The e-mobility platform for Asia and the Pacific organised a three-day long workshop between 14th and 16th November 2023 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The workshop was participated by representatives from Developing Member Countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) staff, International Development Partners, and industry experts. Effective discussions and knowledge exchange took place through panel sessions, technical presentations, round-table discussions, and site visit.
On day one, the technical considerations of electric buses, electric two- and three-wheelers, charging infrastructure and electric vessels were presented. Amongst different technologies, deploying electric buses and charging infrastructure was identified as a high priority in Asia. The discussions with the private sector highlighted the need for more public-private engagement to prepare a country’s regulatory environment. Domestic supply-chain readiness is also highlighted as a critical factor for private sector investment. The DMCs would need support to develop a stronger agenda for engaging effectively with the private sector. The public sector representatives identified private sector investment opportunities, particularly around vehicle and battery manufacturing, charging infrastructure and battery end-of-life processing.
On day two, the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) and the Seoul City Government showcased Korea’s e-mobility transition, including the policy drivers, enabling factors and key projects to date. The delegates visited a battery swapping station, bus charging and hydrogen refueling bus depot and destination charging facility in Seoul. The site visits presented the technical and operational details and implementational challenges of those facilities.
On day three, the delegates reconvened and discussed how different enabling environments can be created to accelerate EVs. It was followed by two roundtable discussions about the challenges and opportunities of EV deployment in the region. The countries that are more advanced in EV adoption acknowledged the need for Just Transition policies and greater private sector participation and investments. Countries with lower levels of e-mobility deployment need support in developing the appropriate policy and regulatory framework for guided development. A collective regional approach to developing policy, strategy and regulatory framework could be suitable for the Pacific Island Countries.
