Tracking Chinese EVs’ stunning surge in Southeast Asia

China’s electric vehicles are charging ahead, and Southeast Asia is plugged in.

Since the start of this year, Chinese EVs have made up eight out of every 100 new cars sold in ASEAN-6 markets – Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam – according to Tech in Asia’s analysis.

The figure might seem modest, but its growth is exponential. In 2022, the proportion of Chinese EVs to total car sales of all fuel types in the region was below 1%.

Southeast Asia also ranks among the top regions in the adoption of Chinese EVs.

Singapore leads the region with the highest adoption rate. In the first four months of 2025, Chinese EVs made up 27% of total new car sales in the country – including all fuel types – up from 18% the previous year.

Yet, the city-state’s figures are much lower than its neighbors’. In 2024, Singapore’s total new car sales exceeded 43,000 units, fewer than what larger ASEAN nations sell in a single month.

For a clearer picture of Chinese automakers’ rising popularity, look to Thailand.

Last year, Chinese EV brands sold over 65,800 units in the country, capturing 11% of its total car market. In 2025, this ratio has climbed to 16% so far. The country has always been a key market for Chinese automakers in Southeast Asia.

In 2023, the Thai government introduced the EV3.5 incentive package, which lasts until 2027. 

This policy subsidizes up to 100,000 baht (about US$3,000) per EV, alongside tariff reductions and tax benefits for local production. Thailand is pushing for zero-emission vehicles to make up 30% of its total production by 2030. 

“Thailand has taken a leading role in promoting EVs across Southeast Asia, and Chinese manufacturers are expected to benefit the most from this policy,” says Abhik Mukherjee, research analyst at Counterpoint Research.

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With strong incentives and a robust local automotive supply chain, Thailand has emerged as the hub for Chinese EV makers in Southeast Asia.

BYD, China’s leading EV brand, opened its first Southeast Asian factory in Thailand in July 2024. Other major Chinese players, including SAIC Motor and Great Wall Motor, are also expanding production in the country.

Meanwhile, US carmaker Tesla scrapped plans to build cars in Thailand, which may hurt its local market share.