Thailand Mandates Safety Standards for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Key summary

The Thai government is enforcing mandatory industrial standards (MOK) for electric vehicle batteries to ensure safety from production through import and sale. The Ministry of Industry will implement the regulation on mandatory standards for rechargeable energy storage systems (REESS), excluding lead-acid types, specifically for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) with four or more wheels used for passenger or cargo transport. The new standard, MOK 3026-2563 Part 2, focuses on preventing overcharging, excessive heat, and short circuits to mitigate risks of accidents affecting public safety and property. Effective 180 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, manufacturers and importers must obtain licenses, while sellers must only distribute authorized and compliant products. Additionally, the government is developing guidelines for managing batteries after they reach the end of their useful life to ensure environmental sustainability, though immediate recycling or take-back systems are not yet mandated.