TAIA: Look beyond EVs to ethanol
The government is being urged t o focus more on promoting vehicles fuelled by other alternative energies in addition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Thanawat Koomsin, president of the Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), said ethanol fuel can be a part of the country’s answer in reducing CO2 emissions.
He was addressing a seminar at the 33rd Thailand International Motor Expo 2016, which is organised by Inter-Media Consultant Co and runs from Dec 1-12 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.
“The US is weighing its support for ethanol fuel, aiming to promote E30 blends in lieu of the E10 it supports now, indicating its interest in alternative energy for conventional-engine vehicles,” said Mr Thanawat.
As EVs are not successful yet in Thailand, the country should similarly weigh the prospects of alternative fuels, he said. Mr Thanawat suggested the government thoroughly study the pros and cons of auto industry trends before coming up with any long-term policies.
He urged all parties to stay focused on the country’s first automotive testing centre and how to optimise this long-awaited development. The centre should be finished by June 2019 and become operational by early 2020.
The master plan calls for the government to invest 3.74 billion baht from 2016-20 to build the centre and 800 million to maintain it. The total of 4.54 billion baht was approved by the cabinet in June 2015.
All facilities will be located on 1,235 rai in Chachoengsao’s Sanam Chai Khet district.
The tyre-testing track meeting the UN’s R-117 standard will start construction in May 2017 and be finished a year later. A research and development (R&D) unit for tyres is the top priority because the government aims to upgrade the country’s rubber industry, in part to try and lift rubber prices.
Auto parts makers will soon be eligible to use the R&D unit at the centre to develop EVs, said Mr Thanawat.
Suphot Sukphisarn, deputy secretarygeneral of the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, said the government has yet to come up with a clear-cut roadmap to support EV production and promote alternative energy-fuelled vehicles.