NXPO, in collaboration with the Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), has launched the EV Conversion Training Program to strengthen the capabilities of Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in electric vehicle (EV) conversion, supporting Thailand’s transition toward an electric mobility industry.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Thanakarn Wongdeethai, Director of the Future Mobility Policy Division at NXPO, stated that Thailand’s automotive industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation from internal combustion engine (ICE) technology to electric mobility. Beyond adopting imported EVs, this transition presents an opportunity for Thailand to expand its role from an automobile manufacturing hub to a center for EV design, development, system integration, and technological innovation. One promising pathway is EV conversion, which involves converting existing ICE vehicles into electric vehicles. This approach extends vehicle service life, reduces fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and creates new business opportunities for Thai enterprises. However, EV conversion requires multidisciplinary engineering expertise, including electrical systems, vehicle control systems, controller area network (CAN) communication, thermal management, and compliance with engineering and safety standards. Dr. Thanakarn emphasized that public confidence in converted EVs depends on their safety, reliability, and full compliance with quality and regulatory requirements. Developing a highly skilled workforce through systematic training is therefore a critical foundation for building a sustainable EV conversion industry in Thailand.
The EV Conversion Training Program is led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Manon Sooklamai from the Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, KMUTT. The instructional team includes Asst. Prof. Dr. Danai Phaoharuhansa, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, KMUTT; Asst. Prof. Dr. Sujin Jiracheewanun, Department of Mechanical Technology Education, KMUTT; Mr. Jackkapan Meearsa, Department of Mechanical Technology Education, KMUTT; and Dr. Sura Laptawee, Managing Director of FR Tech Co., Ltd.
Dr. Manon explained that the six-day program, conducted from 1–16 August 2026, brings together representatives from 23 selected SMEs, including automotive repair shop owners, chief technicians, engineers, and technical specialists. The curriculum combines intensive classroom instruction with hands-on practical training, covering EV engineering fundamentals, vehicle architecture, powertrain analysis and design, battery and control system design, disassembly and analysis of actual EV systems, and vehicle testing in accordance with applicable safety standards and regulatory requirements. The program concludes with a capstone project, enabling participants to apply their knowledge by designing and developing an EV conversion prototype. Dr. Manon noted that the program is designed to equip SMEs with practical skills that can be directly applied to expand business opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and foster industry collaboration, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth of Thailand’s EV ecosystem.
