Isuzu joined METI’s “The Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project” to promote battery swapping solution in Thailand

Isuzu, which plays a key role in supporting logistics and lifestyle in Thailand, has been selected to participate in a trial of a battery-swapping solution that will help solve logistics and energy problems to achieve carbon neutrality in Thailand.

Mr. Shinsuke Minami, President of Isuzu Motors Co., Ltd. (Headquarters in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture), hereinafter referred to as “Isuzu”, and Mr. Katsuya Nakanishi, President of Mitsubishi Corporation (Headquarters in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), hereinafter referred to as “MC”, have jointly applied for the “The Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project”. It is a large-scale pilot project in ASEAN [i] of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to request a subsidy for the fiscal year 2023, which has been selected. From fiscal year 2025, Isuzu and MC will conduct pilot projects in Thailand to introduce battery-swapping solution and connect various sectors to the electric power infrastructure [ii].

The “Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project” aims to strengthen economic relations with developing countries and support them as a platform for implementing projects to address their problems and tap into the growth potential of the regional market. It also aims to contribute to innovation in Japan and strengthen domestic industries.

Isuzu and MC have jointly developed the commercial vehicle business in Thailand, the center of the automotive industry in ASEAN countries since 1957. Isuzu has set up two main factories to produce pickups in Thailand and has built a strong supply chain by using more than 90% of domestic parts to assemble and produce vehicles. In addition, Isuzu dealers have maintained and built strong relationships with customers through sales and marketing activities for both pickups and trucks, gaining trust from a wide range of Thai people and holding a high market share. Moreover, we have consistently participated in supporting the development and expansion of the automotive industry in Thailand.

In line with the policy of promoting carbon neutrality through “Multi-Pathway Solutions” specified in Isuzu’s mid-term management plan (“Isuzu Transition – Growth to 2030 or IX”). Thailand, one of the most important markets for both companies and a driver of the overall ASEAN automotive industry, has been selected to conduct this pilot project.

This pilot project will demonstrate the practical use of the battery swapping solution called the “EVision Cycle Concept [iii],” which Isuzu unveiled at the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023 in October last year. The battery swapping solution can swap fully charged batteries in just a few minutes, avoiding the wasted time caused by charging electric vehicle batteries (BEV). Additionally, separating the vehicle body and battery can also be used to manage other forms of energy, such as supporting the efficient use of renewable energy.

This pilot project will be implemented from fiscal year 2025 in collaboration with 5 companies including Isuzu, MC, Isuzu Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd., which are affiliated companies. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Asia Co., Ltd. to support carbon neutrality activities that are unique to Thailand.

With the goal of creating a worldwide carbon-neutral society, this project will promote the widespread battery swapping of electric vehicles (BEVs) in commercial vehicles, which are currently facing challenges in the transition to electrification, and proceed with the creation of new energy systems including renewable energy at battery swapping stations. Isuzu and MC are committed to jointly developing and reducing carbon emissions in the commercial vehicle industry in Thailand.

[i] JETRO Project “The Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project” (Large-scale Experiment of ASEAN Members) (Subsidy)” (June 6, 2024) https://www.jetro.go.jp/services/grobal_south/info.html

[ii] To promote the decarbonization of society as a whole and create a sustainable social infrastructure for the use of renewable energy by connecting and integrating the power generation sector with other consumption sectors such as transport, logistics and heat energy.

[iii] Isuzu Press Release: “Isuzu Unveiled World’s First “EVision Cycle Concept” Battery Swapping Solution” (October 25, 2023) https://www.isuzu.co.jp/newsroom/details/20231025_2.html