Smart Energy Solutions provider in Asia-Pacific Banpu Next together with performance lithium battery storage solutions manufacturer Durapower have successfully delivered the first battery pack to Cherdchai Motors Sales, the largest bus operator in Thailand.
The delivery marks the first significant milestone in propelling the e-bus market and heavy-duty vehicle industry forward within Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region. It stands as a testament to the successful collaboration between three industry leaders, all of whom share a vision for a sustainable future powered by electrified mobility and decarbonization. Moreover, it signifies a crucial step in the establishment of Thailand’s DP Next battery assembly plant in Amata City Chonburi.
The Asia-Pacific electric bus market is the fastest-growing and largest market for the industry. The growth is being driven by transit organizations across various countries significantly promoting the adoption of electric buses for public transportation. Meanwhile, Thailand’s government has declared a roadmap anticipating 3,000 electric public buses in the country by 2025. Upon completion and in full operation, the DP Next battery assembly plant will deliver products specifically engineered to facilitate fast charging with a high storage capacity, thereby optimizing the driving range of Cherdchai’s e-Buses.
The first pack delivered to Cherdchai is a high-performance lithium NMC battery solution, which could allow the vehicle to be driven 300 kilometers on a single charge and takes a shorter time to recharge as compared to conventional lithium LFP battery technology. These benefits are crucial for the bus operator to enhance service efficiency. This plant is poised to meet the intensifying demand while contributing to the transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) heavy-duty vehicles such as buses, trucks, and heavy commercial vehicles to EVs throughout Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region.
Batteries of DP Next plant will power Cherdchai Motors Sales’ electric buses operating on the main service route from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. Plans include utilizing these batteries in electric buses serving additional passenger routes. In addition to Cherdchai Motors Sales, Banpu Next is offering battery products from the DP Next plant to other heavy-duty commercial vehicles such as truck service providers, electric farm tractor manufacturers, and electric boat producers, accelerating Thailand’s progress towards its ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2065.
