Bangkok launches electric motorcycle taxi pilot to tackle pollution

Source: Eco-Business Picture credit: Connor Gan, Unsplash

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched a pilot scheme which aims to enable the city’s motorcycle taxi riders switch from ICE to electric models, in partnership with the German sustainable development agency GIZ. The move should reduce riders’ costs while substantially cutting fine dust emissions.

Currently, over 89,000 motorcycle taxis operate across the Thai capital city from around 5,300 locations, producing 80,000-100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, as well as significant levels of super-fine PM2.5 particle pollution.

In the pilot project, over 200 motorcycle taxi riders and BMA street sweepers will be able to test electric models at subsided rates, and have access to charging and battery-swapping stations. In addition, 30 riders will be selected to take part in a one-month free trial in which operational data will be gathered to inform a possible expansion.

The initiative is being introduced amid wider calls for new policies to maintain momentum in EV adoption beyond current subsidy schemes, with structural and non-monetary changes seen as essential in effecting change. Measures such as expanded public charging infrastructure, strengthened battery safety standards and stricter emissions rules are being urged by industry leaders. “These non-monetary measures will help reduce the government’s fiscal burden in the long term, cut PM2.5 pollution and support Thailand’s transition towards a green industry,” said Krisda Utamote, former president of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, as cited by Bangkok Post.