KASIKORNBANK (KBank) has teamed with Thailand Post and H SEM Motor (HSEM) in launching the WATT’S UP comprehensive platform for electric motorcycle or EV bike rental service. Users can book and make payment for rentals within a single app. The pilot project is set up for employees at three Thailand Post branches. Its focus is to promote the use of EV bikes to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and PM2.5 pollution, and drive a sustainable green ecosystem, while contributing to cost savings for businesses. The platform is aimed to be made available to the general public by the beginning of 2024.
Dr. Karin Boonlertvanich, Executive Vice President of KASIKORNBANK, said, “KBank continues to expand the green ecosystem through the GO GREEN Together project. In supporting the use of EV bikes, the Bank previously launched a project offering rental service for EV bikes of various brands via the K+ market app. This attracted interest from more than 6,000 riders, reflecting increasing demand for EV bikes. Thus, the Bank has further developed the WATT’S UP application, which is an e-marketplace platform that serves as an end-to-end solution for EV bike rental service, including service application, rental and payment. There are several electric motorcycle models available for rent and convenient payment channels, including K PLUS. Users can also exchange batteries at battery swap stations that support the WATT’S UP application, throughout the rental period. Presently, there are 10 stations located in communities across Bangkok, and expansion efforts are underway to cover a wider areas to accommodate increased usage after opening to the general public.”
For the inaugural collaboration of the WATT’S UP project with leading partners like Thailand Post and HSEM, a prominent manufacturer of electric motorcycles in the country, the aim is to jointly promote easier access to EV bikes, leading to their extensive use. Utilizing a EV bike once per week is equivalent to planting 1.5 trees, and the use of 1 million EV bikes is comparable to planting 80 million trees annually. This will help reduce PM2.5 by over 760 tons and GHG by more than 748,000 tons. The effort will in part support Thailand in moving towards its net zero goal and businesses in reducing fuel costs by up to 25 percent.
Mr. Nares Chaiyawong, Chief Operating Systems & Metropolitan Operating Officer, Thailand Post, said, “Presently, transportation and logistics businesses in Thailand generate high levels of GHG emissions. Thailand Post, as the country’s transportation and logistics service provider, delivers items to households using combustion engine vehicles. Thailand Post is thus determined to transform its postal system to be environmentally friendly and increase its use of alternative energy, aiming to achieve its net zero target in line with Thailand's sustainable development goals. The collaboration with KBank and HSEM in this instance marks a significant starting point for the transition, introducing the integration of EV bikes into the system. This endeavor will not only help reduce energy costs for Thailand Post but also demonstrate its social responsibility and creation of environmental sustainability in line with ESG principles.”
Mr. Wanchai Leenawattana, Chief Executive Officer of H SEM Motor Co., Ltd., a leading electric motorcycle manufacturer in Thailand, added that operating its business based on ESG concepts, HSEM is determined to be part of creating a green society. The focus is to help reduce GHG emissions, returning clean air to communities and the environment. This collaboration will be a turning point in boosting the use of EV bikes.
Under this collaborative effort, the WATT’S UP end-to-end EV bike rental service platform will initially be rolled out at three Thailand Post branches, namely Chatuchak, Samsen Nai, and Nonthaburi. Thailand Post delivery staff will ride HSEM electric motorcycles and can swap batteries throughout their shifts without the need to recharge. This will enhance convenient and flexible riding, support the use of clean energy, reduce pollution, and minimize fuel costs. Additionally, user feedback will be incorporated to further develop the project to support public service by early 2024.
