Thailand’s Business Model of Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The objectives of this paper was to study the obstacles to using electric vehicles (EVs) and the business model of EVs in Thailand. The researchers interviewed five entrepreneurs involved with EVs in Metropolitan Bangkok. Primary data was obtained from questionnaire. The sample size was 224 of those who use EVs. This research conducted in 2021. In Thailand, environmental problems, especially from PM 2.5 particulate matter, arise partially from the use of fossil fuels. The personnel factor of the sample was as follows; most of them were male, monthly income between 50,001 to 70,000 baht per month, aged between 28 to 37 years old with Bachelor’s degree. The study found that the EVs users thought that EVs sold in Thailand are too expensive, lack of government subsidy, high import tariff, and have few EV charger stations (making it necessary to plan trips carefully), and have low battery capacity. Therefore, the important factors motivating the purchase and use of EVs in Thailand are location and adequate numbers of charging stations, battery capacity, and the prices of EVs. In Thailand, the use of Internal Combustion Engine vehicles (ICEs) is very prevalent because their price is lower than those of EVs. Infrastructure in terms of parts availability and engines is greater for ICEs vehicles, allowing them to be priced lower than EVs. These factors should receive governmental support through taxation, innovation, and promotion to stimulate the use of EVs. For the Business Model of electric vehicles, most the customer is a new generation, interested in technology and environmental concern. Using electric vehicles would save more cost than combastion engine vehicles because of low maintenance cost, no need to drain the engine oil, and the user pays only for charging costs.