The Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand, is moving forward with the opening of electric vehicle charging stations, aiming for 150 stations by 2019.
The Ministry of Energy, through the Energy Conservation Promotion Fund, the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), and the Thai Electric Vehicle Association, has moved forward with the opening ceremony of an electric vehicle charging station (Charging Station). This initiative aims to promote the Energy 4.0 policy and drive Thailand towards becoming a Smart City. The goal is to build confidence among consumers interested in electric vehicles. By 2019, the target is to have 150 charging stations and 1.2 million electric vehicles on the road in Thailand. The project has received cooperation from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, charging station service providers from various networks, and various car manufacturers. More than 20 organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop a system for connecting the networks, maximizing the benefits for all electric vehicle users.
Thailand's Energy Policy 4.0: A Push Towards Smart Cities and Electric Vehicles
Dr. Siri Jirapongphan, Thailand's Minister of Energy, recently announced the government's commitment to "Energy Policy 4.0," aiming to transform Thailand into a Smart City nation. This policy focuses on diversifying energy sources, both domestically and internationally, while prioritizing sustainability and environmental protection.
By 2036, Thailand aims to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and transition towards renewable energy sources. This shift is expected to mitigate environmental pollution and promote a cleaner future. Electric vehicles (EVs) are a key component of this plan, with the government actively promoting their adoption to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimize environmental impact.
Currently, the Ministry of Energy is prioritizing the expansion of EV charging stations, aiming to reach a target of 1.2 million EVs on Thai roads by 2036. This ambitious goal underscores the government's commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Thailand.
Dr. Twarath Sutabutra, Director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), highlighted the growing global popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) due to their clean energy benefits and minimal environmental impact. He noted that the global EV fleet currently exceeds 2 million vehicles, with approximately 1.2 million being battery electric vehicles. Thailand has also witnessed an increasing adoption of EVs, with 103,702 electric motor vehicles registered in the country. These include 102,308 hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and 1,394 battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The EPPO anticipates a further surge in EV adoption, particularly in the personal vehicle segment. To facilitate this transition, the government is actively expanding charging station infrastructure to enhance consumer confidence. Additionally, measures are being taken to accommodate the growing EV population, including regulatory adjustments, battery research support, pilot projects for public transportation EVs (e.g., electric tuk-tuks), and infrastructure development for electricity systems and charging stations.
Dr. Yotsapong Laonwal, President of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association, revealed that "Currently, 15 charging stations have been completed and are open for service. These stations are operated by 13 agencies, including: 1. Pollution Control Department, 2. Srinakharinwirot University, Ongkharak Campus, 3. Bangkok Solar Power Co., Ltd. Pathumwan, 4. Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (Head Office), 5. K.E. Retail Co., Ltd. (CDC), 6. Trust for Investment in Real Estate Lease Rights LH Shopping Center Branch 001 (Terminal 21 Asoke Shopping Center), 7. Rabbit Auto Craft Co., Ltd., 8. TSL Auto Corporation Co., Ltd., 9. TSL Auto Service 2016 Co., Ltd., 10. Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (Ratchaphruek 2), 11. Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd., 12. Standard NGV Co., Ltd., and 13. Gaysorn Realty Co., Ltd. (Gaysorn Shopping Center).
The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (TEVA) has initiated a project to foster collaboration between various charging station providers and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers.
This project aims to develop a unified charging network for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The goal is to provide EV users with seamless access to charging stations across different networks, eliminating the need for multiple user cards.
TEVA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with 18 organizations, including:
- Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
- PTT Public Company Limited
- GridWiz (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Schneider (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Nissan Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- GLT Green (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Risen Energy Co., Ltd.
- The Fifth Element International Co., Ltd.
- Volvo Car (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited
- SAIC Motor-CP Co., Ltd.
- Evolt Technology Co., Ltd.
- AAA Auto Service Co., Ltd.
- EVF (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
- FOMM (Asia) Co., Ltd.
- HopCar Co., Ltd.
- Inchcape (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
This collaboration is supported by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority. Mr. Komkrit Tantrawanich, Deputy Secretary-General of the Energy Regulatory Commission, witnessed the signing ceremony.
The project aims to develop a system that can accommodate the growing number of EV users and ensure seamless charging across different stations in the near future.
The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (TEVA) has created 1,000 RFID cards for charging electric vehicles in the project. These cards feature the project's logo and will be available to interested individuals who register through the TEVA website and Facebook page. Applicants must provide personal information such as name, address, phone number, and email, as well as electric vehicle information including license plate, make, and model. The RFID card allows users to access all charging stations within the project in a "One Card All Station" format.
The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) has opened applications for the fifth round of its EV charging station project. The project aims to install 32 new charging stations, with support for both Quick Charge and Normal Charge options. Government agencies will receive 100% funding for both types of stations, while state-owned enterprises will receive 100% funding for Quick Charge stations and 30% funding for Normal Charge stations. Private companies will receive 30% funding for Quick Charge stations. Applications are open from March 1st to 30th, 2018. For more information, please visit the EVAT website at www.evat.or.th or call 08 6390 3339.
Source: Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO), Ministry of Energy
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 3:39 PM