Isuzu, together with V.Cargo and HomePro, has begun testing a battery-swapping solution for electric trucks in Thailand's logistics sector. The project aims to study real-world usage to improve transport and energy efficiency, reduce charging downtime, and drive Thailand toward carbon neutrality under a multi-solution carbon neutrality policy.
Mr. Wichai Sinanantapat, Deputy Managing Director of Triepetch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd., said that as a global leader in commercial vehicles, Isuzu is committed to developing products and services tailored to achieving carbon neutrality specifically for commercial vehicles, which have different purposes and usage patterns than other vehicle types.
This includes aspects such as payload capacity, durability, and transport efficiency. At the same time, Isuzu responds to logistics operators’ needs to manage business costs while reducing carbon emissions.
Therefore, Isuzu introduced the ISUZU LIFE CYCLE SOLUTIONS concept to support customers throughout the vehicle’s lifespan, alongside advancing the Multi-Pathways to Carbon Neutrality approach.
This involves developing diverse technologies including diesel trucks, battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), and carbon-neutral fuel-powered vehicles to meet varied commercial customer needs. For commercial vehicles, which require operational efficiency and continuity, Isuzu has extended its offerings with battery-swapping solutions for electric trucks as an additional practical option.
Currently, Isuzu is studying market demand and infrastructure readiness for electric truck transport. Battery-swapping technology can enhance efficiency and continuity for electric trucks by reducing charging times. Hence, Isuzu is conducting a study and testing of the Battery-Swapping Solution under real logistics operations in Thailand.
The project is supported by partners including V.Cargo Co., Ltd., a long-standing full-service logistics provider in Thailand, and Home Products Center Public Company Limited (HomePro), a leading comprehensive home products retailer.
In this test, Isuzu deployed the Isuzu ELF EV electric truck—an imported model modified from the standard version produced and sold in Japan—to transport HomePro goods to consumers. A battery-swapping station was installed at V.Cargo’s distribution center.
This setup allows collection and analysis of vehicle and battery-swapping operation data under real conditions, expected to contribute to developing efficient, practical, and sustainable transport models for the future.
Ms. Assri Srisongkram, Executive Director of V.Cargo Co., Ltd., stated, “V.Cargo has operated logistics in Thailand for over 37 years, continuously improving transport efficiency while fulfilling social and environmental responsibilities. This includes leveraging technology to manage transport and minimize operational waste.
We have also incorporated electric trucks into our fleet to promote clean energy and ensure every mile is environmentally friendly. We believe that initiating and testing new technologies today is vital for developing better transport systems for the future.
With extensive experience using Isuzu trucks for customer service, we trust the product quality and Isuzu’s expertise and support. Participating in the battery-swapping solution test for Isuzu electric trucks marks an important step in applying new technology to enhance transport efficiency and continuity, while reducing pollution and environmental impact, ultimately developing logistics solutions that serve customers and society sustainably.”
Mr. Theerapol Rodchuey, Assistant Managing Director of HomePro's Technical Services Group, said, “For HomePro, this collaboration is a key step in developing a transport system that meets both efficiency and sustainability goals. HomePro and V.Cargo have been long-term partners, and combined with Isuzu’s commercial vehicle expertise and technology, we are confident this cooperation will lead to practical transport solutions for the business sector.
A core objective for HomePro is conducting business responsibly with environmental care and striving for carbon neutrality, aligning with Isuzu’s direction. The Isuzu Battery-swapping Solution project presents an opportunity to use technology to cut carbon emissions from transport while enhancing logistics efficiency. The battery-swapping system reduces waiting time for charging, enabling trucks to resume operations and deliveries continuously and more effectively.”
We therefore view this project not merely as adopting electric vehicles, but as jointly developing the transport system of the future that balances business efficiency with environmental responsibility. We expect the outcomes of this trial to be leveraged for expanding usage within HomePro’s logistics system, achieving real carbon emission reductions in operations.
Isuzu is thus more than a commercial vehicle manufacturer; it acts as a Transport Solution Partner developing solutions suited to business operations. We believe the collaboration between HomePro, V.Cargo, and Isuzu will be a significant step toward efficient Green Logistics, helping businesses advance sustainably and concretely.
Previously, a battery-swapping station was installed at the Samrong factory of Isuzu Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tests were conducted using the Isuzu ELF EV electric truck with battery-swapping to transport parts from the in-house parts warehouse to Triepetch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd.'s parts warehouse, preparing for real-world testing.
This test will run from September 2026 to March 2027, transporting electrical appliances for HomePro, a V.Cargo customer. The imported Isuzu electric truck, modified from the Japanese standard model, will deliver goods from HomePro’s distribution center in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, to consumers.
Throughout the test, data on vehicle usage and battery swaps will be collected and analyzed to assess the electric truck’s potential and suitability for Thailand’s logistics business in terms of efficiency, operational continuity, operating costs, reduced downtime, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. The battery-swapping process takes approximately 7 minutes, depending on the number of batteries swapped each time.
The collected data will be used to evaluate the feasibility of battery-swapping solutions in Thailand’s commercial vehicle market, as well as to study operational challenges and constraints. This will help develop service models tailored to logistics businesses and user needs, leading to more efficient and sustainable transport systems in the future.