Thailand’s automotive industry recorded a substantial rise in electric vehicle (EV) output in September 2025, signaling a deepening transition toward electrification within the country’s manufacturing base. According to the Automotive Industry Club of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), total vehicle production for the month reached 128,104 units, a 4.77% increase year-on-year, largely propelled by soaring production in battery and plug-in hybrid segments.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) production climbed 330.45%, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) output surged 527.08% compared to the same period last year. These gains offset declines in other categories and underscored Thailand’s effort to reduce reliance on imported EVs that previously dominated the domestic market in 2022–2023. Despite the strong September performance, total production for the first nine months of 2025 fell 4.63%, amounting to 1,075,801 units.
EVs Lead Market Expansion
Production figures highlighted strong performance across all electrified segments. In September, BEV output reached 6,375 units, PHEV production 3,474 units, and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) totaled 17,863 units, up 23.66% from last year. Passenger pickup vehicles (PPVs) also saw a 29.95% boost, supported by the launch of new models from major automakers.
Domestic Market Shows Steady Recovery
Domestic production stood at 42,479 units in September, up 22.73%, while nine-month output totaled 367,107 units, a 3.75% rise. Local sales reflected similar momentum, with 48,350 units sold during the month, up 23.82%, and 477,969 units sold between January and September, up 2.12% year-on-year.
Industry analysts attribute this growth to improving EV affordability and enhanced technology features, which have made electric cars more accessible to Thai consumers. Competitive pricing and government incentives have further strengthened local demand.
Pickup Sales Decline Amid Credit Constraints
In contrast, pickup truck sales continued to soften, falling 4% in September. The decline was linked to tighter credit controls from financial institutions and reduced consumer purchasing power amid high living costs and weak industrial performance. Economic headwinds in sectors such as retail and tourism have also constrained demand among working-class buyers.
Export Performance Shows Mixed Results
Thailand’s automotive exports presented a mixed picture. Export-oriented production totaled 85,625 units in September, down 2.33%, while cumulative output for the first nine months of 2025 declined 8.46% to 708,694 units. Nevertheless, actual exports rose 7.23% to 86,056 units, buoyed by demand for pickup trucks, new PPV models, and electric passenger vehicles. Key export destinations included Australia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
However, internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger car exports dropped 16.97%, reflecting the global market’s accelerating move toward electric mobility.
Industry Outlook
The surge in EV production underlines Thailand’s emerging competitiveness in electric vehicle manufacturing and signals a structural shift in its automotive landscape. As manufacturers adapt to evolving global demand and domestic consumer preferences, the country appears poised to consolidate its position as a regional hub for EV production.