Thailand’s transportation sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with diesel consumption in internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks accounting for a significant share, driven largely by commercial freight transport. The heavy reliance on conventional diesel-powered trucks results in high fuel combustion, increased operating costs, and substantial carbon emissions.

To address this challenge, Thai EV Company Ltd. has developed the Thailand Electric Logistics Programme. It aims to accelerate the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEV), with a strong focus on trucks of different sizes, from 4-wheel light trucks to 10-wheel heavy-duty trucks and tractor units. The programme seeks to transition the logistics sector from a business-as-usual path dependent on fossil fuels to a lower-carbon pathway, introducing 8,330 BEV trucks between 2025 and 2030.

The activity is driven by Thai EV Company Ltd. in collaboration with fleet operators across the country, who will lease or purchase BEV trucks and commit to using them in their logistics operations. A digital monitoring system will track mileage, energy use, and performance to ensure accuracy and transparency in GHG emissions reductions.

The battery electric trucks deliver significant emissions savings compared to ICE trucks. However, their high upfront costs and low market penetration – currently below 1% of the Thai commercial truck fleet – have created barriers to adoption. With financial support from the KliK Foundation through the transfer of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), the programme overcomes these financial and technical barriers. It is additional to Thailand’s unconditional NDC committments and domestic policies, LT-LEDS, EV30@30 policy, and national transport action plans.

Technology adoption: The programme employs battery electric vehicles (BEV) as a cleaner technology alternative to conventional diesel-powered vehicles in freight transport. This transition not only mitigates greenhouse gas emissions but also delivers a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Environmental/social/cultural/benefits: BEV eliminate tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and other air pollutants, which improves urban air quality and public health. The quieter operation of electric trucks further lowers noise pollution in cities and logistics hubs, enhancing quality of life for local communities. Socially, the programme supports new employment opportunities in maintenance, and digital monitoring, contributing to skill development in Thailand’s growing green economy. It also strengthens energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels through higher energy efficiency and integration with renewable electricity.

SDG contribution: The activity contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Together, these co-benefits highlight the programme’s role in driving a just and sustainable transition in the logistics sector.