GPSC has signed an MOU with nine EV companies to develop a common battery pack using the company’s Semi-Solid battery technology for electric vehicles (EV) and to develop a battery swapping platform for charging stations. The cooperation is in line with the government’s policy to promote the use of electric vehicles and the global EV trends while playing a role in making Thailand an electric vehicle manufacturing hub in South East Asia.
Mr. Worawat Pitayasiri, President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Power Synergy Public Company Limited or GPSC, the innovative power flagship of PTT Group, revealed today (29 April 2021) that GPSC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with nine electric vehicle companies to develop a prototype common battery pack and a battery swapping system using GPSC’s Semi-Solid technology or G-Cell for battery electric vehicles (BEV) such as electric motorbikes, Tuk Tuks, and cars. The technology will not only increase safety, improve heat dissipation, and reduce charging time but will also further enable battery swapping at EV charging stations in the future.
The nine companies in cooperation with GPSC on the project include 1. FOMM (Asia) Company Limited, 2. I-Motor Manufacturing Company Limited, 3. Toyotron Motor Company Limited, 4. Fommunity Company Limited, 5. Asia Technology Industry Company Limited, 6. Bangkok Pay Company Limited, 7. Strongs (Thailand) Company Limited, 8. Amnuay Fire Extinguishers Company Limited and 9. Samlor Thai Company Limited.
The cooperation will be implemented in three phases. The first phase is the study on how to develop a prototype battery and a battery swapping system, including regulations and specifications, as well as the design of battery cell components for increased efficiency in heat dissipation and safety in compliance with international standards. The implementation of the first phase will result in a three-dimensional prototype battery pack, which will be used for future commercial production. The second phase of the cooperation focuses on the development of a prototype battery pack for different types of electric vehicles. The Internet of Things will be integrated into the system of the battery pack and a battery swapping station will also be set up by Fommunity Co., Ltd. and Asia Technology Industry Co., Ltd, offering a new service platform for electric vehicle users, and a test run will be conducted before being made commercially available. The third phase is a joint feasibility study on commercial sales of the common battery packs.
“The collaboration marks a success in the development of electric vehicle battery technology and helps concretely promote the electric vehicle industry as Thailand is considered a major automotive production hub in South East Asia. It is also in line with the government’s strategic plan to promote the use of electric vehicles in Thailand by switching from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, which is a significant move toward becoming a low-carbon society and the world’s major hub for the production of electric vehicles and parts,” said Mr. Worawat.