Chinese EV makers race to Southeast Asia for growth amid US trade war

EV sales in Southeast Asia are expected to hit between US$80 billion and US$100 billion by 2035, from about US$2 billion in 2021, according to a January report by EY-Parthenon, the strategy consulting arm of Ernst & Young.

“Of these, Indonesia is expected to be the region’s largest market by volume, with estimated sales of 4.5 million units [out of 8.5 million total units by 2035],” the report said.

Global EV sales jumped 18 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, fuelled by demand in China, the world’s largest EV market. Sales in China are expected to plateau, however, intensifying the urgency among domestic EV makers to focus more on other markets such as Southeast Asia.

According to Counterpoint Research, a Hong Kong-based technology research firm, regional EV sales more than doubled in the first quarter, compared with a 7 per cent decline for diesel- and petrol-powered cars.

That’s good for Chinese carmakers, because as Counterpoint analyst Abhik Mukherjee noted: “Over 70 per cent of EV sales in the region are from Chinese brands, led by BYD.”

Amid slowing growth in their home market, Chinese EV heavyweights such as BYD, Neta Auto and Geely Auto have announced major plans to expand their presence in Southeast Asia.

At an auto show in Jakarta in May, the carmakers said they were introducing more models that appeal to Indonesian consumers.

BYD is set to build a US$1 billion factory in West Java that is scheduled to start operations in 2026. Neta has signed an agreement with local car assembly company Handal Indonesia Motor to produce its EV models for the local market.

“People in Indonesia are very interested in cars that are affordable but have sophisticated and innovative technology,” Herman Tri Putra, a sales representative