The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is now trying to build an electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the region with support from its East Asian neighbors, according to an Indonesian diplomat.
Specifically, ASEAN will soon announce a new EV ecosystem cooperation program under the ASEAN + 3 (APT) mechanism. APT is expected to announce this at the upcoming 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta next month.
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| In addition to common standards, each ASEAN member country has its own electric vehicle standards, rules and infrastructure. (Source: Vinfast) |
Launched in 1997, APT is an economic cooperation forum between ASEAN and three East Asian countries: China, Japan and South Korea.
“Not all ASEAN members have the same electric vehicle standards, regulations and infrastructure. We are asking the three APT countries to help develop the regional EV ecosystem,” Berlianto Pandapotan Hasudungan, director general of ASEAN Economic Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters.
Details regarding the EV ecosystem cooperation program between ASEAN and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea will be announced in September through the ASEAN+3 Leaders' Statement on EV Ecosystem.
ASEAN plans to harmonize EV-related standards across member countries to facilitate trade, especially for eco-friendly vehicles. These “standards” include different types of power plugs across countries.
According to Mr. Berlianto, unifying standards is key to the development of the EV supply chain in the region, which will allow member countries to trade EVs easily.
“Imagine if Indonesia exports EVs to Singapore, but the plugs are not compatible,” Berlianto said. “The same goes for other elements like batteries and even safety standards. Having a single battery standard could allow consumers to easily swap batteries.”
Asked if ASEAN had set a timeline for harmonizing regional standards, Berlianto said the regional organization was just getting started.
“The leaders’ declaration is the highest level of political commitment. That is what needs to be conveyed to the lower levels. For example, ministers will work on a framework or roadmap, while senior officials’ meetings (SOM) will discuss the technical aspects to drive implementation,” Mr. Berlianto explained.
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