Tuesday January 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. – Khon Kaen University met the press to release news of “Swapping Batteries Project for Electric Road Vehicles”. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University delivered the opening address. Joining in the news release were Asst. Prof. Tala Thammaroj, M.D., Vice President for Administration; Asst. Prof. Arwut Yimtae, Ph.D., Vice President for Infrastructure and Environment; Assoc. Prof. Nonglak Meethong, Ph.D., Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory; Lieutenant Colonel M.R. Peeranupong Panupan, Advisor to the Managing Committee of OSKA Holding, Co. Ltd.; Mr. Surachai Sinprakob, Khon Kaen Province Energy Chief Officer; and Mr. Teerasak Teekayupan, Khon Kaen Mayor. A lot of news correspondents and distinguished guests attended the news release, held at Sarasin Room, 2nd Floor, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, revealed that the “Swapping Batteries Project for Electric Road Vehicles” is under the collaboration for commercially using Khon Kaen University’s ‘Deep Technology’ products, the manufacturing of which is complicated, having undergone research and invented through engineering and scientific innovations that are the strength of Khon Kaen University.
“There are roughly 38,000 students and over 10,000 staff members in Khon Kaen University, which means use of tens of thousands motorcycles. If we are able to change from gasoline-fueled motorcycles to electric vehicles, the benefit will be great both in terms of the use of clean energy and in reduction of carbon dioxide emission. This project is therefore the intention of Khon Kaen University to make the University an EV city. We see that OSKA Holding, Co. Ltd. holds the ideal to promote manufacturing of products in the country, and this led to the collaboration.”
Asst. Prof. Tala Thammaroj, M.D., Vice President for Administration, Khon Kaen University said that the project implementation has a big strategic consequence on KKU being a ‘Great Place to Live’. It follows what Khon Kaen University Council set to carry out works related to the environment so that the University becomes a Green University, meaning a university that integrates energy conservation and the environment in instruction, research and all activities of the Un (iversity.
“The “Swapping Batteries Project for Electric Road Vehicles” supports many of the University’s strategies: firstly, in research and innovation in developing batteries that can be of use; secondly, in promoting the “Education Transformation” policy, e.g., Faculty of Engineering learning about repairing and maintenance of electric motorcycles; thirdly, in supporting the Social Contribution strategy that in turn follows many of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action (urgent operation that fights against climate change and arising impacts and reduces engines’ PM emission, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities or safe cities to live. Therefore, managing of technologies can directly support KKU’s strategies. Students and staff will benefit from the project.”
Asst. Prof. Arwut Yimtae, Ph.D., Vice President for Infrastructure and Environment added that Khon Kaen University has major goals that are in accordance with sustainable development towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero of greenhouse gas by 2065. The “Swapping Batteries Project for Electric Road Vehicles” is another example of KKU’s operations, showing the determination to reduce carbon dioxide release from transportation, by using electric vehicles that are environmental friendly. “I hope this project will be the prototype for the use of clean energy in the transportation sector and that many organizations in Thailand will contribute in concretely and sustainably saving energy for the future world and in solving problems from climate change, under the national Net Zero policy.
Assoc. Prof. Nonglak Meethong, Ph.D., Director of the Battery and New Energy Factory said that the factory functions in manufacturing UVOLT batteries that have been certified under UNR 136 standard and TIS 2952-2561. The batteries are sold to STROM, a leading motorcycle producer of Thailand. Besides, the Factory can produce batteries for various devices that need batteries such as medical devices, agricultural machines and the energy storage system for solar cells.
“The service and potential of the Battery and New Energy Factory are certifies in terms of legal production. There are many products. Electric motorcycle is another example that shows the use of the batteries from the factory. At present, the factory is under the application for certification as a standard testing laboratory. In the future, it is hoped that the factory will be part of the use of EVs, storing of modern energy that uses standard batteries, and development of batteries based on Thailand’s technologies.”
Lieutenant Colonel M.R. Peeranupong Panupan, Advisor to the Managing Committee of OSKA Holding, Co. Ltd. thanked Khon Kaen University for opening the chance for the company to collaborate in propelling the use of electric motorcycles. The main versions under the collaboration between the company and KKU are: STROM Gorilla, a big-sized motorcycle that can be used in daily life and suits staff, students and people in general, and costs from 69,900 baht; and STROM Seal, a smaller version suitable for riding on campus or in the city, costing from 59,900 baht. The motorcycles can be legally registered. Its batteries can be changed free or charge at Khon Kaen University.
Mr. Teerasak Teekayupan, Khon Kaen Mayor, conveyed his appreciation towards Khon Kaen University in energy conservation, for it is an important step that makes everyone become aware of the environmental problems. Moreover, the operation is in accordance with the Municipality’s and provincial strategy in the Smart City policy, Smart Environment, and Smart Mobility.
“The Municipality is working of reduction of carbon dioxide emission through various projects. Therefore, when Khon Kaen University announced that there is such project, the Municipality decides to join at once. Electric motorcycles and gasoline motorcycles are not different in terms of costs. How can we urge people to use electric motorcycles? Even though this is difficult, but many sectors have to cooperate. We must help in building conscience in environment and motivation that will benefit users themselves. We do not hope this will happen soon, but we believe that Smart City can be real finally. This project will not only bring advantages to organizations, but the utmost benefits will happen among people and the environment.”
Mr. Surachai Sinprakob, Khon Kaen Province Energy Chief Officer said that he was glad that Khon Kaen University is working on concrete use of alternative energy. “We have the duty to bring the research results and the collaboration between the private sector and the University to publicize to the public and for them to use. It is hopes that all organizations in Khon Kaen will know about this.”
For those interested, there are 2 ways: 1) enter a rental contract for 3 months to one year. This means the use of electric motorcycle and change batteries for free. 2) buy an E-motorcycle by making a loan from the Governmental Savings Bank or Krungsri Auto – The instalment payment is low, not over 1,500 baht per month. STROM EV can be charged at home, or in the university. There will be stalls for battery changing that can be done within 1 minute. If interested, you can have a look and order an E-motorcycle. Now, the University is selecting a place for the showroom and the service center on campus.
Details of E-motorcycles are available at:
https://www.facebook.com/STROM.EV/
News: Rawiporn Saisaenthong
