SMAT Partners with UNEX EV and Industry Stakeholders to Promote EV Swap Battery Ecosystem

On April 4, 2025, Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Leasing & Service (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (SMAT), represented by Mr. Takeshi Minoguchi, President & CEO, signed a memorandum of understanding with UNEX EV Co., Ltd., led by Mr. Pitak Pruittisarikorn, CEO and Co-Founder. The signing ceremony also involved several industry stakeholders, with the shared goal of advancing collaboration and expanding swap battery station services in Thailand.

As a leading corporate car leasing provider in Thailand, SMAT recognizes the growth potential of the electric vehicle (EV) industry and remains committed to developing practical, innovative mobility solutions that meet business needs and support long-term sustainable growth.

UNEX EV is a battery-swapping mobility platform designed to position Thailand as a regional and global hub for intelligent mobility solutions. As part of its long-term strategy, UNEX EV plans to further enhance investor opportunities in the EV sector by pursuing a listing on the NASDAQ stock exchange within the next two years.

To strengthen the EV Swap Battery Ecosystem and ensure sustainable service expansion, UNEX EV collaborated with stakeholders across the value chain, including:

• Automakers: In collaboration with MG Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd., UNEX EV is developing advanced battery-swapping technology compatible with its intelligent platform. The first two vehicle models to support this system are:
  • UNEX EV: MG EP (5-seater passenger EV with swappable battery)
  • UNEX EV: MG MAXUS 7 (7-seater MPV EV with swappable battery)
• Energy swap station providers: In partnership with SUSCO (Susco Public Company Limited) to establish a nationwide network of battery swap stations in the future.
• Auto Leasing service providers: SMAT supports the initiative by offering flexible leasing plans to make electric vehicles more accessible to consumers. For MG EP swappable model, customers can start leasing at just THB 550 per day with no down payment required.

Mr. Pitak added that to further strengthen the EV ecosystem and enhance the future of smart mobility in Thailand, UNEX EV and its partners plan to invest over THB 12 billion within the next three years. The goal is to develop and launch more than 1,000 battery swap stations nationwide.

The first station is set to open in Phuket in May 2025, in collaboration with Auto Drive EV Public Company Limited, an electric taxi rental provider. Initially, the project will include 40 participating EV taxis and one battery swap station, with an investment of approximately THB 15–20 million. The station will have the capacity to service up to 100 vehicles, with a projected payback period of three years.