Isuzu has initiated a pilot project in Thailand to test battery-swapping technology for its Elf EV light-duty trucks. The initiative involves logistics provider V. Cargo and retailer Home Product Center, with a dedicated swapping station installed at the V. Cargo distribution hub in the Wang Noi district.
The trial focuses on evaluating market demand and infrastructure readiness. By replacing traditional plug-in charging with battery swapping, the company aims to minimize vehicle downtime. The swapping process at the Thai facility takes approximately seven minutes, depending on the number of batteries exchanged.
The pilot program is scheduled to run until March 2027. Data collected during this period will determine the commercial viability of the technology and highlight potential operational limitations. Isuzu plans to use these findings to create new service models for the logistics sector.
This project follows a previous test conducted at the Isuzu plant in the Phra Pradaeng district, where the company used the Elf EV to transport parts. Additionally, Isuzu is running a separate trial in Yokohama, Japan, where a modified Elf EV garbage truck completes the battery-swapping process in about three minutes.
