Bangkok is fast becoming a hub for electric vehicle (EV) innovation, and Toshiba is playing a key role with its advanced battery technology. The company is currently testing EV battery swap systems in the city, showcasing its SCiB™ lithium-ion battery’s ability to recharge up to 80% in just six minutes. This initiative addresses critical challenges in EV adoption, such as long charging times and battery life concerns, particularly for high-usage vehicles like motorcycle taxis.
Thailand’s EV Ambitions
Thailand has set ambitious goals for EV adoption and manufacturing. The country aims to have 30% of its vehicle production be electric by 2030, a policy known as “30@30.” This initiative includes incentives for overseas firms investing in various EV-related sectors, such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), electric buses, electric trucks, and charging stations.
The Thai government is actively promoting the transition to electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. In February 2020, the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee was appointed to set targets for zero-emission vehicle adoption and to establish Thailand as a regional EV manufacturing hub.
EV Sales and Growth
The EV market in Thailand has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2023, EV sales surged nearly eightfold to 76,000 units, representing 12% of all vehicles sold. This market share increased to 14% in the first quarter of 2024, underscoring Thailand’s emergence as a leading EV market in Southeast Asia. Despite a slowdown in 2024 due to reduced incentives and stricter loan requirements, EV sales are still estimated to have grown by 10.5%, representing a 15.4% EV penetration rate. The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) projects that EV sales could rise by as much as 40% in 2025.
Thailand’s EV fleet is projected to reach 1.1 million units by 2033, accounting for 4% of the total vehicle fleet. As of July 2024, Thailand had 10,846 public charging stations, indicating a need for further infrastructure development to keep pace with the growing EV adoption.
International Investment and Manufacturing
Thailand’s burgeoning EV sector is attracting significant investment from international automakers. Chinese companies like BYD, Great Wall Motor, Hozon New Energy Automobile, SAIC Motor, Chongqing Changan Automobile, GAC Aion, and Chery Automobile are establishing production facilities in Thailand. BYD, for example, opened its first EV factory outside China in Rayong in July 2024, investing approximately US$900 million. This facility is expected to produce 150,000 vehicles annually, playing a crucial role in BYD’s expansion in the ASEAN market.
Other major automakers, including Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, are also exploring or already engaging in EV production and assembly in Thailand.
Toshiba’s Battery Technology: SCiB™
Toshiba’s SCiB™ (Super Charge ion Battery) technology is a key component in addressing the challenges of EV adoption. The SCiB™ is a lithium-ion rechargeable battery that uses lithium titanium oxide (LTO) in its anode. This innovative design provides several advantages:
Safety: The LTO anode minimizes the risk of thermal runaway, making the battery inherently safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries.
Long Life: SCiB™ batteries can endure over 20,000 charge/discharge cycles with minimal performance degradation.
Rapid Charging: The battery can be charged to 80% capacity in just six minutes, significantly reducing downtime.
Low-Temperature Performance: SCiB™ batteries operate effectively in temperatures as low as -30°C.
High Input/Output Power: The battery offers current densities comparable to capacitors.
Applications of SCiB™ Technology
Toshiba’s SCiB™ batteries are used in a wide range of applications, including:
- Electric vehicles (automobiles, buses, and motorcycles)
- Railroad cars
- Elevators
- Power plants
- Stationary energy storage systems (ESS) for telecom towers, solar cameras, and residential/community energy storage
- Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems
- Logistics fleets
- Maritime vessels
Battery Swapping and Subscription Services
Battery swapping is emerging as a viable solution to address the long charging times associated with EVs. This approach allows drivers to quickly replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one, minimizing downtime and maximizing vehicle utilization.
Toshiba’s Battery Subscription Service in Bangkok
In September 2024, Toshiba partnered with Naturenix Inc. and Windee International to launch a demonstration test of a battery subscription service for electric motorcycle taxis in Bangkok. This service utilizes SCiB™ batteries and aims to provide a cost-effective and reliable solution for motorcycle taxi operators.
The battery subscription model offers several benefits:
- Reduced Upfront Costs: Operators can access advanced battery technology without the large initial investment.
- Stable Operation: SCiB™ batteries ensure extended stable operation, even in high-temperature environments.
- Data Analysis: Sensors monitor battery characteristics, and the data is analyzed with AI to estimate battery degradation accurately.
- Cost Reduction: The service aims to reduce the number of batteries on standby for recharging, cutting operating costs.
This initiative addresses key challenges in the adoption of electric motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, such as battery degradation and safety concerns. By providing a reliable and cost-effective battery solution, Toshiba aims to unlock a significant market for batteries in this sector.
U Power’s Battery Swap Station
U Power Limited is another key player in the battery swapping arena in Thailand. In April 2025, U Power showcased its UOTTA battery swap station at the Bangkok International Motor Show, marking the first public demonstration of such technology in Southeast Asia.
Partnering with SUSCO, a leading energy solutions provider in Thailand, U Power aims to expand the battery swap network across the country. The first station is set to operate in Phuket, serving electric taxis and hailing vehicles. This initiative aligns with Thailand’s EV 3.5 policy, which provides subsidies for battery-swappable vehicles until 2027.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the positive momentum, Thailand’s EV market faces several challenges:
- Charging Infrastructure: The availability of public charging stations needs to increase to support the growing EV fleet.
- Loan Requirements: Stricter loan requirements have made it more difficult for consumers to finance EV purchases.
- Resale Values and Insurance: Uncertainties surrounding resale values and insurance coverage have caused some potential buyers to rethink their decisions.
- Production Deadlines: EV manufacturers are seeking to extend production deadlines set by government incentive schemes due to lower-than-expected sales.
However, the opportunities for growth in Thailand’s EV market are substantial:
- Government Support: The Thai government’s incentives and policies are attracting significant investment from global automakers.
- Growing Consumer Confidence: Surveys indicate that Thai consumers’ confidence in EVs is increasing.
- Strategic Location: Thailand’s strategic location and manufacturing capabilities position it as a key player in the global EV market.
- Localized Supply Chain Development: The establishment of a localized supply chain is critical for Thailand’s continued EV sector growth.
Bangkok’s Electric Bus Transformation
Electric buses are increasingly becoming a common sight on the roads of Bangkok, driven by the demand for sustainable public transport. Local companies like Nex and Mine control more than 90% of Thailand’s electric bus market, primarily serving fixed routes in urban areas.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) aims to build a comprehensive network of electric buses in Bangkok. In 2021, there were 118 registered battery electric buses (BEVs) in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. The BMA plans to launch electric bus pilots and transition used internal combustion engine buses to electric battery-powered vehicles.
Conclusion
Toshiba’s EV battery swap tests in Bangkok represent a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in Thailand. By leveraging its advanced SCiB™ battery technology, Toshiba is addressing key challenges related to charging times, battery life, and safety. These initiatives, combined with the Thai government’s supportive policies and growing consumer interest, position Bangkok as a hub for EV innovation and sustainable transportation in Southeast Asia. As Thailand continues to invest in EV infrastructure and manufacturing, the country is poised to play a crucial role in the global transition to electric mobility.
