Strategic Partnership to Address Rapid EV Growth Driven by Government Policy Changes in Thailand
SHANGHAI, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR), a world leader in rapid battery swapping technology for EV's, ("U Power" or the "Company") announced today that it has signed a joint venture agreement between its Thai subsidiary, U SWAP, and SUSCO Public Company Limited (BK: SUSCO), a publicly listed energy provider with a robust network of fueling stations throughout Thailand. The joint venture will deploy U Power's innovative UOTTA battery-swapping technology across SUSCO's extensive station network, significantly advancing sustainable transportation solutions in the country. The JV positions U Power as a first-mover in Thailand Commercial EV Battery Swapping Market.
"This joint venture represents a significant milestone in U Power's global expansion strategy, particularly in Southeast Asia," said Li Jia, Chairman and CEO of U Power. "Thailand's ambitious EV targets make our partnership with SUSCO timely and strategically important, creating immediate opportunities for scaling our battery-swapping technology across the region."
Expanding EV Infrastructure with UOTTA Technology
SUSCO is a publicly traded energy provider listed in Thailand, recognized for its widespread network of fueling stations. By partnering with U Power, SUSCO aims to integrate battery-swapping capabilities into its existing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) energy solutions.
Through the joint venture, U Power's UOTTA battery-swapping system will be strategically positioned at SUSCO's fueling stations nationwide. This infrastructure will serve as a rapid, efficient, and scalable energy solution tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle fleets, including taxis and ride-sharing services, significantly reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.
Integrating U Power's innovative battery-swapping technology into SUSCO's extensive station network allows SUSCO to directly support Thailand's ambitious EV adoption goals, enhance customer convenience, and position SUSCO at the forefront of the nation's evolving transportation infrastructure.
Leading Asian Investors Back Joint Venture with Strategic Investment
Chatchaval Jiaravanon, a member of the family controlling the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group)—a diversified conglomerate generating over $82 billion in annual revenue—has personally invested in the joint venture between U Swap and SUSCO.
Mr. Jiaravanon currently serves as chairman and founder of Charoen Energy and Water Asia and independently owns Fortune magazine.
As highlighted in a recent press release, Mr. Jiaravanon expressed optimism regarding the significant potential for growth and profitability of this partnership within Thailand's rapidly expanding electric transportation sector. Leveraging his extensive financial and business relationships across the region, Mr. Jiaravanon is expected to create meaningful opportunities for U Swap's accelerated growth.
Strategic Growth Aligned with Thailand's Green Energy Goals
This partnership directly aligns with Thailand's "30@30" policy, which mandates that 30% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. To accelerate this transition, Thailand's National New Generation Vehicle Committee has prioritized infrastructure development through investment incentives, targeting the nationwide deployment of 12,000 charging piles and 1,450 battery-swapping stations by the policy deadline. Positioned at the intersection of government strategy and market demand, the joint venture is uniquely equipped to capitalize on these tailwinds and establish a dominant footprint in Thailand's rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.
The agreement builds on U Power's previous strategic collaboration with CP-MG, reinforcing the company's systematic approach to market expansion and highlighting the trust major Thai corporations have in U Power's battery-swapping technology.
Addressing Market Demand and Business Potential
Given Thailand's significant taxi and ride-hailing fleet, currently exceeding 300,000 vehicles, battery swapping provides an attractive alternative to lengthy charging times. By deploying this technology within SUSCO's extensive network, the partnership will directly address the practical challenges faced by high-utilization vehicles, boosting profitability and accelerating EV adoption.
"Thailand is entering a transformative period in electric mobility, and our partnership with SUSCO positions U Power at the forefront of this exciting transition," said Li Jia. "Together, we aim not only to enhance Thailand's green transportation infrastructure but also to establish a profitable and scalable model for other markets in Southeast Asia and beyond."
About SUSCO
SUSCO Public Company Limited, a leading oil and gas retail company in Thailand, has been a key player in the energy sector since its establishment in 1981. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, SUSCO operates an extensive network of service stations across Bangkok and its surrounding areas, offering a wide range of products and services, including fuel retailing, aviation fuel supply, and CNG/LPG refueling.
SUSCO is renowned for its strong market presence and operational expertise, particularly in serving major international airports in Bangkok, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. In recent years, the company has actively pursued innovation and sustainability, exploring opportunities in electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel, and biofuel technologies to align with global energy transition trends. The partnership with U Power aligns perfectly with SUSCO's commitment to leading Thailand's transition toward sustainable energy solutions.
Through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited, SUSCO has expanded its footprint in Thailand's retail fuel market and introduced new business models. With a proven track record of excellence and a forward-looking approach, SUSCO continues to solidify its position as a trusted energy solutions provider in Thailand and beyond.
About U Power Limited
U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR) is a vehicle sourcing services provider with a vision to become an EV market player primarily focused on its proprietary battery-swapping technology, UOTTA technology. UOTTA is an intelligent modular battery-swapping solution designed to provide comprehensive battery power solutions for EVs. Since its inception in 2013, U Power has established a vehicle sourcing network in China's lower-tier cities, developed multi-types of battery-swapping stations for compatible EVs, and operates a manufacturing facility in Zibo City, Shandong Province, China.
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