Thailand to raise excise tax on fully imported EVs to 35% from 10% on 1 January 2027
By Eve
Thailand's cabinet approved the increase in excise tax on fully imported (CBU) electric vehicles from 10% to 35%, effective 1 January 2027, according to Bangkok Post as reported by Paul Tan's publication. Finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the new structure aims to protect investors already committed to local plants and supply chains, and to push CBU reliant automakers to speed up talks on local production. Bloomberg reported that EV imports hit USD 421 million in September, up 138% year on year, with China supplying almost 99%, while registrations from January to September reached 191,273 units, up 83% on the same period in 2025.
Why it matters
Higher import costs from 2027 could slow the growth of the imported EV parc while shifting supply towards locally built models, which may affect the pace and mix of charging demand. Procurement teams and CPOs should watch how automakers respond with local production plans when forecasting charger utilisation and site planning in Thailand.
Source
- Original title
- “Thailand to raise excise tax on CBU EVs to 35% from Jan 1, 2027 – move encourages investment, local production”
- Published
- 3 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Place
- Thailand
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