Posted on 23 Jul 2025
Chinese battery swapping solution provider U Power has recently launched its 24/7 smart battery-swapping station for taxi and ride-hailing fleets in Phuket, Thailand, Kallanish learns.
Claiming to be the first operational smart battery-swapping station in Southeast Asia, the company is using its proprietary UOTTA electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping technology.
The commencement of operations builds on collaboration with Thai energy provider SUSCO, which is listed on the Thai stock exchange and recognised for its extensive network of fuelling stations.
This also includes U Power subsidiary USWAP’s partnership with Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Leasing & Service (Thailand), delivering 21 battery-swapping-enabled MG EP vehicles to the Thai mobility service provider Auto Drive EV Public Company to support sustainable taxi services across Phuket.
“U Power is thrilled to inaugurate Southeast Asia's first battery swapping station serving electric taxi fleets, a significant milestone in expanding our global footprint and a pivotal advancement in our joint venture with SUSCO,” says Jonny Lee, ceo and chairman of U Power.
“We are confident that this business model will serve as a replicable paradigm across the broader ASEAN region, as well as Southern Europe and South America. Our vision is to build a comprehensive battery-swapping ecosystem that delivers smart, reliable, and zero-carbon energy solutions for energy grids and transportation systems.”
The company partnered with Beijing Foton to promote battery-swapping compatible electric heavy trucks, buses, and vans in Southeast Asia, South America, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR markets earlier this month.
Meanwhile, launched its "ESP Model", which aims to deploy 5,000 swappable EVs and a respective number of UOTTA™ stations, while converting 300 existing MG EP taxis into swappable versions in Singapore.
It has opened the first UOTTA smart swapping station in June in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong, with a three-phase plan to build 55 stations to serve taxis, buses, and even ferries.
U Power has also partnered with the Portuguese taxi association to establish the joint venture ELMO and plans to launch its first station with the local ride-hailing platform Ualabee in Peru.
Source:Kallanish
