PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) plans to increase its electric vehicle (EV) business by adding more charging stations in the nation’s shopping malls by the end of the year. Terminal 21, Fashion Island, and The Promenade are next in line to get the charging stations under the PluZ brand.
Five more stations, two in Bangkok, two in Pattaya and another in Nakohn Ratchasima will be in service in Q3. The goal is to have 450 charging stations by the end of 2022, and 7,000 by 2030.
The budget has not been revealed, but it is part of OR’s overall capital spending plan costing nearly 75 billion baht over the next five years. Part of the money is funded through the company’s initial public offering.
Having charging stations in shopping malls will make it more convenient for EV car-owning consumers to enjoy stress-free trips to the mall without fear of getting a flat battery. Owners of EVs can manage reservations via the “PTT Station PluZ” mobile application which can manage congestion at EV charging stations and cut down on wait times.
OR is also collaborating with Thailand Post, and Mitsubishi Motors to use EVs for postal and parcel delivery. The partnership aims to increase the possibilities of EVs as part of OR’s aspirations to become a leader in the development of the EV ecosystem.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post