Dialogue Earth

Q&A: As Thailand Bets on EVs, What Will Happen to the Spent Batteries?

Thailand is positioning itself as a regional EV hub, with Chinese manufacturers like BYD establishing large plants and a national target that 30% of new vehicles be electric by 2030. The rapid rollout will generate roughly 200,000 tonnes of spent batteries by 2033 and 2.5 million tonnes by 2043, creating serious fire, toxic‑leak and occupational‑health risks. Current recycling capacity is limited, and the country lacks specific legislation for EV‑battery waste. Draft amendments to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act aim to introduce extended producer responsibility, battery passports and higher recycled‑content standards to mitigate the looming waste challenge.