CINEVE 2026 | Focusing on Emerging Markets: An Analysis of Charging Infrastructure Opportunities in Southeast Asia and Belt & Road Countries

Against the backdrop of global energy transition and the deep alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative, Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road are rapidly becoming vibrant new growth engines for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and charging infrastructure. Most of these markets are still in the early stage of electrification, characterized by strong policy-driven momentum and significant infrastructure gaps. However, they also face challenges such as underdeveloped power grids and a lack of unified technical standards. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the current status of charging infrastructure development, key drivers, market potential, and critical challenges across major countries in the region. It offers strategic insights to support enterprises planning to expand overseas and capture new opportunities in these fast-growing markets.

I. Core Countries in Southeast Asia

Accelerating Electrification and Policy-Driven Market Activation

1. Thailand — The “Detroit of the East” Embracing an Electrification Ambition

Infrastructure Status:Thailand currently leads Southeast Asia in the number of public charging stations, though the overall volume remains limited (only a few thousand units). The fast-charging network is primarily developed by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and major local energy companies such as PTT. In recent years, Chinese EV manufacturers — including NIO and Neta — have also accelerated their deployment in the Thai charging ecosystem.

Key Growth Drivers: 

Clear Industrial Policies:Thailand’s “30@30” policy targets EVs to account for 30% of domestic vehicle production by 2030. The government also offers charging-station construction subsidies, covering up to 30% of investment costs. 

Automotive Industry Transformation:As a long-standing automotive manufacturing hub, Thailand aims to pivot toward becoming the “Electric Vehicle Center of Southeast Asia.” A robust charging network is a critical enabler of this transition.

Market Potential:The current vehicle-to-charger ratio is high, indicating significant unmet demand. Fast-charging needs are expected to surge sharply alongside the rapid increase in EV sales — particularly those driven by Chinese brands. Shopping malls and gas stations (especially PTT-affiliated locations) will remain core deployment scenarios. By 2030, Thailand is projected to require tens of thousands of public chargers.

Major Challenges: 

•  Pressure on national grid upgrades

• Coexistence of multiple charging standards (CCS, CHAdeMO, GB/T), creating compatibility issues

• Business model sustainability and profitability remain uncertain

2. Indonesia — Building an EV Ecosystem Through a “Resources-for-Industry” Strategy

Infrastructure Status:Indonesia’s public charging network remains in its early development stage, with initial coverage in Jakarta and major urban centers. The state-owned electricity company PLN is the primary builder and operator, targeting the installation of more than 30,000 public charging points by 2030.

Key Growth Drivers: 

• Nickel Resource Advantage:As the world’s largest nickel producer, Indonesia is strongly promoting local battery and EV manufacturing. Charging infrastructure is a critical component supporting this emerging industrial chain.

• Dual Strategy of “Charging + Battery Swapping”:Alongside conventional charging, the government places high priority on battery-swapping solutions for electric two-wheelers — driven largely by demand from ride-hailing platforms such as Gojek — forming a unique EV ecosystem.

Market Potential:Indonesia’s market for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers far exceeds that of passenger EVs, creating massive demand for light-vehicle charging and swapping facilities. Public charging expansion will follow the development of industrial parks and major real estate projects.

Major Challenges: 

• Geographically dispersed islands increase the difficulty of nationwide infrastructure deployment

• Electricity subsidy policies remain unclear

• Consumer concerns about charging convenience persist

3. Vietnam — Explosive Growth Driven by Manufacturing Relocation

Infrastructure Status:Vietnam’s charging infrastructure is developing rapidly from a small base. VinFast, the country’s leading domestic EV manufacturer, is aggressively building its own charging network. Meanwhile, Chinese charging operators and equipment suppliers are accelerating their market entry.

Key Growth Drivers: 

• Manufacturing Expansion and Strong Consumer Demand:Vietnam is benefiting from global manufacturing relocation, which brings rising industrial energy needs. At the same time, the country’s young population shows high acceptance of EVs, supporting strong consumption momentum.

• Government Incentives:The government offers tax reductions for EV purchases and encourages investment in charging infrastructure.

Market Potential:The electrification of motorcycles is the largest and most certain near-term opportunity. For passenger EVs, charging networks will be concentrated in major cities and along the main north–south highway corridor. The home-charging market also holds substantial growth potential.

Major Challenges: 

• Grid stability and expansion capacity remain the biggest bottlenecks

• Charging standards are not yet unified

• Early-stage market competition is marked by aggressive price pressure

4. Malaysia — A Stable and Open EV Market

Infrastructure Status:Malaysia’s charging network is expanding in a relatively orderly manner. Major operators include Gentari (a subsidiary of Petronas), Shell, and other international energy companies. Coverage is strong in key areas such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Key Growth Drivers: 

• Tax Incentives:The government provides investment tax exemptions and other incentives for charging infrastructure manufacturers and operators.

• Steady Market Demand:Imports of EVs — including Tesla and various Chinese brands — continue to rise at a stable pace, driving consistent growth in charging demand.

Market Potential:Premium residential communities, shopping malls, and fuel stations owned by oil companies represent high-value deployment locations. The market places strong emphasis on charger reliability and service quality.

