🔌 [#41] Plugging Into the Future

⚡️ Watts Next? Southeast Asia’s EV Revolution is Gaining Traction

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Climate starts with SEA
October 06, 2024

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🚗 In our 13th issue that we published last year on Electric Vehicles (EVs), we talked about how the electric rEVolution: transporting transportation is heading towards a greener future, and it sure is picking up speed in Southeast Asia, and making waves both for the environment and the economy.

♻️ With more people looking to switch from gas-powered cars to cleaner electric alternatives, the shift isn’t just good for the planet—it’s becoming more practical and affordable, too. Governments across the region are offering subsidies, and companies are rolling out innovative financing models to make EVs more accessible. Whether it’s electric scooters or e-rickshaws, EVs are becoming a go-to option for eco-friendly transportation, making cleaner commuting an easier choice.

🔋 From an environmental standpoint, EVs are a win. In Vietnam, the region’s second-largest motorcycle market, the adoption of electric two-wheelers is gaining momentum. These vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to traditional motorbikes, which are a major contributor to urban pollution. Entrepreneurs in the region are building essential infrastructure, such as charging stations and battery-swapping networks, to make EV ownership easier and more convenient. With these developments, range anxiety—worrying about running out of battery—is becoming less of a concern as drivers can quickly recharge and get back on the road.

💸 There’s also a major economic opportunity. Southeast Asia is expected to need $1.3 trillion in investments by 2030 to fully support the EV transition. Countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are leading the charge, and private investors are starting to take notice. The EV revolution isn’t just about cleaner air—it’s driving growth and creating new business opportunities. For young professionals in sectors like tech, finance, or consulting, EVs could become a key player in shaping a more sustainable and dynamic economy.

🌏 Recapping our previous issue on EVs, it’s worth re-highlighting that there is a wide range of opportunities in this sector for many countries in Southeast Asia to become a key player in shaping a more sustainable and dynamic economy.

📰 On another note, let’s go through some recent headlines that’s been making waves around Southeast Asia!

🗞️ Recent News

Tech in Asia - Connecting Asia's startup ecosystem

Gogoro, the Taiwanese electric scooter and battery-swapping giant, has been grappling with some problems recently.

www.techinasia.com/behind-the-gojek-gogoro-breakup-in-indonesias-ev-push

Climate change leaving a bitter taste in world’s coffee supply

Climate change is impacting coffee production globally, particularly in Southeast Asia. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and increasing pest issues are reducing yield and quality while driving up costs.

eastasiaforum.org/2024/09/26/climate-change-leaving-a-bitter-taste-in-worlds-coffee-supply

Past failures can’t stop Indonesia from clearing forests, Indigenous lands for farms

JAKARTA — Indigenous Papuans say they’ve been caught off guard by helicopters flying over their villages and excavators tearing down their forests in their area, all while accompanied by the Indonesian military.

news.mongabay.com/2024/10/past-failures-cant-stop-indonesia-from-clearing-forests-indigenous-lands-for-farms

The people's vision for regional decarbonisation in Southeast Asia

How the region’s populations view decarbonisation as the energy transition occurs can inform stronger leadership and better policymaking at the elite level.

www.eco-business.com/opinion/the-peoples-vision-for-regional-decarbonisation-in-southeast-asia

Thailand turns to mangrove carbon credits despite scepticism

The country aims to bring thousands of hectares of mature mangroves into its new carbon market, but local communities are concerned about the consequences.

www.eco-business.com/news/thailand-turns-to-mangrove-carbon-credits-despite-scepticism/?utm_campaign=

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🌊 SEA you next time!

Karina & Massimiliano