The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-powered autonomous vehicles (AVs) is reshaping mobility, logistics, and urban transport, with Thailand emerging as a market preparing for this technological transition.

The country's EV industry is increasingly integrated with developments in AV technology, which represents the next stage in mobility and has the potential to improve energy efficiency, driving range, and environmental performance.

Industry leaders consider the convergence of electric propulsion and self-driving systems to be inevitable.

Proponents note that autonomous vehicles could reduce accidents, emissions, and congestion while supporting logistics operations in ageing societies facing labour shortages.

In markets where daily wages are rising and skilled drivers are limited, autonomous fleets may help ease pressure on transport and delivery networks.

For Thailand, the technology presents both challenges and opportunities, with the potential to advance the next phase of mobility development provided that infrastructure, regulation, and public trust progress accordingly.

The country has begun laying the groundwork, with EV adoption accelerating and policymakers seeking to ensure that Thailand participates fully in the AV transition. The government is developing facilities to support the technology; however, industry leaders note that integrating AV and EV systems will require time.

First steps

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation has partnered with international automakers to advance connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology. Central to this effort is the CAV Proving Ground project in Rayong's Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation.

Developed by the Department of Science Service, the proving ground is a large-scale test track where sensors, communication systems, and self-driving functions can be tested under controlled conditions.

The ministry's inspector-general, Wannee Nonsiri, described the facility as part of Thailand's national quality infrastructure, designed to prepare personnel for AV testing and ensure that locally produced vehicles meet international standards.

The site is designed to support SAE Levels 3 to 5, ranging from conditional autonomy to full self-driving capability.

According to the US-based Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Level 3 requires human intervention when prompted, Level 4 allows full autonomy within specific areas, and Level 5 represents complete independence from human drivers.

The initiative aligns with Thailand's "30@30" policy, which targets EVs accounting for 30% of total automotive production by 2030. This includes zero-emission cars, electric motorcycles, and electric buses and trucks.

Continual development

Self-driving technology is regarded as a key development in mobility, with global automakers, particularly those based in Japan, leading technological progress. Industry observers note that the development of advanced sensors and robust cybersecurity systems will be critical to supporting AV growth.

Beyond technical progress, AV development is increasingly linked with EV adoption, which can optimise energy use and enhance operational efficiency.

In 2025, the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo highlighted these developments, bringing together companies from the IT, telecommunications, and electronics sectors to demonstrate advancements in smart mobility.

Panupol Kittikamron, chief commercial officer of Thai Yamaha Motor, said Yamaha unveiled several vehicles at the event, including mid-stage prototypes as well as electric and hybrid motorcycles, e-bikes and electric wheelchair concepts.

One of the vehicles, Yamaha Motor's MOTOROiD, is an electric motorcycle powered by artificial intelligence (AI) capable of controlling its movement, adjusting balance and steering, and collecting performance data to refine its functions.

Mr Panupol noted that car and motorcycle manufacturers are investing in self-driving technologies alongside electric propulsion to reduce energy consumption and improve transport efficiency. He added that technological progress, climate change, urbanisation, and demographic shifts are influencing the development of smart mobility, particularly in densely populated urban areas.

Not ready

Thailand is progressing in preparations for AV adoption; however, analysts caution that the country is not yet ready for widespread deployment.

Mr Surapong said infrastructure and legal frameworks remain inadequate to support AV operations on public roads. Driver behaviour is another concern, with many motorists showing limited compliance with traffic rules, posing challenges for integrating autonomous systems into everyday traffic conditions.

At present, AVs are considered better suited to controlled environments such as corporate campuses or factory compounds. While safety concerns, unpredictable scenarios, regulatory barriers, and public perception remain obstacles, government efforts to adopt AV technology are ongoing.

The growth of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is expected to facilitate the introduction of autonomous systems. EVs already reduce carbon emissions and operating costs, while AVs may provide safer and more efficient transport.

Integrating autonomous driving with electric propulsion could further optimise energy use, as features such as regenerative braking in EVs can be more effectively managed by AI-driven systems, improving efficiency and driving range.

BEVs have gained traction in Thailand. According to the Federation of Thai Industries, BEVs were a key factor driving overall domestic car sales growth in 2025.