Major Challenges: 

• Land acquisition and approval processes are often complex

• Heavy reliance on international charging standards (notably CCS2)

II. Other Key Regions Along the Belt and Road

Resources, Transit Hubs, and Demonstration Effects

1. Kazakhstan (Central Asia Representative) — Energy Transition and Corridor Hub

Infrastructure Status:Kazakhstan’s charging infrastructure is still in its early development stage. Pilot projects have been launched in Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Under the China–Kazakhstan industrial capacity cooperation framework, Chinese enterprises are actively participating in charging-station construction.

Key Growth Drivers: 

• Green Transition Strategy:As a traditional energy powerhouse, Kazakhstan is seeking to diversify its energy structure while promoting transportation electrification.

• Eurasian Land Bridge Hub Role:Developing a “green charging corridor” connecting China and Europe carries significant strategic value, especially for commercial fleets involved in long-distance logistics.

Market Potential:Long-haul freight transport and the electrification of city buses are the priority application scenarios. Many projects are state-led, providing strong opportunities for collaboration with major energy and transportation enterprises.

Major Challenges: 

•  Vast territory with low population density leads to long investment return cycles

• Extreme climate conditions impose high technical requirements on charging equipment

2. United Arab Emirates (Middle East Representative) — Premium Market with a Net-Zero Vision

Infrastructure Status:The UAE is a regional leader in EV charging deployment within the Gulf. Dubai and Abu Dhabi already have relatively mature charging networks. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is rapidly expanding its “Green Charger” initiative.

Key Growth Drivers: 

• 2030/2050 Net-Zero Strategies:Promoting EV adoption is a core component of the UAE’s long-term decarbonization plans, helping reduce reliance on oil while shaping the image of future smart cities.

• Premium Market Positioning:The UAE demands high technical sophistication, advanced user experience, and strong digital integration for charging solutions — making the country an ideal showcase market for premium charging products.

Market Potential:Luxury EV brands are expanding quickly, creating clear demand for high-power fast chargers (e.g., 350 kW). Key deployment locations include shopping malls, luxury hotels, and airports.

Major Challenges: 

• Extreme heat and dust present significant challenges for equipment heat dissipation and protection

• Market competition favors high-quality, high-reliability solutions rather than low-cost options

3. Poland (Central and Eastern Europe Representative) — EU Manufacturing Hub and Subsidy-Driven Growth

Infrastructure Status:Poland is one of the leading countries in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of EV sales and charging-station deployment. Supported by EU funding programs, its public charging network is expanding rapidly.

Key Growth Drivers: 

• Strong EU Financial Support:Poland is actively leveraging the “NextGenerationEU” recovery fund and Cohesion Fund to accelerate the construction of charging infrastructure nationwide.

• Manufacturing Advantage within the EU:Numerous automotive and battery manufacturers have established facilities in Poland, stimulating investment across the entire EV value chain.

Market Potential:Development of charging corridors along the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) remains a strategic priority. At the same time, urban taxi fleets and logistics vehicles are showing strong and clear electrification demand.

Major Challenges: 

• Charging infrastructure must comply with the EU’s strict technical and procurement standards

• Increasing competition from established European charging operators

III. Strategic Recommendations for Enterprises

1.  “One Country, One Strategy” — Build Deep Partnerships with Local Players: Collaborating with national power utilities, major oil companies, large conglomerates, or real estate developers is essential for overcoming challenges related to market entry, site acquisition, and operations.

2. Product Localization and Innovation: Develop specialized charging products for two- and three-wheeler markets in Southeast Asia, and heat- or sand-resistant solutions for the Middle East and Central Asia. Explore integrated “solar + storage + charging” models to ease grid pressure.

3. Leverage Policy and Funding Opportunities: Closely track government subsidies, tax incentives, and bilateral cooperation funds under the Belt and Road framework. Proactively participate in public tenders and state-led infrastructure programs.

4. Stay Flexible Amid Standardization Differences: In markets where charging standards are not yet unified, offer multi-connector or modular designs to maximize compatibility and reduce barriers for end users.5. Shift from “Selling Equipment” to “Delivering Solutions” In emerging markets, companies should focus on providing full-scope solutions — including financing, construction, operations, and maintenance — to create greater value and build long-term competitive advantages.

The 2026 Charging Infrastructure Channel Cooperation Summit will be grandly held on March 14, 2026, at the China International Exhibition Center (Capital International Conference Center), Beijing. Organized by the New Energy Vehicle Industry Development Promotion Center of the China Equipment Management Association, the summit will focus on multiple collaboration topics, including policy incentives, heavy-duty vehicle charging, dealer procurement, overseas expansion opportunities, and consumer-side operations. The event aims to establish the premier annual exchange platform for the charging industry, bringing together key stakeholders to explore partnership opportunities and drive sustainable growth in the EV charging ecosystem.

Register now to attend as a visitor to explore the latest industry trends, or book your exhibition booth to showcase your products and services to over 250,000 industry professionals. 

Don’t miss this premier opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in the EV charging sector!