ASEAN emerges as a new leader in global EV adoption | Ember

ASEAN emerges as a new leader in global EV adoption

Singapore, Viet Nam, Thailand and Indonesia overtake advanced markets like the US and European countries in terms of EV share of new passenger car sales in 2025

16 Dec 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and Data Analyst at Ember, added: “The assumption that EV growth will stall outside Europe and China is already outdated.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.”

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
Asia Energy Analyst, Ember

The assumption that EV growth will stall outside Europe and China is already outdated.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.

Euan Graham
Electricity and Data Analyst, Ember

About Ember

Ember is an independent energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy. It creates targeted data insights to advance policies that urgently shift the world to a clean, electrified energy future.

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