Key facts
- Laos is accelerating its promotion of electric vehicles.
- The country aims to have 30% of its fleet be electric by 2030.
- Abundant hydroelectric power is being leveraged for the EV transition.
- Energy security concerns due to oil shortages have led to a pause in gasoline car imports.
- Luxury EV models are seeing sales success in Vientiane.
Laos is intensifying its efforts to promote electric vehicles, capitalizing on its substantial hydroelectric power resources. This strategic shift is driven by escalating energy security concerns, particularly due to oil shortages linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. The situation has prompted Laos to pause imports of traditional gasoline-powered cars, with a stated goal of achieving a 30% electric vehicle fleet by 2030. Reports indicate that luxury electric sedans are performing well in dealerships within the capital, Vientiane.