LOCA 获 PIDG 250 万美元投资 加速老挝绿色出行与充电网络建设

Core Insights - LOCA, a leading ride-hailing and electric vehicle platform in Laos, has secured a strategic investment of $2.5 million from InfraCo, a division of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), marking PIDG's first investment in Laos and highlighting international recognition of Laos' sustainable transport potential and LOCA's development vision [2] Investment Purpose - The investment will primarily be used for two purposes: constructing approximately 54 new electric vehicle charging stations across Laos, increasing the total number of charging stations to 93; and expanding the electric taxi fleet, which will not only benefit LOCA's own fleet but also assist electric vehicle owners nationwide, alleviating range anxiety and facilitating long-distance travel [2] Market Potential and Industry Background - Ride-hailing is becoming one of the core transportation methods in Laos, driven by the growth of a tech-savvy urban population and increasing demand from local residents and tourists. The ride-hailing market in Laos is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.33% from 2025 to 2030, with an expected market size exceeding $8 million and approximately 1.6 million users by 2030 [2] - The Laotian government is supporting the electric vehicle industry through policies such as reducing vehicle import taxes and road usage taxes, aiming for electric vehicles to account for 1% of the market by 2025 and over 30% by 2030, in order to reduce fuel import dependency and lower carbon emissions [2] Statements and Project Significance - Claire Jarrett, Head of Infrastructure Investment Management at PIDG, stated that the collaboration demonstrates PIDG's commitment to investing in climate action and sustainable development enterprises, with plans to deepen market cooperation in energy electrification and transportation logistics in Laos [3] - LOCA co-founders Souliyo Vongdala and Phonepasong Mixab emphasized that the investment will accelerate the improvement of Laos' charging infrastructure and promote the transition to green transportation, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) [3]