure required for EV production and deployment.

The BOI has recorded around THB 33.5 billion in investment in batteries and energy storage, around US$ 378.1 million in key components such as traction motors and battery management systems, and nearly US$ 296.4 million in charging stations and battery-swapping facilities.

Thailand is also planning more than 22,900 charging points nationwide, including over 10,000 fast chargers. The charging network is intended to support the deployment of electric vehicles alongside manufacturing and supply-chain development.

International manufacturers expand production

Several international automakers have established production operations in Thailand. According to the media sources and other reports, Mercedes-Benz, Great Wall Motor, SAIC Motor-CP, BYD, Aion, Changan and EV Primus have started production in the country.

The presence of these manufacturers is supported by Thailand's existing automotive manufacturing base, supply chains, infrastructure, workforce and access to regional markets. The expansion of EV production is also increasing demand for locally produced components, electronics, energy systems and related services.

BOI-supported investments have created more than 16,000 jobs. The expansion is increasing demand for technical skills related to batteries, electronics, software, energy systems and EV production.

Thailand's existing automotive industry provides a base for EV manufacturing, with new investments adding battery, electronics, energy storage and charging capabilities to the established vehicle production sector.

The development also reflects the increasing integration of automotive and electronics manufacturing. Batteries, traction motors, battery management systems and charging equipment are key components of electric powertrains and associated infrastructure.

EV supply chain and infrastructure development

Thailand's EV programme covers multiple stages of the supply chain, including material sourcing, component manufacturing, vehicle production, energy storage, logistics and charging infrastructure. These areas are intended to support domestic EV deployment and vehicle manufacturing for regional markets.

The planned charging network is also intended to support everyday EV use, including urban travel, commuting, commercial operations and longer-distance journeys. Charging stations and battery-swapping facilities form part of the infrastructure investment accompanying vehicle and battery production.

The combination of vehicle manufacturing, component production, batteries, energy storage and charging infrastructure is intended to develop a broader industrial base for electric mobility rather than focusing solely on vehicle assembly.

Thailand's automotive transition

Thailand has traditionally been a major vehicle manufacturing centre in Southeast Asia. The current investment programme adds EV-related manufacturing and infrastructure to the existing industry while supporting multiple powertrain technologies, including BEVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

The approved projects also cover different vehicle categories, including passenger vehicles, buses and motorcycles. This reflects the range of vehicle applications involved in the transition to electric mobility. The scale of approved investment, charging infrastructure development and international manufacturing operations indicates that Thailand is expanding EV production and supporting industries alongside its existing automotive manufacturing activities.