ZEEKR officially debuts in Laos and plans to sell it in Thailand, Myanmar and the Philippines this year

According to Lao media reports, the CEO of LOCA, Laos’ largest online taxi service provider, announced at the ZEEKR launch conference that the company currently operates 20 tram fast charging stations across Laos. This is a big step towards sustainable mobility. LOCA has demonstrated an ambitious vision for the future, doubling this number to a total of 40 sites by the end of 2024.

The announcement underscores LOCA’s commitment to expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, in line with Laos’ national goals for economic and environmental sustainable development.

The Lao government, with support from parliament, endorses the transition to electric vehicles as a strategic response to economic challenges. The transition to electric vehicles is seen as a key step in curbing growing demand for gasoline in the short term and reducing long-term dependence on oil imports. Laos is rich in clean energy and can achieve a major shift toward sustainable energy consumption as long as electricity infrastructure continues to improve.

At the 15th Lao Business Forum, the Lao Prime Minister highlighted the government's efforts to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including higher consumption taxes on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Despite these measures, imports of internal combustion engine vehicles have not slowed down, increasing demand for oil imports and highlighting the urgent need to switch to electric vehicles. The government may be considering further restrictions on the import of internal combustion engine vehicles to speed up this shift.

LOCA is at the forefront of this transformative journey, leading the market in building a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network. LOCA plans to expand the network to 100 stations by 2026, and its efforts are critical to supporting the country’s transition to electric mobility.

An important aspect of the wave of EV adoption in Laos is the substantial cost savings reported by EV drivers. Data from actual electric vehicle users shows significant reductions in energy costs compared to conventional gasoline vehicles. Now, for every $100 spent on gas, trolley drivers only spend about $10 on electricity to travel the same distance.

This significant difference in operating costs, coupled with falling EV prices, makes EVs an increasingly popular option for new car buyers in Laos. As of December 2023, the country has imported a total of 3,598 electric vehicles, with 2,101 imported in 2023 alone. This represents 25.1% of all new passenger cars (sedans and SUV segments) imported in 2023, marking a significant shift in consumer preferences for sustainable transportation options.

LOCA’s ongoing efforts, supported by proactive government policies, have significantly contributed to the growth of the Lao electric vehicle market. By harnessing clean energy and advancing electricity infrastructure, Laos is poised to achieve its economic and environmental goals through electric vehicles.

On March 29, 2024, Manignom Auto Group announced that Zeekr was officially sold in Laos, which is considered an important achievement for the global electric vehicle brand.

MANIGNOM AUTO GROUP, Laos' leading automobile company, is pleased to announce the official launch of the ZEEKR high-end electric vehicle brand in Laos. The launch ceremony on March 29, 2024 is considered an important step for Laos’ growing electric vehicle market.

MANIGNOM Auto Group is the only authorized dealer of ZEEKR cars in Laos. This cooperation gives us confidence that under the official license of ZEEKR, Lao customers will receive the highest level of good service, such as after-sales service and all tools and spare parts.

On March 12, a ZEEKR spokesperson said that the company plans to set up a subsidiary in Thailand and cooperate with local dealers to start sales in Thailand in the first half of this year. The spokesperson also revealed that ZEEKR has signed contracts with local dealers in Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines, and plans to start selling in these markets in the second quarter of this year.