Chinese automakers like BYD and GAC Aion are expanding into Southeast Asia’s EV market but face hurdles in infrastructure, competition, and consumer trust.

In Vietnam, BYD has struggled against local giant VinFast, which dominated sales with 87,000 of 91,500 EV units last year.

Many Vietnamese consumers favor VinFast due to a lack of charging stations for Chinese EVs and concerns regarding Chinese products.

Slow EV adoption across the region adds to the challenge. Thailand’s EV sales fell over 9% last year, while Indonesia’s market remains small.

To strengthen their position, Chinese automakers are investing in local production, with BYD building a US$1.3 billion factory in Indonesia.

Experts say adapting to Southeast Asia’s market requires time, improved charging networks, and deeper understanding of local preferences.