▍Singapore: Tightened Emission Reduction Policies Drive Surge in Electric Vehicle Sales

Following the announcement in September that the Vehicle Emissions Scheme (VES) and Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) would be tightened from next year, electric vehicle sales in Singapore have risen significantly. In September, 2,321 new A1-class (zero-emission, primarily electric vehicles) vehicles were registered, marking the highest monthly total since 2023. From September to November, a total of 6,630 A1-class vehicles were registered, accounting for approximately 32% of all electric vehicle registrations over the past 11 months.

From January to November this year, over 20,000 electric vehicles received rebates through the EEAI and VES. Meanwhile, the proportion of hybrid vehicles has continued to decline, dropping from about 46.1% in 2023 to 22.3% in the first 11 months of this year.

Although the EEAI rebate cap will be halved next year, and VES rebates for pure electric vehicles will be reduced while hybrids will no longer qualify, industry analysts believe that the gradual decline in electric vehicle prices and increased environmental awareness will continue to drive market share growth. Experts note that hybrid vehicles will still account for about 15%-20% of the market, offering consumers a middle-ground option. Overall, policy adjustments are expected to further guide consumers toward more energy-efficient models.

▍Malaysia: Annual Sales Target Within Reach, XPENG Plans Local Factory

Recently, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announced that total new vehicle sales nationwide reached 72,509 units in November 2025, down 4.6% month-on-month but up 5.5% year-on-year. The cumulative sales for the first 11 months stood at 727,836 units. Sales remained high, primarily driven by ongoing promotions and consumers rushing to buy before the end-of-year expiration of the tax exemption policy for completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles.

MAA expects market momentum to continue in December, supported by demand for CBU electric vehicles, with the total annual sales for 2025 likely to easily surpass the 780,000-unit target, though it is unlikely to exceed the record high set in 2024.

XPENG Motors announced it is in talks with Malaysia's EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) for a partnership, planning to start mass production of electric vehicles in Malaysia by 2026. This will be XPENG's third overseas production base, aiming to make Malaysia a strategic hub for expanding into the ASEAN right-hand drive vehicle market. Malaysia is attracting several Chinese electric vehicle makers to set up factories, including BYD and Leapmotor, gradually becoming a manufacturing center for Chinese automakers in Southeast Asia.

▍Thailand: Steady Growth in Auto Sales, Strong Domestic Demand Offsets Export Decline

Data from the Federation of Thai Industries shows that domestic auto sales reached 51,044 units in November 2025, up 20.65% year-on-year, marking a recent high. The cumulative sales for the first 11 months totaled 546,045 units, up 5.28% year-on-year. The recovery in domestic purchasing power and reduced consumer burden due to lower policy interest rates have supported the market.

In contrast to the robust domestic demand, the export market remained weak. Auto exports stood at 78,692 units in November, down 12.22% year-on-year, primarily dragged down by the discontinuation of some fuel-powered models and weakened demand in traditional key markets (such as a decline in exports of internal combustion engine passenger vehicles).

In the electric vehicle segment, cumulative registrations of pure electric vehicles reached 10,501 units as of November, accounting for 22.7% of total registrations. Among the top 20 models by sales, Chinese brands such as JAECOO, BYD, MG, and GAC AION dominated most positions, with the JAECOO 5 leading with over 2,000 registrations.

▍Indonesia: Electric Vehicle Market Continues to Grow, Led by Mid-to-High-End Consumers

From January to November 2025, Indonesia's electric vehicle market performed strongly, with cumulative sales reaching 82,525 units, accounting for 11.62% of total national auto sales. BYD dominated the market with over 40,000 units sold, with its entry-level model, the Atto 1, quickly becoming the best-selling model after its October launch. Meanwhile, MPV models remained popular, with mid-to-high-end MPVs like the BYD M6 and Denza D9 ranking among the top sellers, reflecting market preference for multi-functional vehicles.

Market growth has been primarily driven by mid-to-upper-class consumers. Research shows that current electric vehicle buyers are mostly non-first-time car owners, falling into the "early adopters" and "early majority" groups, with their purchasing motives stemming more from emotional value and social recognition than purely economic considerations. The consumer age range is wide, and while enjoying lower usage costs and tax incentives, they also value the modern lifestyle represented by electric vehicles.

Although monthly sales fluctuated slightly at the end of the year, the overall market growth trend remains positive. Notably, sales of pure electric and plug-in hybrid models have surged, while traditional hybrid vehicle sales have not exceeded last year's levels. Industry analysts point out that further market penetration to the masses still requires cross-industry collaboration, strengthening policy coherence, improving charging infrastructure and after-sales service networks, and enhancing public awareness of the practical benefits of electric vehicles through outreach and education.

Layout 丨 Zheng Li

Source 丨 Zaobao, Paultan.org, Autolifethailand.tv, Gaikindo.or.id

Image source 丨 Qianku Network