Participants cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony of a battery shop of SAIC Motor in Chonburi, Thailand, Oct. 31, 2023. Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor on Tuesday announced the opening of its first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Thailand, as the first deeply localized battery rolled off the assembly line in the factory. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)
Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor on Tuesday announced the opening of its first electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Thailand, as the first deeply localized battery rolled off the assembly line in the factory.
The EV battery plant, spanning 12 hectares, is located in New Energy Industrial Park, Chonburi province's Eastern Economic Corridor Special Zone.
With a production capacity of 50,000 units per year, the EV battery plant is divided into two main areas. The first one is the battery assembly area, which is fully automated, and the second area is designated for battery standard testing, which involves over 60 processes.
Zhao Feng, president of SAIC Motor-CP, a joint venture between SAIC Motor Corp and Charoen Pokphand Group, said they invested 500 million baht (around 13.9 million U.S. dollars) in the EV battery plant, and the plant showcases the company's vision as a pioneer and leader in electric vehicles in Thailand.
SAIC's MG brand, which entered the Thai EV market in 2019, has become one of the most popular brands among Thai customers, with more than 18,000 units sold so far in the country, Zhao said.
As the first EV battery factory launched in the country, this will reflect Thailand's potential and readiness to become a regional and global EV production base, said Nattapol Rangsitpol, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Industry.
Thailand has long been a major automobile production base in Southeast Asia due to its industrial chain and geographical advantages. Under the government's investment promotion, the country aims to produce EVs for 30 percent of all vehicles in the country by 2030.
This month, another Chinese carmaker Changan signed a land purchase agreement with Thailand's industrial estate developer WHA Group to build a new EV factory, with an initial capacity of 100,000 units per year.
According to the Federation of Thai Industries, in the first half of 2023, Chinese brands accounted for over 70 percent of Thailand's EV sales.
- Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor opens first EV battery plant in Thailand
- Thailand enters quality tourism agreement with Chinese business partners
- China's leading PV manufacturer launches new plant in Malaysia's Selangor state
- Chinese wind turbines help Thailand's green transformation
- Thailand receives over 100,000 Chinese tourists first week after visa-free policy implemented
- Thailand rolls out carpet to woo travelers
Popular Videos
Hot comments
- China-ASEAN Expo witnesses changes in tech, life over 18 years
- China Life: Chinese women shine with She Power
- First apes at U.S. zoo receive COVID-19 vaccine made for animals, zoo official says
- 86-year-old grandma in Hebei spends most her life on traditional cheongsam
- Homemade curling videos trending in China
- Box office soars during 8-day dual holiday
- Xi meets U.S. congressional delegation
- ‘Special Forces’ style tourism booms during ethnic holiday season
- Freight train service inaugurated between Shanghai, Vientiane
- Wuhan hospital president dies of novel coronavirus pneumonia
Top Reviews
- Key meeting sets tone on China's financial development
- China releases plan on establishing Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone
- Flying Tigers legacy propels China-U.S. cooperation
- 2 Chinese cities selected to join UNESCO Creative Cities Network
- China delivers first two converted ARJ21 air freighters
- Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor opens first EV battery plant in Thailand
- Guangxi enjoys thriving modern agriculture
- China to further improve visa policies
- Mexico City Metro Line 1, renovated by a Chinese company, restarts operation
- Malaysia seeks to increase exports with RCEP partners to counter economic slowdown