Thailand Launches Network for Standardised Small EV Batteries
Thailand has initiated a groundbreaking public-private network to advance the development of standardised swappable batteries for small electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative aligns with the government’s strategic goal to position Thailand as a leading EV hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has announced its collaboration with the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA) during the International Energy Storage Forum 2024 held in Bangkok.
Supachai Jaisamut, an advisor to Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, emphasized that this network is a pivotal component of the government’s "MHESI for EV" policy. The policy aims to establish MHESI as a central agency for fostering technological advancements and innovations in Thailand's burgeoning EV industry. The policy's three main pillars are:
1. Human Resource Development: Building skilled workforce essential for the EV industry.
2. Facilitating Transition to EVs: Easing the shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs.
3. Research and Development: Enhancing the EV industry's value chain through targeted research and innovation.
The collaboration will be led by TSRI and TESTA, encompassing a broad array of stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including:
- National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)
- Office of National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO)
- Thailand Automotive Institute
- Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT)
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
- Various EV-related business operators
Development Goals:
Pongpan Kaewtatip, TSRI's deputy director, outlined the network's primary objectives:
- Swappable Battery Development: Innovating efficient, standardised swappable batteries for small EVs, particularly motorcycles, to support local manufacturers and operators of battery charging/swapping stations.
- Sustainable Battery Disposal: Creating new battery disposal techniques that comply with the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee’s regulations.
Pongpan highlighted the importance of these advancements in preparing Thailand for a significant increase in zero-emission vehicles. The EV board estimates that zero-emission vehicles will constitute 30% of the country’s automotive manufacturing output by 2030.
The launch of this public-private network marks a significant step towards making Thailand a regional leader in the electric vehicle industry. By focusing on standardised swappable batteries, the initiative aims to foster technological innovation, enhance the EV value chain, and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a robust and dynamic future for Thailand’s EV sector.
