Thailand Seeks EV Battery Recycling Investments to Handle Growing Waste
The Industry Ministry is actively seeking investment in electric vehicle battery recycling facilities to address the surge in scrapped batteries and strengthen the domestic EV supply chain.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand currently lacks domestic EV battery recycling plants
- Used batteries must be shipped abroad for processing
- BEV sales projected to reach 100,000 units this year
- Total vehicle sales expected to hit 600,000 units in 2024
Addressing the Recycling Gap
Industry Minister Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana revealed that Thailand has no domestic battery recycling facility, forcing the country to export used EV batteries for processing. “We want to establish a recycling facility to handle the growing volume of expired batteries and strengthen the EV supply chain,” he stated.
Despite Thailand’s push to become a regional EV hub in Southeast Asia, the nation lacks comprehensive policies supporting battery recycling infrastructure.
Engaging Chinese EV Manufacturers
The ministry recently held discussions with Wang Haoyong, the newly appointed general manager of Chinese EV maker Aion Automobile Sales (Thailand), to encourage investment in battery recycling.
During the talks, Aion requested the government to extend EV incentive programs, including tax reductions and subsidies linked to local assembly investments. The company also sought additional measures to boost domestic car sales.
Thailand’s EV Program Framework
Thailand has implemented two major EV initiatives: the EV3.0 program (2022-2024) focused on increasing consumption and production, and the current EV3.5 program (2024-2027) aimed at accelerating industry growth.
Market Outlook and Projections
The upcoming 42nd Motor Expo in Bangkok next month is expected to drive sales of both conventional and battery electric vehicles.
According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), BEVs are leading domestic car sales growth. The industry projects total sales to reach 600,000 units this year, exceeding the 500,000-unit target and up from 572,000 units in 2023.
BEV sales alone are expected to reach 100,000 units, increasing from 96,736 in 2024. The FTI’s Automotive Industry Club attributed this growth to new technologies, competitive pricing, and effective marketing campaigns by BEV manufacturers.
The FTI maintains its 2025 production target of 1.45 million vehicles, with 950,000 units destined for export and 500,000 for the domestic market, highlighting Thailand’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global EV landscape.
