A proposal has been raised with the Excise Department, seeking to extend the registration deadline for state-subsidized electric vehicles (EVs).
Advisor for the development of the excise control system Nattakorn Uthainsut made the proposal to the Excise Department to amend the regulations pertaining to electric vehicle (EV) purchases.
The proposal aims to extend the registration period for state-subsidized electric vehicles, offering a 150,000 THB discount per vehicle, by an additional month to January 31st, 2024, from the initial deadline of December 31st, 2023. This extension seeks to support EV sales under the EV 3.0 project in the first quarter of 2023, following the completion of the initial phase where the government allocated a fund of 3 billion baht, which expired last month.
Reports emerged after the cabinet meeting on September 26th, indicating its approval of an additional budget of about one billion baht in the 2023 mid-year budget. This allocation is aimed at boosting the confidence of manufacturers who are eligible under the incentive scheme to invest in electric vehicle production in Thailand between 2024-2025. It also aims to bolster public confidence in purchasing electric vehicles. The cabinet had previously approved a 3 billion baht incentive, offering a discount of 150,000 baht per car, which supports approximately 20,000 electric vehicles.
Currently, the number of individuals who have purchased electric vehicles and benefited from this scheme has surpassed initial estimates. This has prompted a request for an additional budget of 1 billion baht, as electric vehicle registration under this project has already exceeded 37,000 and could potentially rise to 50,000 vehicles. (NNT)