Building a Global Data-Driven Energy Ecosystem Via Partnerships Aiming to Create a Smarter, Greener, and More Efficient Energy Future
U Power Limited, a provider of AI-powered solutions for next-generation energy grids and intelligent transportation systems, building on its proprietary UOTTATM electric vehicle (EV) battery-swapping technology, today announced the inauguration of Southeast Asia’s first operational smart battery-swapping station (the “Thailand Station”), located in Phuket Island, Thailand.
The commencement of operations at the Thailand Station follows U Power’s May 2025 delivery of Southeast Asia’s first battery-swapping compatible taxi fleet. This marks not only the first deployment of smart battery-swapping stations launched under U Power’s joint venture with SUSCO Public Company Limited (BK: SUSCO), but also the first fully operational 24/7 smart battery swapping station in the entire Southeast Asia region specifically designed for electric taxis and ride-hailing fleets. The collaboration aims to transform Thailand’s transportation infrastructure into a more sustainable and AI-driven model, to meet the growing demand for EV energy solutions.
In April 2025, U Power, in collaboration with UNEX EV and CP-MG, delivered its first batch of swappable electric vehicles, now operating as taxis and ride-hailing services in Phuket. The official launch of the Phuket station completes the ecosystem loop, from vehicle to swapping station to operational platform, establishing a foundation for a scalable and replicable business model across the region.
Supporting battery swaps within minutes, the Thailand Station integrates AI-powered battery-swapping solutions and is compatible with multiple vehicle types, including future autonomous vehicles. The weather-resistant Thailand Station is specifically designed to withstand Phuket’s tropical climate and provides robust protection against heavy precipitation and high humidity. The Thailand Station, the first zero-carbon battery-swapping station in the region, will be integrated with U Power’s Battery-bank system, and will enable EV drivers to earn battery-tokens through swapping activities. This innovative incentive model is expected to scale as additional stations are deployed and more compatible EVs enter the market.
Johnny Lee, CEO and Chairman of U Power commented, “We are thrilled to inaugurate Southeast Asia’s first battery swapping station serving electric taxi fleets, a significant milestone in expanding our global footprint and a pivotal advancement in our joint venture with SUSCO. The Thailand Station represents U Power’s first fully automated EV energy replenishment model, integrating next-generation AI technologies into a weather-resilient and intelligent infrastructure. We are confident that this business model will serve as a replicable paradigm across the broader ASEAN region, as well as Southern Europe and South America. Our vision is to build a comprehensive battery-swapping ecosystem that delivers smart, reliable, and zero-carbon energy solutions for energy grids and transportation systems.”
Building a Global Data-Driven Energy Ecosystem
Guided by its strategic “Vehicle-Station-Cloud-Token” framework, U Power is building a nodal, intelligent, and data-driven energy infrastructure network, that enables seamless integration between mobility energy and digital energy trading, laying the foundation for the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles and accelerating the transition toward a fully automated, unmanned future in global smart mobility.
U Power is addressing a critical challenge in mobility energy by deploying its smart swapping stations across countries and continents, via collaborations with governments and industry partners aiming to create a smarter, greener, and more efficient energy future.
Recent agreements signed with reputable partners across several regions include:
- U Power’s agreement with Beijing Foton aims to promote battery-swapping compatible electric heavy trucks, buses and vans in the Southeast Asia, South America, Hong Kong SAR, and Macau SAR markets.
- In Singapore, U Power launched its “ESP Model” which aims to deploy 5,000 swappable EVs and a corresponding number of UOTTA™ stations, while converting 300 existing MG EP taxis into swappable versions.
- In Macau, the agreement with another local ESP aims to facilitate the deployment of UOTTA battery-swapping stations and sales of compatible EVs (starting with approximately 600 four-wheeled and 5,000 two-wheeled compatible battery-swapping vehicles)
- In Hong Kong, the first UOTTA™ smart swapping station opened in June in Kwai Chung, with a three-phase plan to build 55 stations to serve taxis, buses, and even ferries.
- In Europe, U Power partnered with the Portuguese Taxi Association to establish the joint venture ELMO.
- In South America, U Power plans to launch its first station in Peru, in partnership with local ride-hailing platform Ualabee.
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