Study Shows 37% of Buyers in S.E. Asia Open to EVs

Nearly two in five new car buyers in southeast Asia would consider a hybrid or full-electric vehicle for their next purchase, according to Frost & Sullivan.

The study, which was commissioned by Nissan Motor Co., surveyed 1,800 people in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Buyers in the Philippines (46%), Thailand (44%) and Indonesia (41%) are the most enthusiastic about electrified cars. Only 23% of respondents in Singapore indicated an interest.

The risk of running out of power is the top reason cited for not buying an EV, with 85% listing it as “very” or “somewhat” important. Other chief disqualifying factors are safety concerns, lack of a recharging infrastructure and worries about the reliability of the technology.

Three in four respondents say they would be more likely to switch to an electrified model if taxes were waived on the purchase. Other incentives that could sway consumers include the installation of charging stations in apartment buildings (70%), priority driving lanes (56%) and free parking (53%).

Nissan released the study in support of its plan to begin selling its Leaf electric car in seven new markets: Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand. The company also is evaluating Indonesia and the Philippines.