Thailand: Bangchak to install EV chargers, solar panels at fuel station network

Bangchak Corporation Plc (BCP) is planning to roll out EV chargers and to install solar rooftops on its fuel stations as part of its development initiative for clean energy.

Bangchak Corporation Plc (BCP) recently announced its plans to install EV chargers and solar rooftops across its fuel station network, reports The Nation Thailand. The roll out of EV chargers comes after signing a MoU for clean energy business development with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) of Thailand.

“Currently PEA is surveying the sites of Bangchak’s petrol stations that are suitable for installing EV chargers,” said Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Marketing, Somchai Techavanich. “We will be using the fast charge model that requires about 20 minutes of charging time, and are planning to install charging stations at intervals of 100 km along the major highways.”

PEA will be responsible for the installation cost and service fee charge, and BCP will provide the spaces for charging, Somchai explained.

“The installation should start in the first quarter of 2020 in selected stations to test the system, and will expand to 62 stations nationwide within the first year,” he said. “At present Bangchak has a few charging stations of its own, but they are not very popular since most EV users prefer to charge at home.”

For 2020, Bangchak is also planning to install solar rooftops on its petrol stations and retail shops managed by Bangchak Retail Co Ltd, in accordance with the company’s clean energy business development initiative. The project will be financed by BCPG Pcl, a subsidiary of BCP.

“In the early phase we will install solar rooftops at 220 gas stations under our management, and then expand to the stations managed by dealers and business partners,” Somchai added. “The solar rooftop will help reduce electricity cost of each station by around 10-15 per cent.”