Isuzu and Mitsubishi Corporation selected for Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project

Advancing battery-swapping solution demonstration in Thailand

Kanagawa, Japan- Isuzu Motors Limited., and Mitsubishi Corporation., have been selected for METI's 2023 Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project. Beginning in 2025, they will pilot a battery-swapping solution integrated with energy infrastructure in Thailand.

The Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Program aims to strengthen economic partnerships with countries in the Global South and provide solutions to challenges those countries face while leveraging local market growth potential. In addition, the project hopes to promote reverse innovation and revitalize domestic industries in Japan.

Since the 1960s, Isuzu and Mitsubishi Corporation have collaborated on commercial vehicles in Thailand, a key ASEAN automotive hub. Isuzu has built two major plants there, localizing parts supply and fostering strong customer relationships through dealerships. Their trucks and pickups have a significant market share and contribute to the growth of Thailand’s auto industry.

To advance carbon neutrality, Isuzu’s "multi-pathways" strategy, outlined in its mid-term plan "Isuzu Transformation - Growth to 2030 (Ⅸ)," selects Thailand an ASEAN automotive leader for a new demonstration project. This project will use Isuzu’s “EVision Cycle Concept,” a battery-swapping solution revealed at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. It enables quick battery exchanges, reducing BEV downtime, and allows batteries to be used for energy management, including optimizing renewable energy use.

Starting in 2025, Isuzu, Mitsubishi Corporation, and three partners Isuzu Motors Co. (Thailand) Ltd., Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd., and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Asia Co., Ltd. will launch a demonstration project in Thailand. Aiming for global carbon neutrality, the project will showcase battery-swapping BEVs in the commercial sector and develop a new energy system with renewable energy at swapping stations. Isuzu and Mitsubishi Corporation are dedicated to advancing and decarbonizing Thailand’s commercial vehicle industry.