Great Wall Motor joins forces with 3 electricity authorities to enhance EV ecosystem
28 April 2022Great Wall Motor Co., Ltd. (GWM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on EV Ecosystem Enhancement with three electricity authorities, namely Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to combine the expertise of GWM, a leading EV manufacturer in Thailand, with the proficiency in electricity business of the three electricity authorities, to enhance the EV ecosystem and promote Thailand’s EV industry sustainably.
The MOU signing ceremony held on April 27, 2022 at GWM Experience Center, ICONSIAM was chaired by Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Minister of Energy. The MOU signees included Mr. Michael Chong, Assistant President of GWM Thailand; Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of EGAT; Mr. Wilas Chaloeysat, Governor of MEA; and Mr. Supachai Ek-un, Governor of PEA.
Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Minister of Energy said, “The MOU signing on EV Ecosystem Enhancement between GWM and EGAT, MEA, and PEA reflects the important role of the government and private sectors to collaborate in driving policies of the government and Ministry of Energy to promote Thailand to become a low-carbon society, improving the business environment to support EV manufacturing and sales, expanding EV charging stations nationwide, and developing the EV infrastructure for the EV industry to grow sustainably.”
Mr. Michael Chong, Assistant President of GWM Thailand said, “Since the government started supporting the EV industry, every sector has joined forces in driving Thailand towards the future automotive society. GWM is one of the first car manufacturing companies that have signed an MOU with the Thai government to support the electric vehicle promotion policy. The cooperation between GWM and the three electricity authorities covering an in-depth survey about EV charging stations and knowledge sharing on technology, innovation, and service types will enhance the EV ecosystem. As GWM plans to build more charging stations to reach 55 stations in 2022, this cooperation will help us to achieve the target. Moreover, aiming for Thailand to be the EV manufacturing hub in ASEAN, we will work with our partners to provide EV users with convenience and to find new business opportunities for promoting the new energy-automotive industry.”
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, Governor of EGAT said, “As a state-owned enterprise regulated by the Ministry of Energy, EGAT has experience in electricity system development for 52 years. It is our intention to support the EV ecosystem furnished with efficiency, convenience, safety, and velocity for the benefits of entrepreneurs and manufacturers, including the development of EVs, the network of EV charging stations, and an Application for information sharing to support the EV business and industry growth. EGAT is really pleased to cooperate with GWM to support Thailand to increase EV production to 30% of the total annual car production in 2030, which will help mitigate climate change and create a Green Society for Thailand. At present, there are 49 ‘EleX by EGAT’ EV charging stations available across the country, and at the end of this year, the number will increase to 120 to cover all traveling routes in the country.”
Mr. Wilas Chaloeysat, Governor of MEA said, “As MEA has promoted the use of electric vehicles in Thailand for 10 years, we are really glad to work with GWM to support the EV 30@30 policy of the National Electric Vehicle Policy and Planning Committee, Ministry of Energy to prepare for electric vehicle transition by enhancing the EV ecosystem. MEA is planning to renovate our electricity distributing grid to be a smart metro grid and expand EV charging stations to cover every area in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan Provinces. Also, the MEA EV charging connectors meet the required standard, thus being safe for EV users who can use the service via the MEA EV Application linked on the smart EV charging station management platform that can analyze statistical data concerning charging, for further development of the electricity system and service.
Mr. Supachai Ek-un, Governor of PEA said, “As GWM has an intention to improve the EV ecosystem of Thailand, PEA is ready to support the company by expanding the electricity distributing areas and upgrading the infrastructure to support the increasing number of EVs. PEA, as the electricity authority that provides services to 75 provinces of Thailand, has opened 73 charging stations so far and plans to open 190 more stations to reach a total of 263 stations in 2023. Moreover, PEA has developed the PEA VOLTA Application for EV users to locate charging stations, navigate, order charging, pay the charging fee, and check the usage profile. PEA hopes that the cooperation will promote EV deployment in Thailand to build a Green Society and create more jobs for the future economic growth.”
The cooperation between GWM and the three electricity authorities has focused on electricity infrastructure development to support the EV industry growth in Thailand, covering installation of charging stations, knowledge sharing, upgrading Application and related platforms, and future marketing campaigns. EGAT will take part in expanding EV fast charging stations and developing the ‘Charging Mobile Application’ that facilitates point redemption and locates charging station networks for the convenience of EV users. Moreover, EGAT’s cooperation incudes marketing campaigns, EV service and product development, research on EV batteries, and the study for new business opportunities.