On 26 August 2022, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) hosted an “EV Conversion: Beyond BMA” event to introduce BMA’s EV conversion initiative to support “Bangkok, a livable city” campaign. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) brought out prototypes of electric vehicle (EV) conversion, including electric trucks – a 10-wheeler, a 6-wheeler and a 4-wheeler, electric buses and electric motorcycles to be displayed at the event. All conversion vehicles were entirely Thai-made under the collaboration between the public and private sectors as well as universities with funding provided by the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), NXPO and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA).
In addition to the exhibition, a public seminar was held with experts drawing from the public and private sectors working on EV conversion. Moderated by NXPO senior policy specialist Dr. Thanakarn Wongdeethai, the seminar engaged representatives from BMA, the parliament, NSTDA, Panus Assembly Company Limited, ECU Shop 1 Company Limited and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA). Each speaker shared information on their work and viewpoint on EV conversion.
Representing BMA was Mr. Bancha Ngiam-ngamsi, Director of Mechanical Workshops Division. To reduce PM2.5 and carbon emissions of its vehicles, BMA is performing an in-depth study on EV conversion as it represents the most cost-effective option in comparison to others including buying or renting EVs or applying catalytic converters to its current fossil-fuel fleet.
Dr. Manoon Sivapiromrat, Chairman of EV and Energy Storage Policy Working Group of the Parliament shared information on actions that the working group has done to promote EV conversion industry. These actions include enabling entrepreneurs to develop their own knowhow and brand, setting up testing labs, establishing EV conversion registration process, and providing incentives.
Dr. Burin Kerdsup, member of NSTDA Machines and Power Conversions Research Team described the development of EV conversion buses undertaken by a consortium of NSTDA, power companies and EV manufacturers as a success story demonstrating the capability of Thai research institutes and manufacturers to create a new product champion for the country. He also introduced NSTDA’s comprehensive expertise in EV conversion, ranging from research and design to engineering and testing.
Panus Assembly CEO Mr. Panus Watanachai introduced his company as a local EV maker. His company obtained research grants from PMUC to develop a range of EV conversion prototypes for commercial production. Prototypes of electric truck, electric 6-wheeler (garbage truck) and electric 10-wheeler were on display at the event. In addition, Panus Assembly also created an EV conversion kit and software for SMEs and auto repair shops to offer EV conversion services, as part of its attempt to transform Thailand into a low-carbon society. Meanwhile, ECU Shop 1 Managing Director Mr. Pollapot Wanpinyocheep explained that his company has developed a range of controllers to improve the performance of electric drive system.
MEA representative explained that MEA has upgraded its infrastructure to ensure enough electricity to support 1.7 million EVs expected by 2027 and will continue to reinforce its facility to accommodate the EV surge – 3.7 million EVs by 2032 and an annual increment of 800,000 EVs from 2037 onwards. In addition, MEA is a member of the EV conversion consortium organized by NSTDA and plans to convert its current fleet into EVs.
Dr. Thanakarn concluded the seminar remarking that EV conversion offers multiple benefits. In addition to offering positive impact to the environment and human health, the technology will cut down fossil fuel consumption, as well as create a new business opportunity and build a new industry. He encouraged stakeholders and businesses to join the EV conversion movement.
