Sustainable Pathways for Electric Vehicle Adoption in Chiang Mai, Thailand: Readiness Assessment and Key Challenges

Abstract

Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is critical for achieving low-carbon urban mobility and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. This study assesses the readiness of Chiang Mai, Thailand, for EV deployment by integrating qualitative interviews with 10 key organizations and quantitative survey data from 400 participants (200 EV users and 200 potential users). Findings indicate that 82% of respondents identified environmental concerns – particularly reducing PM2.5 air pollution – as their top motivation for EV adoption. This was followed by expectations of long-term cost savings (78%) and confidence in EV performance standards (74%). In contrast, 67% of non-users indicated high upfront costs as the primary barrier, 62% reported inadequate access to charging infrastructure in suburban and rural areas, and 58% exhibited limited awareness of EV incentives and policies. Policy evaluation revealed critical gaps in the implementation of Thailand’s “30@30” target, including delays in financial incentives and insufficient regional infrastructure planning. To address these challenges, the study recommends targeted financial support for middle-income households, strategic expansion of charging networks in underserved areas, and increased public-private collaboration. The integration of smart grid technologies and renewable energy sources is also proposed to enhance grid efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs. By linking EV adoption to measurable environmental and economic outcomes, this research provides actionable insights for policymakers and a replicable framework for secondary cities in Thailand and comparable global contexts.