Mideast war boosts electric car demand in Asia

Higher fuel prices linked to the Middle East war have pushed many buyers in Southeast Asia toward electric vehicles, lifting sales for manufacturers such as Vinfast and Chinese firms.

Electric vehicle purchases have risen in parts of Southeast Asia as buyers respond to higher fuel prices tied to the Middle East war. Asian countries that depend on crude shipments have faced sharper price pressure at the pump. Manufacturers including Vietnam's Vinfast and several Chinese firms have reported stronger demand. Key facts: - Crude oil prices have risen about 50% since the start of the Middle East war and again exceeded $100 per barrel on Monday, raising costs at the pump. - Vinfast reported a 127% increase in annual sales in Vietnam in March, reaching 27,600 cars, and roughly 40% of cars sold in Vietnam in 2025 were electric. - A Vinfast showroom said it sold 300–400 cars in March versus a normal 200–250, with more than 50% of recent buyers switching from petrol to electric and showroom traffic up about 30%. - Chinese electric vehicle makers, notably BYD, saw stronger regional demand; BYD took the most orders at the Bangkok Auto Show and reported increased sales in the Philippines. Summary: Rising fuel prices linked to the Mideast war are prompting more consumers in Southeast Asia to choose electric vehicles, contributing to higher sales for firms like Vinfast and BYD. Undetermined at this time.