BEIJING, China (China Daily) — Asia is emerging after Europe as a new market for China-made new energy vehicles, attracting Chinese carmakers to introduce their cutting-edge products and scale up investment in the region.

Last week, Chinese manufacturer Aiways won an order for up to 150,000 electric vehicles from Thai e-mobility service provider Phoenix EV to be delivered over five years. The deal marks the largest EV order from Chinese carmakers worldwide.

"The cooperation with Phoenix EV represents a significant step for the Aiways brand," said Alexander Klose, executive vice-president of overseas operations at the carmaker.

"With its initial volume of 100,000 units, plus the option of 50,000 more, the order is a real milestone and the foundation for our Southeast Asia strategy," he said.

Both sides are planning to set up a joint venture to take over the sales and servicing of the vehicles, and also create its own charging and battery-swapping infrastructure.

Aiways already has operations in Singapore and Laos. With Phoenix EV in Thailand, Aiways now claims to be "in the best possible position "in major growth markets in Southeast Asia.

Hozon, another Chinese electric car startup, started its globalization campaign this year, with Thailand as the first stop.

"Thailand is a hub for us to explore the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' market," said the carmaker, which produces Neta-branded vehicles.

Its Neta V crossover hit the Thai market in August and one month later expanded its deal with Thailand's largest energy firm PTT to explore the market by producing and installing charging facilities.

In September, Hozon launched the Neta V in Nepal, introduced its Neta U SUV and Neta V into Israel, and inked a deal with Lao car dealer Keo to introduce the Neta U. In October, it became the first EV startup to make inroads in Myanmar.

Hozon said its vehicles have proved popular in those countries. Within a month of its first model going overseas, their combined sales exceeded 5,200 units, it said.