The global electric vehicle (EV) battery swapping market is experiencing rapid growth, although it continues to draw criticism from some observers within the EV industry.

Some question the necessity of replacing entire batteries when fast-charging alternatives are available within minutes.

U Power Limited, a Chinese company, offers a response. Its latest battery-swapping station is designed to be compatible with the electricity infrastructure commonly found in coastal communities, particularly those with high levels of tourism.

New EV battery swapping station introduced in Thailand

U Power, established in 2013, developed a modular, transportable EV battery swapping system known as UOTTA. This was also the year Tesla launched its first and only battery-swapping station in California.

Tesla's involvement in battery swapping ended with that single site. In contrast, U Power continued developing the technology, targeting markets such as electric delivery vehicles and areas with constrained electricity infrastructure.

Unlike high-powered EV fast-charging stations, U Power's swapping model allows batteries to recharge gradually during off-peak hours, which reduces the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.

Thailand is one of the company's key target markets. Earlier today, U Power presented its UOTTA station at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show.

Plans are already under way to introduce the station for commercial use in Phuket via U Power's Thai subsidiary, U Swap. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Thai energy firm Susco Public Company Limited and other stakeholders focused on increasing EV adoption in Thailand.

According to U Power, the Phuket station will be the first of several, with further deployments planned across Thailand's logistics hubs and tourist destinations. Susco is expected to play a central role in supporting the nationwide rollout.

"Under the partnership framework finalised in March 2025, the companies will co-manage the station's commercial launch while developing standardised deployment protocols for coastal tourism markets," U Power stated.

Plans for regional infrastructure development

In a press release announcing the demonstration, U Swap outlined its intent to address concerns about battery swapping. Jamie Zhang, CEO of U Swap, stated that the station is intended to "redefine Southeast Asia's EV infrastructure standards."

"As Thailand's first-mover, we are establishing a replicable, island-optimised swap model for deployment across tourism hubs," he added.

The Phuket station has secured participation from taxi fleets and ride-hailing vehicles to begin commercial operations. It will function as both a demonstration site and a platform for validating performance.

"By establishing a collaborative ecosystem, the company supports local energy partners in adopting UOTTA's open-architecture platform, enabling infrastructure development with reduced capital expenditure," the company noted.

EV sales continue despite political challenges

In the United States, recent federal policy decisions have aimed to slow the EV transition. These developments have had a particular impact on Tesla, whose sales have declined after CEO Elon Musk publicly associated with conservative political positions.

Other EV manufacturers have experienced continued market expansion, supported by companies in the battery-swapping sector and government policy. In Thailand, EVs compatible with battery swapping qualify for government subsidies through 2027.

"As Thailand's operational battery-swap provider, we are building infrastructure that aligns with market demand, developed through cross-sector partnerships and in accordance with national policy," stated Johnny Lee, CEO of U Power.

"This demonstration represents a technical milestone and outlines a model for potential electrification across tourism sectors in the ASEAN region," he added.

Battery swapping process takes three minutes

U Swap's partners include the start-up UNEX EV, which focuses on addressing consumer concerns related to battery lifespan and charging time. The battery-swapping model allows for consistent inspection and charging of batteries before installation.

"The UNEX EV intelligent mobility platform will monitor battery health (State of Health - SOH) to extend service life," said Pitak Pruitthisarikorn, Co-founder and CEO of UNEX EV.

"It also allows operators to manage energy consumption in real time, helping to control business and travel costs," he noted, adding that each swap takes approximately three minutes.

"To support the transition to clean-energy transport, UNEX EV's mobility platform, in conjunction with UOTTA's battery-swapping technology, will contribute to changes in the EV infrastructure," the company stated in a press release.

Use of existing infrastructure for deployment

According to UNEX EV, the national rollout strategy in Thailand includes using Susco's existing petrol station network to host battery-swapping stations. This is similar to plans in China, where companies such as CATL and Sinopec aim to install 10,000 swapping stations at Sinopec sites.

Although Susco operates only a few hundred stations in Thailand, the number is considered sufficient for establishing a national network.

In the United States, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) reports that 127,588 convenience stores offer fuel, contributing to a total of about 145,000 fuelling stations, including those at marinas and similar locations.

This infrastructure could support future deployment. UNEX EV intends to apply its battery-swapping technology across a broad range of electric mobility platforms, including boats, aircraft, ground vehicles for both passengers and commercial use, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

However, widespread adoption of battery swapping in the United States remains limited. The California-based company Ample, which reintroduced the concept following Tesla's withdrawal, is currently conducting a demonstration project in Tokyo, Japan, to address consumer concerns.

The Canadian firm Visionary Holdings has also entered the battery-swapping market and may consider the US as a future market. For the time being, however, the company is prioritising international markets where battery-swapping technologies may face fewer obstacles to adoption.