ASIATODAY.ID, LONDON – ASEAN countries now have among the highest electric vehicle (EV) sales penetration of any country in the world, according to a new analysis by energy think tank Ember.
The share of EVs in new passenger car sales in countries like Singapore, Viet Nam, Thailand and Indonesia exceeds legacy automotive markets like the US, European Union and the UK.
The analysis shows that ASEAN has become a major force in global EV adoption. Singapore and Viet Nam have reached EV sales shares around 40%, overtaking levels seen in the UK and the EU.
Indonesia has reached 15% this year, surpassing the United States for the first time. Thailand has reached 21% and has sold more EVs in the first three quarters of 2025 than Denmark. These shifts show how quickly the region is moving from a low base to a position of leadership.
The rise in EV uptake in ASEAN is a key contributor to the global surge. The analysis finds more than a quarter of new cars sold globally in 2025 are electric.
Lam Pham, Asia Energy Analyst at Ember, said the sharp rise in EV sales across Southeast Asia shows that the region is ready to leapfrog internal-combustion vehicles.
“This momentum reflects the clear economic and environmental benefits increasingly recognised by both consumers and policymakers. To sustain and accelerate this shift, continued investment in charging infrastructure and incentive policies will be essential,” Lam Pham said on December 16, 2025.
The rise in EV sales across ASEAN has been meteoric – even as recently as 2021, Viet Nam had an EV sales share of less than 0.05%. ASEAN countries increasingly view electric vehicles as a strategic priority, delivering benefits from job creation in new industries, reduced fossil fuel demand and improved air quality.
Indonesia has introduced reduced import tariffs for manufacturers that commit to opening manufacturing facilities in the country, attracting significant investment.
Viet Nam has announced new low-emissions zones and a renewed push for clean transportation this year in an effort to improve urban air quality.
In Viet Nam, almost all EV sales are by local manufacturer VinFast, whose VF 3 model is now the highest-selling car in the country. Elsewhere in the ASEAN region, Chinese exports have been a key driver in meeting new demand for EVs with cheap new models.
Indonesia has seen the second-largest growth in Chinese EV exports of any country in 2025. This follows a global trend, with markets outside of the OECD making up almost all growth in Chinese EV exports in the last two years.
Euan Graham, Electricity and Data Analyst at Ember, added: “The assumption that EV growth will stall outside Europe and China is already outdated. Emerging markets will shape the future of the global car market. The choices made now on charging infrastructure and early support will determine how fast this momentum continues.” (AT Network)
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