FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Carmakers’ move to delay emissions cap angers Thai e-vehicle industry

Carmakers’ move to delay emissions cap angers Thai e-vehicle industry

A proposal by carmakers to delay introduction of the Euro 5 emissions standard is awaiting approval from the Cabinet after being passed by the National Environment Board on July 20.

The government plans to impose Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards on auto manufacturers from 2021 and 2022, respectively.

However, the Automotive Industry Club and the Federation of Thai Industries are asking for the Euro 5 standard for cars to be delayed until 2025 and Euro 6 until 2028. Meanwhile they want the Euro 5 and 6 standards for trucks to start from 2026 and 2030, respectively.

Their proposal cited damage to the auto industry from the economic impact of Covid-19.

The National Environment Board approved a three-year postponement for both cars and trucks, but said the separate Euro 5 fuel standard will start on the original date – January 1, 2024.

“Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Ford are leading the push to delay adoption of Euro 5 and 6 emissions standards. The latest meeting of the National Environment Board agreed to delay the move for three years – a shorter period than requested – and to not divide the policy into small/large car groups, "the source said.

The move to delay drew opposition from Thailand’s electric vehicle industry.
Postponing introduction of emissions standards would leave Thailand suffering PM2.5 air pollution problem for at least another 10 years, said Yossapong Laoonual, honorary chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT).

"Carmakers cannot complain that adjusting to emission standards is unaffordable since the cost of adapting to Euro 6 was Bt20,000 per vehicle 14 years ago. Today that cost has reduced even further. They should also stop claiming that fuel services are not ready, since many brands and models of Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles are already available in Thailand for general use, including eco-cars and European cars," said Yossapong.

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