Bangchak and BTS Jointly Launches Pinto EV Bikes to Provide Electric-Powered Transportation from First Mile to Last Mile for BTS Commuters

Somsak Thepsuthin, Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the launch of “Pinto EV Bikes” by Smart EV Bike Company Limited, a joint venture between Winnonie Public Company Limited, a Bangchak Group startup, and BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited. The aim of the project is to provide hire-purchase EV bikes for motorcycle taxi drivers around BTS stations, creating a convenient and safe feeder transport service for BTS commuters while improving the quality of life of motorcycle taxi drivers. Wisanu Supsomphon, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with Kavin Kanjanapas and Surapong Laoha-Unya, executives from BTS Group Holdings Company Limited, and honorable guests attended the event held at BTS Mo Chit station. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, later visited the battery swapping demonstration following the event.

Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited revealed that Winnonie is an internal startup from Bangchak that commenced its operations in 2020. Winnonie utilizes greenovative energy solutions employing EV bikes to enhance the quality of life of motorcycle taxi drivers. It offers an EV bike rental service platform with an automated battery swapping network that reduces operational expenses. This is in line with Bangchak Group’s entry into the electric vehicle market and drives the creation of a Net Zero Ecosystem that contributes towards achieving the Group’s goal of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2050.

Winnonie has experienced consistent growth since its inception. Currently, it serves over 1,000 users through a network of more than 120 automated battery swapping stations across the Bangchak Metropolitan Region. Winnonie offers a win-win solution in three areas, namely

1) Better Lives for motorcycle taxi drivers. By reducing monthly rental costs by approximately THB 4,000 (THB 48,000 per year),

2) Better Planet. By promoting the use of clean energy, Winnonie users have collectively travelled over 42 million kilometers, resulting in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, as well as reducing air pollution, PM2.5 dust particles, and noise pollution.

3) Better Nation. Winnonie was developed in Thailand by Thai people, fostering innovative thinking, human development, and generating job opportunities within the country.

Today was a significant milestone in the business development of Winnonie as it introduces Pinto EV Bike hire-purchase services for motorcycle taxi drivers along BTS stations, coupled with Winnonie’s automated battery swapping network spanning the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. To cater to the growing demand and enhance commuter convenience, additional locations will be added along BTS lines. This expansion enables BTS commuters to enjoy a clean energy transportation experience from the First Mile to Last Mile, which enables travel to and from home using electric public transport throughout the entire journey.

“EV bike usage in Thailand has a substantial growth opportunity provided it receives support and promotion from relevant government agencies on various issues. This includes considerations such as implementing special electricity rates for battery swapping stations, establishing a centralized agency to streamline One Stop Service to approve electricity meter installations, or reviewing or enacting legislation related to transport regulations, yellow plate registration, and laws pertaining to motorcycle taxis. These measures would help facilitate the expansion of EV-related business expansion. Moreover, government agencies can assist by facilitating the registration and issuance of Carbon Credit Certificate, or other support schemes such as approving accident insurance coverage for EV bikes, offering free or discount-rate space within government agencies or BMA as locations for battery swapping stations, providing low-interest loans, and supporting research and development grants.

Winnonie is committed to being the leader in providing Battery as a Service (BaaS) battery swapping platform for EV bikes. It aims to expand its user base from over 1,000 users and 120 battery swapping stations at the end of 2023 to 60,000 users and 3,000 stations by 2030. Bangchak Group and Winnonie support the transition to a low-carbon society, which not only enhances the quality of life and society, but also ensures environmental sustainability in line with national and global trends. All achieved through a driving experience that is 'good for us and good for the world” Chaiwat concluded.