Thailand’s transport sector is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, dominated by fossil fuel-powered trucks, vans, and buses. Electric vehicle (EV) penetration outside urban buses in Bangkok and passenger cars in Thailand remains very low, with electric trucks and vans representing less than 0.5% of their respective fleets. This mitigation activity addresses the challenge by promoting the deployment of battery electric trucks, vans, and intercity buses. By substituting internal combustion engine vehicles with EVs, the activity reduces CO₂ emissions, improves air quality, and advances Thailand’s transition toward low-carbon mobility.

The Thailand Electric Mobility activity is managed by Grutter Consulting, which acts as the activity owner and aggregator. It brings together a wide range of project investors such as vehicle operators, leasing companies, retrofit providers, and manufacturers. Grutter Consulting structures and oversees the activity, ensures robust monitoring, and facilitates access to technical assistance and carbon finance. Through this approach, both large and small-scale participants can benefit from reduced transaction costs and direct access to carbon revenues.

The contribution of the KliK Foundation is crucial to overcoming Thailand’s key barriers to EV adoption: high upfront costs and therefore long return on investment, and concerns over vehicle quality and after-sales support. Carbon revenues provided through KliK Foundation reduce the financial risk of EV investments, making them economically attractive and encouraging wider adoption. By providing results-based finance, the initiative creates a scalable model that accelerates the decarbonization of Thailand’s freight and intercity transport sector.

The activity is not part of Thailand’s NDC commitments. While the promotion of some categories of EVs are included in national policy frameworks and financial support programmes, the activity goes beyond government-mandated targets and ensures additionality.

Technology employed: The activity deploys battery electric trucks, vans, and intercity buses. Only battery electric vehicles are included, while hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel-cell vehicles are excluded.

Environmental benefits: Replacing internal combustion engine vehicles reduces CO₂ emissions and leads to better air quality. EVs also cut noise pollution, particularly along major transport corridors. The activity supports responsible battery management, requiring project investors to ensure reuse, recycling, or proper disposal of EV batteries in line with evolving Thai regulations.

Social and economic benefits: Reduced air pollution lowers health risks linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease, generating public health and economic benefits. EVs are two to three times more energy-efficient than fossil fueled vehicles, saving energy, reducing long-term operating costs, and enhancing Thailand’s energy security by lowering reliance on imported fuels.

SDGs: The activity supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while indirectly contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through EV technology development.