Best Practices in Electric Vehicle Transition: Lessons from Southeast Asia

Introduction

In Southeast Asia, last-mile logistics decarbonization is progressing through innovation tailored to high-density urban environments, despite structural challenges such as fragmented supply chains and high vehicle costs. Across the region, e-commerce platforms and mobility startups are accelerating electrification despite structural challenges that include fragmented supply chains, limited public charging infrastructure, and high vehicle ownership costs.

In response to electrification barriers, companies have leveraged localized solutions to move the needle on decarbonization: leasing models to improve EV access, multimodal platforms, and public-private partnerships. In this context, electrification has emerged as an opportunity to localize value chains and generate new jobs.

The case studies here highlight diverse and scalable approaches for reducing last-mile delivery emissions while improving affordability, reliability, and access.

Ahamove (Vietnam)

Early Mover Status on Emissions Accounting

Ahamove, a Vietnamese last-mile delivery service provider, offers an example to regional peers on the emissions reduction potential of EV adoption and in-house route optimization. In conversation with CMC partners, the company cites an emphasis on technological innovation and long-term sustainability.

Best Practices

Low-carbon vehicle adoption: In 2019, Ahamove began a pilot program for electric motorbikes for ride-hailing in Danang, in collaboration with Vinfast. The company plans to expand the model to other cities, with a goal of 10,000 EVs by 2025.
In-house route optimization: Ahamove has developed its own algorithms to improve route optimization for in-app deliveries. The algorithms allow retail customers to optimize the routes of their orders to lower the shipping cost and waiting time right on the mobile app. For private business clients, Ahamove’s algorithms help reduce the number of vehicles needed for deliveries and calculate the amount of cost and fuel saved by the company. In 2023, Ahamove’s route optimization reportedly achieved 40-45% emissions reductions through its route optimization technology.

GoTo Logistics (Indonesia)

Platform-Led Electrification via Multi-Modal Gig Delivery

GoTo Logistics, the delivery arm of Indonesia’s GoTo Group (formed by the merger of Gojek and Tokopedia), is advancing EV adoption through an integrated approach spanning ride-hailing, e-commerce logistics, and food delivery. As one of the region’s largest digital platforms, GoTo is uniquely positioned to scale electric two-wheelers via both direct fleet deployment and enabling access for gig workers.

Best Practices

Leasing and Battery Swapping for Gig Workers: GoTo enables driver-partners to lease electric motorbikes at reduced rates in collaboration with local manufacturers like Gesits and international partners such as Gogoro. These EVs are supported by a growing network of battery-swapping stations.
Data-Driven Route Optimization: GoTo uses AI-based delivery management tools to optimize routes and match EVs to short-distance, high-frequency routes, reducing emissions and maximizing efficiency.
Partnerships with State-Owned and Green Energy Firms: GoTo has partnered with Pertamina New & Renewable Energy (PNRE) to develop charging infrastructure, integrating logistics with Indonesia’s national green energy

Lazada Logistics (region-wide)

Pilot EV Fleets and Smart Routing for a Regional Green Logistics Model

Lazada Logistics, Southeast Asia’s leading e-commerce platform, has begun integrating electric mobility across key markets via its logistics arm, Lazada Express (LEX). Through targeted EV pilots, green packaging, and smart routing, it is building a scalable model for low-emission delivery across urban hubs.

Best Practices

EV Fleet Pilots with Local Startups: In Vietnam, Lazada Logistics piloted a fleet of 100 electric mopeds (Selex Camel models) manufactured by local EV firm Selex Motors. These vehicles are tailored for urban cargo delivery, include Internet of Things (IoT)-based fleet monitoring, battery swapping, and deliver high payload capacity. This pilot marked Lazada’s first major electric vehicle rollout in the region.
Vehicle‑as‑a‑Service (VaaS) Leasing Model: In Malaysia, Lazada partnered with Gentari Green Mobility to lease 25 e-bikes to power last-mile delivery operations. The leasing model simplifies EV adoption for Lazada, supports scalability, and aligns with national green transport goals.
Smart Routing and Emissions Savings: Lazada introduced a Transfer Access Point (TAP) system in Indonesia, reducing redundant middle-mile deliveries. By integrating partner trucks and optimizing routes, the initiative eliminated 20,000+ third-party truck trips, cutting emissions by approximately 3.3 million kg CO₂ equivalent.

Lessons for EV Transition

Examples from Southeast Asia demonstrate that overcoming cost and infrastructure barriers requires highly localized, flexible approaches. Lazada’s vehicle-as-a-service pilots illustrate how leasing models can enable rapid EV adoption without heavy upfront investment. GoTo’s integration of battery swapping into gig-worker fleets demonstrates how operational downtime can be minimized in dense, high-traffic cities. Ahamove’s in-house route optimization proves that data-driven logistics can significantly reduce emissions even before full fleet electrification.

Across Southeast Asia, companies are developing regional playbooks built on affordability, adaptability, and smart technology. Companies can accelerate electrification by partnering with local manufacturers, embedding EV access into service models, and using data to match vehicles with the most suitable routes. The lesson is clear: in markets with fragmented logistics and variable infrastructure, solutions must be designed for local realities while building toward scalable, cross-market EV ecosystems.