Accelerating the take-up of LEVs in emerging markets. Findings from Southeast Asia

Motorised light vehicles, particularly two- and three-wheelers, play a crucial role in mobility and urban logistics across emerging economies, especially in Southeast Asia. While these vehicles offer resource-efficient transportation, their reliance on fossil fuels contributes significantly to air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Electrification of these fleets presents a viable pathway to sustainable mobility. Despite growing attention to electric cars, Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) remain underrepresented in policy and investment strategies in the region. This paper uses a socio-technical transition framework to analyse barriers to LEV adoption and proposes strategic action areas to accelerate their uptake. Key challenges include high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, lack of standardisation, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. The study draws on empirical data from surveys, interviews, and regional stakeholder engagements conducted during the development of ASEAN Guidelines on LEVs. It identifies five critical action areas: standardisation, financial and non-financial incentives, stakeholder collaboration, strategic policy frameworks, and incorporation of monitoring and evaluation measures. The findings underscore the need for coordinated public-private efforts, harmonised standards, and time-bound policy targets to unlock the environmental, social, and economic benefits of LEV adoption in Southeast Asia.