Mercedes-Benz and EGAT celebrate Earth Day with first trip of ‘Saving the World from Wherever You Are,’ heading towards world’s largest hydro-floating solar hybrid
25 April 2022Mercedes-Benz, as a leader in the luxury car market, and EGAT celebrated Earth Day by arranging a special trip made up of 100% electric vehicles (EVs) and Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs), traveling to the world’s largest hydro-floating solar hybrid in Ubon Ratchathani Province to encourage more Thai people to switch to clean energy and drive Thailand towards a low carbon society.
Mr. Roland Folger, President of Mercedes-Benz (Thailand) Ltd. revealed that the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Mercedes-Benz share the same vision of becoming leaders of clean energy and renewable energy. Mercedes-Benz places importance on innovation and sustainability under the company’s worldwide policy to change its strategy from ‘electric-first’ to ‘electric-only’ from 2025 onwards depending on the market, a step towards a pollution-free world. Moreover, the ‘Charge to Change’ project was held for the second year in Thailand to invite EV users to charge the cars for a better world. The project also prompted Mercedes-Benz to look for strong allies in the energy field to drive Thailand towards a low carbon society sustainably. Presently, EGAT and Mercedes-Benz are studying for the cooperation of installing EV charging stations and energy management, such as using waste batteries from EVs for the Stationary Energy Storage System.
Mr. Boonyanit Wongrukmit, EGAT Governor added that EGAT was pleased to work with Mercedes-Benz to give Thai people an opportunity to use clean energy and reduce pollution. EGAT’s experience in EV innovation and technology through research and development will help promote EVs to be a new alternative for travelers. Under the ‘EGAT EV Business Solutions,’ the EleX by EGAT charging station was launched to facilitate EV users with DC Fast Charge that can charge up to 120 kW in only 30 minutes, and AC Normal Charge which will ensure the safety of all EVs with high quality chargers that meet the international standard so that customers can rest assured throughout their journey. There are 49 EleX by EGAT stations together with EleXA partner stations open for service nationwide. EGAT will soon expand the stations to cover more provinces in the Northeast, e.g. Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Roi Et, Nakhon Phanom, Si Sa Ket, Mukdahan, Loei, etc., and aims to increase to more than 120 stations by the end of 2022.
The Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province has installed EV charging stations for tourists visiting the largest hydro-floating solar hybrid in the world. It is one of EGAT’s achievements which helps drive the country towards carbon neutrality and maximizes the benefits of the dam for optimal efficiency. The hybrid power plant generates electricity from both ‘solar power’ during the day and ‘hydropower from the existing dam’ when there is no sunlight, or during peak power demand at nighttime to increase the stability of renewable energy and enhance the country’s power system security. The 45-MW power plant reduces greenhouse gas emissions around 47,000 tons/year, generates clean energy, mitigates climate change, and promotes local economy through tourism.
Mercedes-Benz and EGAT arranged a trip for the media to test 100% EVs and PHEVs on the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani route. While testing the many EV models of Mercedes-Benz, the drivers can experience charging their EVs at EleX by EGAT charging stations at strategic locations along the route connecting the Central and Northeast region, such as the PT Wang Noi 5 branch in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, the Lamtakong Jolabha Vadhana Power Plant branch in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and the Sirindhorn Dam branch in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Then the group visited the world’s largest Hydro-Floating Solar Hybrid at Sirindhorn Dam in Ubon Ratchathani Province to celebrate Earth Day together on April 22, 2022. The purpose of the activity is to help build confidence for EV travelers and raise the country’s electricity security.