Government proposes THB 6 billion subsidy for electric two-wheelers
thaipbsworld.com, 11 Nov '26
The government is considering a THB 6 billion (US$ 178 million) scheme to subsidise the purchase of locally manufactured battery electric vehicle (BEV) two-wheelers, as part of efforts to reduce fossil fuel consumption and accelerate the country's energy transition.
Under the proposed 'MTC EV++' scheme, buyers of domestically manufactured BEV two-wheelers would receive a direct subsidy of THB 17,000 per vehicle.
Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the Excise Department, revealed today that the department had submitted the proposal for funding under a 2026 Royal Decree authorising the Ministry of Finance to borrow up to THB 200 billion to address the energy crisis and promote the adoption of clean energy.
Pornchai emphasised, however, that the proposal remains under consideration by the loan expenditure screening subcommittee and has not yet received final Cabinet approval.
The initiative aims to address the low adoption rate of electric two-wheelers in Thailand. In 2025, BEV two-wheelers represented just 1.38% of all new two-wheeler registrations nationwide.
High initial purchase prices, down-payment requirements and limited access to financing remain major barriers, particularly for low- and middle-income earners, freelancers and delivery workers who rely on two-wheelers for their livelihoods.
To streamline implementation, vehicle dealers will register sales and Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) in a central tracking system.
Eligible buyers will verify their credentials before vehicle delivery, with registration data automatically cross-checked to prevent duplicate claims.
Once verification is complete, manufacturers will submit compensation claims to the Excise Department. Payments will be disbursed through the Government Savings Bank (GSB) to reimburse manufacturers, which will provide the upfront discounts to buyers.
The proposal forms part of a broader energy initiative that also includes household solar power schemes, although funding approval remains pending. The ministry is also considering a trade-in programme.
