China exports record 448,000 electric vehicles in May as ASEAN accelerates electrification

China's electric vehicle (EV) exports reached a record USD 9.2 billion in May 2026, up 49 per cent from a year earlier, as demand from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) continued to grow, according to data released by energy think tank Ember.

The figure exceeded the previous monthly record of USD 9.1 billion set in April 2026. During May, China exported about 448,000 electric passenger vehicles, including around 279,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 169,000 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

The increase comes as several Southeast Asian countries step up transport electrification through incentives, lower import duties, charging infrastructure development and new regulations aimed at reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

ASEAN Imports Reach New High

China's EV exports to Southeast Asia reached a record USD 1.2 billion in May, with Thailand and the Philippines leading demand.

Thailand imported more than 36,000 Chinese EVs, the highest monthly figure on record, while shipments to the Philippines exceeded 33,000 vehicles.

Governments across the region have introduced policies to encourage EV adoption. Cambodia reduced customs duties on battery electric vehicles to zero and lowered duties on plug-in hybrid vehicles to 7 per cent, down from 35 per cent, in late March.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic reduced EV registration and service charges, directed transport companies to ensure electric vehicles account for 10 per cent of their fleets by the end of 2026, and temporarily banned petrol car imports until the end of the year.

According to Lam Pham, Energy Analyst for Asia at Ember, disruptions in global fuel markets caused by the Middle East conflict and higher fuel prices have accelerated transport electrification across ASEAN.

He said, “The current energy crisis has reinforced the value of electrification as a pathway to greater energy security, reduced fuel import exposure, and long-term transport cost savings.”  

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Smaller Markets Also See Growth

Beyond the larger ASEAN markets, the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Cambodia also recorded their highest monthly imports of Chinese EVs.

Ember attributed the increase to government incentives, expanding charging infrastructure and partnerships for local vehicle assembly. Battery electric vehicles continue to dominate the market, although demand for plug-in hybrids is also increasing in Cambodia.

China's Cleantech Exports Continue to Expand

China’s electric vehicle exports are growing rapidly, increasing from less than USD 1 billion in 2020 to more than USD 9 billion a month. This makes EVs one of China’s fastest-growing clean technology exports, along with lithium-ion batteries. 

Ember Senior Electricity and Data Analyst Euan Graham said China's EV exports continue to reach new highs, with Southeast Asia becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations for Chinese-made electric vehicles.