Laos accelerates shift to EVs, fueled by hydropower

Electric vehiclesOil shortages spur import pause for gas-fueled cars, goal of 30% electric fleet by 2030The Zeekr 007 luxury sedan is selling well at a dealership in Vientiane. (Photo by Keigo Iwamoto)KEIGO IWAMOTOAugust 19, 2026 01:41 JSTVIENTIANE -- Laos is stepping up efforts to promote electric vehicles, leveraging its abundant hydroelectric power, as oil shortages caused by the war in Iran raise energy security concerns.Read NextInterviewLaos seeks fresh oil supplies from neighbors as prices soarFuture of Asia 2026Laos to create energy, logistics hub amid global conflict: PMAutomobilesEV boom drives ASEAN car sales in Q2, with Indonesia surging 34%Electric vehiclesPhilippines joins Southeast Asia's EV race with $1bn manufacturing subsidyASEAN MoneyCollaborate with Chinese EV makers or