The Program Management Unit for National Competitiveness Enhancement (PMU-C) recently brought out prototypes of modified electric vehicles (EVs) to showcase at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2022. The displayed EV prototypes were developed by Thai universities and the private sector with the support and management of PMU-C.  

Prof. Dr. Anek Laothamatas, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, paid a visit to the exhibition on 21 March 2022 to see the prototypes and meet with the team behind the innovations. 

PMU-C Director Dr. Siree Chaiseri explained that future mobility is one of the research programs that PMU-C is implementing. The program aims to drive innovation to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s next generation automotive industry. This exhibition was organized by PMU-C with partners including NXPO, Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Panus Assembly Company Limited, Cho Thavee Public Company Limited, Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RMUTI). 

Panus Assembly CEO Mr. Panus Watanachai revealed that his company brought to display a modified 10-wheel electric truck and a modified electric truck, the development of which were supported by PMU-C, NXPO and the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). His company is currently working with Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of Taiwan, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Naresuan University and Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology to convert 4-, 6- and 10- wheel trucks into EVs, along with developing a fleet management platform and charging devices, all of which will be put into commercialization afterwards. 

Cho Thavee President and CEO Mr. Suradech Taweesaengsakulthai introduced his company’s display which consists of a bogie for light rail transit and a modified EV van developed in collaboration with RMUTI and Khon Kaen University. The company and universities have also designed and manufactured parts and components for light rail – car body, traction motor, traction inverter, cooling system, pantograph, auxiliary power unit, fastener and rubber concrete sleeper. Once these components are assembled and tested, they will be put into use to support Khon Kaen smart city initiative. 

EVAT President Mr. Krisda Utamote said that his association in collaboration with EGAT, NXPO and Kasetsart Univesity held a modified electric motorcycle contest and brough to display a modified electric motorcycle using a lithium-ion battery.