Charging Ahead: Accelerating E-Mobility Growth in Southeast Asia

A Sustainable Drive Forward

As the world becomes increasingly aware of the urgent need to decrease carbon emissions and combat climate change, the demand for sustainable transportation solutions is on the rise.

In Southeast Asia, a dynamic region with a population exceeding 680 million people, rapid urbanisation and economic growth are also giving rise to environmental challenges such as air pollution and carbon emissions. To ensure sustainable growth of the region, there is a pressing need to accelerate the adoption of electric mobility (e-mobility). Governments, industry players, and consumers are coming together to drive the shift toward a more sustainable future.

The Need for Accelerating E-Mobility in Southeast Asia

The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that 9 out of 10 people in the region breathe air exceeding the WHO’s guideline limits for pollutants.

In terms of transport emissions, Southeast Asia bears significant responsibility, accounting for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 23% of carbon dioxide emissions.

The transition towards fleets electrification (both private and public) especially consisting of Medium-Duty and Heavy-duty Vehicles (MDHDV) can be a powerful catalyst ushering in sustainable mobility. Electric Vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, thus addressing these environmental concerns.

Hitachi accelerates the journey toward carbon neutrality by harnessing the power of technology to address the challenges faced by Fleet operators when contemplating the transition to electric vehicles.

Why Electric Mobility?

Green and Efficient - Alternative to conventional combustion engine vehicles

Better environment and public health

As the electricity grid becomes greener, the overall carbon footprint of EVs decreases

Reduced dependency on fossil fuels

Zero tailpipe emissions, lowering air pollution, and enhancing air quality in cities

A step towards achieving climate goals

Driving E-Mobility: Initiatives Fueling E-Mobility Growth Across Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries are building their domestic industries as essential to the EV ecosystem by developing materials supporting supply chain resilience. They are also implementing economic policies, conducting pilot projects and demonstrations, and investing in charging infrastructure development.

According to Reports*:

Indonesia

By 2030

90%

of urban transit buses are to be replaced with e-buses

Malaysia

Targeting

2,000

e-buses by 2030

Philippines

Aims for

21%

EVs in total vehicle sales by 2030

Singapore

Plans to replace

3,000

public buses with
e-buses by 2030 and phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040

Thailand

Targeting

33,000

zero emission vehicle (ZEV) bus sales by 2030

* https://www.motorindiaonline.in/busworld-south-east-asia-puts-spotlight-on-regions-huge-bus-market-potential/

Powering the Shift: Hitachi is Transforming the Transportation Landscape in Southeast Asia and Beyond

With a range of next-generation technologies and expertise, Hitachi’s solutions cater to commercial fleets such as buses along with the infrastructure, enabling optimised systems, energy savings, and revenue streams while concurrently lowering risks. Some notable solutions that Hitachi offers include:

Smart grids for efficient EV charging and renewables integration

Electrification of commercial vehicle fleets

Advancements in EV battery technology

Battery energy storage systems supporting EV charging and grid stability

Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology for bi-directional power flow

Charging management systems via smooth installation and maintenance services

End-to-end charging, vehicle, and battery management systems to monitor, usage, operations and battery life for the vehicle across the entire battery lifecycle

Second life battery solutions, including battery-as-a-service (BaaS)

Intelligent transportation systems optimising EV charging and traffic management

These advancements and solutions contribute to the growth of a vibrant EV Ecosystem, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.

Collaborative Drive: We Are All in This Together

Collaborative efforts are underway in Southeast Asia to drive large-scale fleet electrification. The involvement of different stakeholders such as government bodies and organisations in the region are investing heavily given the shift towards e-mobility growth such as EV charging infrastructure, promoting local EV adoption, and fostering partnerships to support sustainable transportation alternatives. These initiatives showcase the region’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing a greener future.

While Hitachi has implemented successful projects across the Southeast Asian region, as well as the greater Asia-Pacific and European markets, there are still lots of potential opportunities and untapped markets for Hitachi to penetrate and drive the adoption of e-mobility in Southeast Asia.

By introducing new ways of commuting and transportation that are green and sustainable, Hitachi Social Innovation is Powering Good through improvements in the standard of living and quality of life for millions of citizens across Southeast Asia.