Promoting Electric Vehicle Use with the SDG and EV Climate Credit Platform

September 16, 2024

Bangkok, Thailand – UNDP, in collaboration with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) and the automotive network, with support from the Government of Japan, officially launched the SDG and EV Climate Credit Program platform. This innovative tool monitors the carbon emissions of vehicles, with the goal of fostering sustainable transport policies that will help shape Thailand's future as a clean, pollution-free society including policies on incentivizing use of electric vehicles. The launch event brought together key stakeholders from the public sector, private sector, and automotive industry to celebrate this milestone achievement in promoting sustainable transportation.

As Thailand grapples with the environmental impacts of its transport sector, which is responsible for 30% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions, this platform is set to play a pivotal role. The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program will track the emissions of vehicles and provide valuable data that will inform the development of policies aimed at reducing the country’s carbon footprint through the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and other low-emission transportation options. This initiative supports Thailand’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a clean energy future, as declared at COP26.

a man in a suit standing in front of a sign

a group of people standing in front of a sign

EV Technology: A Key Driver of Sustainable Transportation in Thailand

The launch of the SDG and EV Climate Credit Program reflects the growing potential of EV technology in transforming Thailand’s automotive industry and reducing its environmental impact. This platform is expected to encourage the use of low-emission vehicles, driving Thailand towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“In Thailand, 30% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the transport sector, so the increase in the percentage of electric vehicles on the road is the decrease in the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. That is why funding from the Government of Japan and leadership and collaboration from the Royal Thai Government and the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, UNDP is rolling up its sleeves to be part of Thailand’s climate action journey,” stated Niamh Collier-Smith, UNDP Resident Representative to Thailand, underscoring the significance of the platform and the collective effort behind the project’s success.

A Platform for Change

The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program platform provides a unique tool for comparing the environmental impact of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) and zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). This feature not only helps policymakers but also raises awareness among the public on the environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to cleaner vehicles.

Sumittra Charojrochkul, Executive Director of the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), emphasized the platform’s value in educating the public: “This platform is an important tool used in comparing with everyday use of ICE vehicles. If we change from ICE vehicles to EVs or ZEVs, what would be the differences? If this platform is widely used in Thailand, initially, it will raise awareness among the general public. People will realize that loving the planet doesn’t require spending a lot of money. They can compare with the use of low-emission vehicles at present. This is because everyone is similarly affected by the impacts of global warming.”

Supporting Thailand’s Climate Goals

Thailand’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, as pledged at COP26, places a strong focus on the transport sector. The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program platform is a key tool for tracking and achieving these goals, providing essential data to inform and guide the nation’s climate policies.

“By joining the declaration of CO2 reduction efforts at COP26, we declared that by 2030, Thailand will attempt to cut CO2 emissions by 30%. We developed NDCs with targets to reduce GHG emissions in the transport sector. As OTP is responsible for developing transport policies and plans, it is imperative for us to reduce GHG emissions in Thailand’s transport sector. So, we have been collaborating with UNDP. This platform can store data, enabling us to know baseline amounts of GHG emissions in Thailand’s transport sector. This platform will be used as a monitoring and evaluation tool that tells us the extent of benefit from the public sector’s efforts. I think the platform will be more widely used in the future. Then, both platform users and the public sector will gain the benefits,” said Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning.

Towards a Sustainable Future

The SDG and EV Climate Credit Program platform marks a critical step forward in Thailand’s journey towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. By leveraging this tool to monitor and reduce emissions, the country can effectively advance its climate goals and promote a just energy transition that benefits all sectors of society.

For media inquiries, please contact: karnklon.raktham@undp.org Head of Communications, UNDP in Thailand