PTT, a semi-state Thai oil and gas enterprise , has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six major automakers on cooperation in developing electric cars.
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Illustrative image (Source: reuters)
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Under the MoU, PTT will work with BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motors, Porsche and Volvo, to develop electric vehicle charging stations nationwide.
Thai Minister of Energy Anantaporn Kanjanrat said the MoU is appropriate to his country’s plan to increase the number of electric cars to 1.2 million units by 2036.
To help spur the industry, the government has already offered tax incentives to electric vehicle makers and importers.
According to PTT chief executive Tevin Vongvanich, his firm began researching electric vehicle technology in 2012, and has so far put four electronic vehicle charging stations into operation
It aims to open two more later this year and the number is expected to reach 20 by 2017, he added./.