ASEAN member states are set to introduce a unified electric vehicle (EV) policy as part of broader efforts to promote regional sustainability and speed up the transition to clean energy.
The policy, which aims to streamline EV development and infrastructure across the region, will be unveiled at the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
ASEAN is moving towards implementing a standard electric vehicle (EV) policy to boost the region’s sustainability initiatives and accelerate the shift to cleaner energy solutions.
The announcement will be made during the forthcoming ASEAN Summit, according to Malaysia’s Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 at Menara MITI today, Tengku Zafrul confirmed that the policy is currently under discussion.
"Discussions on battery standardisation and the development of cross-border EV charging infrastructure have already begun among senior officials and leaders," he said.
The Minister outlined that the goal of this initiative is to ease 'range anxiety'—a major concern for EV drivers—by ensuring a more extensive and reliable charging network across ASEAN countries.
Additionally, the move will foster a resilient supply chain for the automotive industry, facilitating stronger collaboration between member states.
“This standardised EV policy will provide ASEAN countries with the framework to work together more effectively, enabling them to achieve their sustainability goals and meet the growing demand for clean energy vehicles,” he explained.
The policy’s introduction is expected to support ASEAN's long-term environmental objectives while enhancing the region's position as a leader in the global transition to electric mobility.
As regional economies gear up for a cleaner, greener future, the policy is seen as a vital step in promoting regional cooperation and reducing the automotive sector’s carbon footprint. – March 20, 2025
