Battery-swapping electric trucks are rapidly gaining attention in the commercial EV sector as U Power announced its plan to deploy up to 1,000 electric trucks in Thailand. This initiative reflects the increasing demand for faster energy solutions in electric logistics and fleet operations.
As part of the initial rollout, the company has completed production of the first batch of 30 heavy-duty electric trucks. These vehicles are expected to be delivered to Thailand by late May 2026 to begin pilot operations. The pilot program will help evaluate operational performance and prepare for large-scale commercial deployment.
The electric trucks are being developed in collaboration with SAIC Hongyan Automotive under the UNEX EV brand. These vehicles feature U Power’s advanced battery-swapping system, which allows battery replacement within minutes, helping fleet operators reduce waiting time compared to conventional EV charging.
To support the project, U Power has partnered with Thailand-based logistics operator Whale Logistics. The partnership aims to build one of the region’s largest battery-swapping enabled electric truck fleets while improving logistics efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in freight transportation.
Company officials stated that this deployment represents a key step in their global expansion strategy. The project is expected to generate important real-world data to improve battery-swapping infrastructure and strengthen commercial EV adoption in Southeast Asia.
Looking forward, U Power plans to expand this business model into additional international markets. The company believes battery swapping technology will become an important solution for heavy commercial EVs, especially where fast turnaround time and high vehicle utilization are critical for business operations.
