"This week as its King's Birthday, we thought we would share an article from our Substack Transitonomics Newsletter. Feel free to subscribe at any time it is free:)"
Welcome to out 2 June addition - which is celebrated as a bank holiday here in New Zealand. King’s Birthday. Not sure how we will celebrate!
We start today with some positive news.
For the first time, I guess ever!? - zero-carbon sources make up over 40% of global electricity generation - of this wind and solar contribute 14%.
This is how the change looks over time:
In even more positive news, we see that the UK will shut down its last coal-fired power plant by the end of September - the first G7 country to eliminate coal for its electricity production.
Not to be outdone, Asia is also focusing on renewables and applying this to public transport. Let’s focus on Southeast Asia and Latin America!
Southeast Asia - Electrification of Public Transport
Singapore:
-
Leading the region in public transport electrification
-
In March 2025, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority announced the addition of 660 new electric buses, including double-deckers, to be delivered by 2027
-
This will bring the total electric bus fleet to 1,140 vehicles, out of a total of 5,800.
Thailand:
-
Aims for 100% electrification of public transport by 2040
-
With support from the Asian Development Bank, Thailand secured a $110 million loan to purchase 1,200 electric buses and expand EV charging infrastructure.
Vietnam and Indonesia:
-
Cities like Hanoi are pushing for cleaner air by transitioning to electric buses
-
Indonesia is also rolling out electric microbuses (angkot) as part of its long-term electrification strategy.
Latin America
Latin Ameria is also smashing it out the gate with renewable energy and EVs. Peru and Chile are the two stand outs.
Peru:
-
Signed the Global Memorandum of Understanding on Zero-Emission Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles in early 2025
-
Purchased 50 electric and hybrid buses in January 2025, with plans to add 150 more by 2026
-
Launched a scrappage program to replace old, polluting buses.
Chile:
-
Santiago is a regional leader, with 70% of its 6,500 buses expected to be zero-emission by the end of 2025.
China-Indonesia Collaboration on Coal Transition and Clean Transport
Finally, we are seeing China-Indonesia Collaboration on Coal Transition and Clean Transport. This includes:
-
Clean energy investments: EVs, solar and battery manufacturing (BYD are supplying electric buses to Jakarta)
-
Joint ventures and technology transfer to promote green economy
-
Coal transition programs.
Of course, it is not all smooth sailing. Indonesia has high industrial pollution and an economic dependence on coal experts. Also, major policy reforms will be required, as well as a change in community sentiment. Never said it will be easy!
Til next time,
Andrew Collings
Transit Trends · Andrew Collings, KA Advisory. Read and comment on the original on LinkedIn.
Planning a development? Find out in minutes whether you need a transport assessment with KA PreCheck™, or estimate your trips with the free KA Traffic Estimator™.