Core Viewpoint - Environmental advocates argue that the ongoing criticism of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) poses a risk to the critical technology transition necessary for fully electric vehicles (EVs) [1][3] Group 1: EU Regulations and Industry Response - The EU mandates that by 2035, all new cars and SUVs must be zero-emission, effectively requiring all new vehicles to be fully electric [1] - The automotive industry in Europe, particularly in Germany and Italy, is negotiating with EU authorities to relax the 2035 ban on the sale of combustion engine vehicles and extend the market lifecycle of PHEVs [1] Group 2: Criticism of PHEVs - The NGO T&E presents critical data opposing PHEVs, claiming that many companies receive subsidies for PHEVs but rarely utilize their batteries, leading to higher CO2 emissions than traditional vehicles [3] - T&E's analysis of 127,000 PHEVs indicates that their actual CO2 emissions can be nearly five times higher than official test claims, resulting in an average additional cost of €500 per year for drivers [3] - T&E labels PHEVs as "one of the biggest flaws in automotive history" and counters the argument for technological neutrality, suggesting that it leads to the misuse of useful technologies [3] Group 3: Support for PHEVs - Proponents of PHEVs argue that fully electric vehicles currently cannot compete with combustion engine vehicles in all aspects, positioning PHEVs as an important transitional solution [5] - The flexibility of PHEVs is gaining popularity, with sales in Europe increasing by 63% last month; projections suggest that PHEV sales in Europe could reach 1.22 million units this year, accounting for 9% of the market, and potentially rise to 2.4 million units by 2035, representing 18% of the market [5] Group 4: Addressing Concerns and Suggestions - Experts counter T&E's claims about corporate users neglecting battery usage, suggesting that tax incentives or corporate monitoring could improve this situation [7] - It is noted that PHEVs use smaller batteries than fully electric vehicles, which can reduce environmental impacts related to mineral extraction and battery disposal; their smaller batteries can also be charged using standard household outlets, providing significant convenience [7] - T&E has proposed design improvements for PHEVs, such as equipping them with over 200 km of electric range and fast-charging capabilities, but maintains that PHEVs are a dangerous workaround that undermines the goals of the Paris Agreement [9]

Group 1 - The Thai electric vehicle (EV) industry is experiencing growth despite a stagnant overall automotive market, driven by increased sales and exports of domestically manufactured electric vehicles [1] - From January to July, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 18% of total domestic automotive sales, closely following fuel pickup trucks at 24%, internal combustion engine passenger cars at 23%, and hybrid electric vehicles at 20% [1] - BEV sales increased by nearly 57% year-on-year, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales surged by 316% during the same period [1] Group 2 - The number of newly registered BEVs in Thailand rose by 35% year-on-year, reaching 81,179 units from January to July [1] - The growth in electric vehicle sales is attributed to various marketing activities, including attractive retail pricing [1] - The National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee has approved a plan to ease production requirements for manufacturers participating in the EV incentive programs (EV3.0 and EV3.5) to enhance Thailand's position as a BEV export hub [1] Group 3 - Under the EV3.0 standard, starting in 2024, companies producing BEVs must adhere to a 1:1 ratio requirement for imported and locally produced vehicles [2] - For manufacturers starting production in 2025, the ratio will be 1:1.5, and for those starting in 2026, it will be 1:2, while for 2027, the requirement will be 1:3 [2] - Adjustments will be made for manufacturers producing BEVs for export, allowing each exported vehicle to count as 1.5 vehicles towards their production commitments [2]