The Government of Laos is aiming to increase the share of electric vehicles (EV) in the country to one per cent by 2025 and over 30 per cent by 2030. In line with the new targets, the government has approved a new policy on the use of EVs to minimise fuel imports and reduce carbon emissions.
As a part of the policy, the government will not impose import limits on EVs in order to boost the number of EV dealers in Laos, but vehicles imported and sold in the country will have to fulfil international standards for quality, safety, after-sales service, and maintenance. This will include a strategy for managing waste generated by electric vehicle firms. The government will also introduce incentives to encourage businesses to develop facilities to produce EV parts and other components, as well as invest in the deployment of charging stations throughout the country. There will also be tax exemptions or reductions on the equipment imported for EV production and charging stations.
Electricite du Laos (EdL), the state-owned power utility, has been selected as the service provider for the installation of charging stations, and has been instructed to not impose metre fees to residents or companies that use the facilities. Additionally, the company will also provide priority EV parking spots and charging stations in public spaces.
