Jakarta, 23 May 2025: ERIA, in collaboration with the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), hosted a hybrid-format workshop as part of the study ’Preparing an Initial Framework for an Electric Vehicle Battery Passport in ASEAN.’ Held at ERIA’s office in Jakarta, the event was led by Dr Alloysius Joko Purwanto, Energy Economist at ERIA, and brought together country experts and representatives from Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI); the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, and IoT Institute (MARii); the ASEAN Secretariat; and the Automotive Product Working Group (APWG).

Dr Purwanto opened the workshop by outlining the study’s objectives, which are driven by the twin goals of decarbonisation and enhancing regional competitiveness. The event aimed to build a shared understanding of the EV battery passport concept and draw on best practices from regional and global experts.

Prof. Dr Tamat Sarmidi, Deputy Director of IKMAS UKM, highlighted that the study supports the ASEAN EV Implementation Roadmap under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. By analysing current policies, strategies, and the state of the EV industry and ecosystem, the project seeks to develop an initial framework along with policy recommendations. The study involves multi-stakeholder collaboration, engaging MARii, APWG representatives, and national experts from ASEAN Member States, as well as dialogue partners including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the European Union.

Country experts presented initial findings on national policies, strategies, and the status of EV and battery ecosystems and supply chains. Discussions covered data availability, standardisation, traceability systems, and policy challenges and opportunities for EV battery passport readiness.

The workshop also featured a guided discussion on cross-country insights and regional collaboration, with a focus on EV readiness across ASEAN and its partners. Participants identified common gaps, challenges in data governance and interoperability, and the need for harmonised standards. Based on these discussions, the study will apply a policy readiness metric addressing key economic, regulatory, and technical components.

Prof. Dr Norasikin Ahmad Ludin, Deputy Director of UKM’s Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), summarised the key takeaways: the need for a multi-level framework, a phased implementation strategy to reflect varying country progress, and broad stakeholder engagement to ensure both inclusivity and regional alignment.

Yuta Okuyama, Chief of Staff at ERIA, closed the workshop by emphasising that decarbonising the transport sector requires more than a shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy – it also means addressing the full life cycle of vehicles. In this context, the EV battery passport plays a crucial role in supporting a comprehensive and sustainable transition.