MHESI-NXPO and partner organizations have established the Thailand Standard Swappable Battery Consortium for Small e-Mobility. The launch event, held on 5 July 2024, was attended by executives of consortium members and distinguished guests, including Mr. Supachai Jaisamut, Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul; Mr. Danainat Chockamnuay, Advisor to the Minister of Industry; Dr. Sumittra Charojrochkul, Executive Director of the National Energy Technology Center (ENTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA); Dr. Kriengsak Wongpromrat, President of Thailand Automotive Institute; Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, Senior Strategist and Acting Vice President of NXPO; Mr. Krisda Utamote, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT); and Dr. Pimpa Limthongkul, President of Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA). This consortium aims to address the limitations of battery usage in Thailand, including cost, safety, and quality, by developing central standards for size, electrical systems, connectivity, and communication to bring Thailand’s electric vehicle industry to international standards.
Representing MHESI Minister, Mr. Supachai Jaisamut congratulated consortium members on the launch and outlined the government’s EV policy to transform Thailand into an EV Hub. This includes investment measures to promote the battery industry and related supply chains. MHESI recently announced the “MHESI for EV” policy comprising EV-HRD, EV-Transformation, and EV-Innovation.
Mr. Supachai noted that the consortium originated from collaboration on a pilot project between NSTDA, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Khon Kaen University, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and leading companies such as GPX, I-Motor, Beta Energy, Bangchak, GridWiz, and UNC. The pilot project focused on the development of a standardized swappable battery pack that can be used interchangeably with various operators. The consortium, founded by NSTDA, the Thailand Automotive Institute, Thailand Science Research Innovation (TSRI), NXPO, EVAT, and TESTA, is expected to collaborate with industries in the supply chain to strengthen the battery and EV industries, fostering a sustainable future for Thailand.
Dr. Surachai Sattikunarat, Senior Strategist and Acting Vice President of NXPO, remarked that the consortium represents a significant public-private partnership, aiming to develop and scale battery solutions for a specific industry application. Numerous battery manufacturers are seeking collaboration and support for capacity building, necessitating comprehensive strategies to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s battery industry amid rapid technological changes.
Currently, NXPO is formulating policy recommendations for the development of Thailand’s battery industry, including support measures, both financial and non-financial, to advance battery development for diverse applications across various industries. This initiative will enhance the technological capacity of Thai enterprises in multiple industries, enabling them to remain competitive in the future.
Photo credit: NSTDA and TESTA
