Thailand: Direct Subsidies for Fast Chargers
Thailand's Ministry of Energy announced a new round of subsidies for EV charging stations in March 2026. Under the program, operators that install DC fast chargers of 60kW or above are eligible for up to 200,000 Thai Baht (approximately $5,500 USD) per unit.
The timing matters. Thailand already has one of Southeast Asia's highest EV adoption rates, with brands like BYD and Neta capturing significant market share. But charger density, especially for fast charging, has lagged behind vehicle sales. The new subsidy directly targets that gap by incentivizing 60kW+ units – the kind of power that makes public charging practical for drivers on the go.
For charging equipment manufacturers, this means Thailand is likely to see a wave of procurement tenders in the coming months. But speed alone won't win. Operators receiving subsidies will need to demonstrate compliance with local standards, including TISI certification for electrical equipment.
Indonesia: PLN's 2,000-Charger Rollout
Indonesia took a different but equally significant step. State-owned utility Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) announced plans to add 2,000 public charging stations across the country in 2026, with a focus on the Trans-Sumatra Highway – a major artery stretching over 2,700 kilometers along the island of Sumatra.
PLN's involvement is important. As the national utility, PLN has both the capital and the mandate to build infrastructure at scale. The Trans-Sumatra focus suggests a strategy of connecting major cities and enabling long-distance EV travel, rather than just serving urban commuters in Jakarta.
Indonesia also requires SNI certification for EV chargers. The certification process has recently become stricter, with longer review cycles and more rigorous testing. Companies that haven't prepared will face delays. Those that have – like Wenzhou Chuhan, which is already working through SIRIM certification in neighboring Malaysia – are better positioned.
What This Means for the Region
Taken together, Thailand and Indonesia's March announcements send a clear signal: Southeast Asia's charging infrastructure market is entering a new phase.
First, the emphasis is shifting to fast charging. Both Thailand's 60kW+ subsidy and PLN's highway focus point to DC fast chargers, not slow AC units. Operators want speed. Drivers want convenience. That means demand for 60kW, 120kW, and higher-powered units will grow faster than the overall market.
Second, certification is becoming a competitive advantage. TISI in Thailand, SNI in Indonesia, SIRIM in Malaysia – each country has its own requirements. Getting certified takes time, typically three to eight months depending on the market. Companies that start early gain a head start when tenders go live.
Third, the climate matters. Southeast Asia is hot, humid, and often rainy. Equipment needs IP ratings that can handle downpours, cooling systems that perform at 35°C ambient temperatures, and corrosion protection for coastal installations. Generic products designed for temperate climates will struggle.
From Our Malaysia Trip to Today
When our team walked the streets of Kuala Lumpur earlier this month, we saw the gap between EV adoption and charging infrastructure. The same gap exists in Bangkok and Jakarta. The difference now is that governments and utilities are moving to close it.
Thailand's subsidy program and PLN's 2,000-unit target are not just headlines. They're procurement pipelines that will open in the coming months. For manufacturers with the right products – certified, tropical-ready, and backed by local support – these are concrete opportunities.
Wenzhou Chuhan's Position
We are not new to Southeast Asia. Our recent trip to Malaysia was part of a longer commitment to the region. We are currently working through SIRIM certification. We are adapting our products for tropical conditions, including IP65-rated enclosures and high-temperature cooling. And we are building relationships with local partners who understand the market.
Thailand and Indonesia's March announcements reinforce what we already believed: Southeast Asia is one of the most important regions for EV charging growth over the next three to five years. We intend to be ready when the tenders open.
