Mr Alex Bao, Head of SEA Region at Zeekr, discusses the company’s role in reshaping Southeast Asia's electric vehicle (EV) landscape. Through innovations in ultra-fast charging and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven cockpit technology, Zeekr is addressing key challenges like infrastructure and range anxiety. These advancements are paving the way for sustainable mobility across the region.
What key trends are shaping Southeast Asia's approach to EVs, and where do you see the greatest impact on sustainable mobility?
We've observed growing interest in EVs in Southeast Asia, driven largely by supportive government policies, expanding charging infrastructure, and increasing consumer awareness across the region.
For example, with the growing global focus on climate change and domestic needs for industrial upgrades and energy transformation, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand have initiated programmes such as the EV3.5 plan, while Singapore's Green Plan promotes EV adoption. On the infrastructure front, Singapore aims for 60,000 charging stations by 2030 (with 7,100 by August 2024), while Malaysia targets 10,000 by 2025 (with nearly 3,200 by September 2024).
With these favourable conditions, Zeekr is committed to delivering an optimal and eco-friendly driving experience, particularly addressing the "range anxiety" that many consumers face. Our 800V high-voltage platform technology, paired with upgraded EV batteries, supports 5.5C ultra-fast charging, allowing vehicles to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 10.5 minutes, significantly enhancing both charging efficiency and safety.
What are the top challenges for EV adoption in Southeast Asia, particularly around customer acceptance and infrastructure?
While we have seen a growing interest in EVs in Southeast Asian countries, these nations still face challenges in boosting EV adoption due to varying levels of development.
Overall, the charging infrastructure in Southeast Asia is developing, but the pace of growth in charging stations is clearly lagging behind the surge in EV sales. For instance, in Thailand, pure EV sales reached 76,314 units in 2023, a staggering 684 percent increase compared to 2022. In contrast, the number of charging stations grew by only 159.27 percent in the same period, which is significantly lower than the growth in EV sales. Furthermore, charging infrastructure is concentrated in Bangkok and surrounding areas, leading to uneven distribution.
Broader consumer awareness and acceptance of EVs also impact adoption. A report indicated that the high cost of car ownership remains a hurdle in Southeast Asia, particularly for consumers in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. This suggests that brands need to find a balance between affordability and technological advancement.
Zeekr believe pure electric technology is the optimal solution for today's passenger car market. Our breakthrough with the upgraded LFP Golden Battery has set a new standard for ultra-fast charging, effectively tackling the critical issue of range anxiety. We also closely monitor advancements in other technologies, ensuring we remain dedicated to providing a diverse array of mobility solutions that genuinely meet customers' needs in Southeast Asia.
What role do charging advancements and artificial intelligence (AI) play in driving sustainable mobility for EVs?
The rapid advancement of charging technology is a key factor in driving widespread EV adoption. For Zeekr, we set a new benchmark in ultra-fast charging with our upgraded LFP Golden Battery, directly addressing users' range anxiety. Additionally, we pioneered the world's first L3 autonomous parking technology and charging system.
Regarding AI technology, Zeekr's intelligent cockpit AI model is utilised in three key areas: voice interaction, driver assistance, and in-vehicle entertainment. For instance, the Zeekr 7X is equipped across all models with the ZEEKR AI OS operating system. With advanced functionalities such as large models, it enables proactive sensing, autonomous decision-making, and active services, providing customers with the convenience and comfort of the Zeekr 7X intelligent cockpit during their driving experience.
How are partnerships helping to drive EV adoption and support low carbon goals in Southeast Asia?
As Zeekr enters Southeast Asian markets, we have established trusted partnerships with local distributors, including Premium Auto in Singapore and other partners in the region. We appreciate these distributors' recognition of the Zeekr brand and products. With the support of these partnerships, Zeekr can promote EV use across Southeast Asia, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions in the region.
Globally, our collaborations with leading companies in the new energy sector, such as CATL and Waymo, enhance Zeekr's offerings with cutting-edge autonomous driving technology, and energy innovations. By leveraging these partnerships, we provide Southeast Asian consumers with smarter, more environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
Looking ahead, we anticipate partnering with more organisations to collectively drive the future of sustainable mobility.
How can EVs contribute to a more connected and sustainable energy landscape, in line with this year's SIEW theme?
EVs play a crucial role in creating a more connected and sustainable energy world. As a pioneer in the EV industry, Zeekr is contributing to this goal in several ways, aligning with the rising demand for sustainable mobility.
For our users, Zeekr is expanding a green charging network to promote an eco-friendly driving experience. We've established the largest number of 800V ultra-fast chargers, ensuring efficient and sustainable energy solutions for our customers.
Zeekr places a strong emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Through our intelligent factory's green materials technology and use of 100 percent renewable energy, we have achieved a potential annual carbon reduction of nearly 27,900 tonnes.
By leveraging technological innovation and comprehensive carbon reduction actions, Zeekr is working alongside our users and industry partners to promote a more connected and sustainable energy landscape.
Mr Alex Bao, Head of SEA Region, Zeekr, brings extensive automotive experience across five countries and speaks seven languages. He has built and established three overseas automotive projects from the ground up.
After graduating in Economics from Fudan University in Shanghai, China, he began his global career with Lotte Group in Seoul, South Korea. Since March 2024, Mr Bao has led as Head of Zeekr Intelligent Technology's operations. He oversees Zeekr's business across ASEAN countries.
In his previous roles, he served as General Manager of NETA Automobile in Thailand; Sales Director of SAIC MG Europe; Senior Sales Management Manager of MG Sales Co, Ltd in Thailand; and Sales Manager of SAIC Volkswagen Automobile Co, Ltd.