U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR) Announces Landmark Joint Venture with SUSCO, Targeting Thailand's Multi-Billion EV Infrastructure Boom

Rhea-AI Summary

U Power (UCAR) has announced a strategic joint venture with SUSCO Public Company to deploy UOTTA battery-swapping technology across SUSCO's fueling station network in Thailand. The partnership aims to address Thailand's rapidly growing EV market, aligning with the country's '30@30' policy targeting 30% electric vehicle sales by 2030.

The joint venture has secured backing from Chatchaval Jiaravanon, a member of the CP Group family, who serves as chairman of Charoen Energy and Water Asia. The initiative will target Thailand's extensive taxi and ride-hailing fleet of over 300,000 vehicles, offering a faster alternative to traditional charging methods.

This collaboration supports Thailand's infrastructure development goals, which include deploying 12,000 charging piles and 1,450 battery-swapping stations. The partnership builds upon U Power's existing relationship with CP-MG, strengthening its position in Thailand's evolving EV ecosystem.

Positive

• Strategic partnership with SUSCO provides immediate access to extensive fueling station network in Thailand
• Backing from influential investor Chatchaval Jiaravanon (CP Group) brings strategic advantages and growth opportunities
• Direct alignment with Thailand's '30@30' policy creates regulatory tailwind
• Large addressable market of 300,000+ taxi and ride-hailing vehicles

Negative

• Significant capital investment required for infrastructure deployment
• Faces competition from traditional EV charging solutions
• Success dependent on EV adoption rates and government policy implementation

News Market Reaction

-7.45%

1 alert

-7.45% News Effect

On the day this news was published, UCAR declined 7.45%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Strategic Partnership to Address Rapid EV Growth Driven by Government Policy Changes in Thailand

SHANGHAI, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR), a world leader in rapid battery swapping technology for EV's, ("U Power" or the "Company") announced today that it has signed a joint venture agreement between its Thai subsidiary, U SWAP, and SUSCO Public Company Limited (BK: SUSCO), a publicly listed energy provider with a robust network of fueling stations throughout Thailand. The joint venture will deploy U Power's innovative UOTTA battery-swapping technology across SUSCO's extensive station network, significantly advancing sustainable transportation solutions in the country. The JV positions U Power as a first-mover in Thailand Commercial EV Battery Swapping Market.

"This joint venture represents a significant milestone in U Power's global expansion strategy, particularly in Southeast Asia," said Li Jia, Chairman and CEO of U Power. "Thailand's ambitious EV targets make our partnership with SUSCO timely and strategically important, creating immediate opportunities for scaling our battery-swapping technology across the region."

Expanding EV Infrastructure with UOTTA Technology

SUSCO is a publicly traded energy provider listed in Thailand, recognized for its widespread network of fueling stations. By partnering with U Power, SUSCO aims to integrate battery-swapping capabilities into its existing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) energy solutions.

Through the joint venture, U Power's UOTTA battery-swapping system will be strategically positioned at SUSCO's fueling stations nationwide. This infrastructure will serve as a rapid, efficient, and scalable energy solution tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle fleets, including taxis and ride-sharing services, significantly reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

Integrating U Power's innovative battery-swapping technology into SUSCO's extensive station network allows SUSCO to directly support Thailand's ambitious EV adoption goals, enhance customer convenience, and position SUSCO at the forefront of the nation's evolving transportation infrastructure.

Leading Asian Investors Back Joint Venture with Strategic Investment

Chatchaval Jiaravanon, a member of the family controlling the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group)—a diversified conglomerate generating over $82 billion in annual revenue—has personally invested in the joint venture between U Swap and SUSCO.

Mr. Jiaravanon currently serves as chairman and founder of Charoen Energy and Water Asia and independently owns Fortune magazine.

As highlighted in a recent press release, Mr. Jiaravanon expressed optimism regarding the significant potential for growth and profitability of this partnership within Thailand's rapidly expanding electric transportation sector. Leveraging his extensive financial and business relationships across the region, Mr. Jiaravanon is expected to create meaningful opportunities for U Swap's accelerated growth.

Strategic Growth Aligned with Thailand's Green Energy Goals

This partnership directly aligns with Thailand's "30@30" policy, which mandates that 30% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. To accelerate this transition, Thailand's National New Generation Vehicle Committee has prioritized infrastructure development through investment incentives, targeting the nationwide deployment of 12,000 charging piles and 1,450 battery-swapping stations by the policy deadline. Positioned at the intersection of government strategy and market demand, the joint venture is uniquely equipped to capitalize on these tailwinds and establish a dominant footprint in Thailand's rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.

The agreement builds on U Power's previous strategic collaboration with CP-MG, reinforcing the company's systematic approach to market expansion and highlighting the trust major Thai corporations have in U Power's battery-swapping technology.

Addressing Market Demand and Business Potential

Given Thailand's significant taxi and ride-hailing fleet, currently exceeding 300,000 vehicles, battery swapping provides an attractive alternative to lengthy charging times. By deploying this technology within SUSCO's extensive network, the partnership will directly address the practical challenges faced by high-utilization vehicles, boosting profitability and accelerating EV adoption.

"Thailand is entering a transformative period in electric mobility, and our partnership with SUSCO positions U Power at the forefront of this exciting transition," said Li Jia. "Together, we aim not only to enhance Thailand's green transportation infrastructure but also to establish a profitable and scalable model for other markets in Southeast Asia and beyond."

About SUSCO

SUSCO Public Company Limited, a leading oil and gas retail company in Thailand, has been a key player in the energy sector since its establishment in 1981. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, SUSCO operates an extensive network of service stations across Bangkok and its surrounding areas, offering a wide range of products and services, including fuel retailing, aviation fuel supply, and CNG/LPG refueling.

SUSCO is renowned for its strong market presence and operational expertise, particularly in serving major international airports in Bangkok, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. In recent years, the company has actively pursued innovation and sustainability, exploring opportunities in electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel, and biofuel technologies to align with global energy transition trends. The partnership with U Power aligns perfectly with SUSCO's commitment to leading Thailand's transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited, SUSCO has expanded its footprint in Thailand's retail fuel market and introduced new business models. With a proven track record of excellence and a forward-looking approach, SUSCO continues to solidify its position as a trusted energy solutions provider in Thailand and beyond.

About U Power Limited

U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR) is a vehicle sourcing services provider with a vision to become an EV market player primarily focused on its proprietary battery-swapping technology, UOTTA technology. UOTTA is an intelligent modular battery-swapping solution designed to provide comprehensive battery power solutions for EVs. Since its inception in 2013, U Power has established a vehicle sourcing network in China's lower-tier cities, developed multi-types of battery-swapping stations for compatible EVs, and operates a manufacturing facility in Zibo City, Shandong Province, China.

For more information, please visit: https://www.upower-limited.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements reflect the company's current view about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the company's current expectations and projections about future events that the company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs.

Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "propose," "potential," "continue" or similar expressions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law.

Although the company believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Investors are encouraged to review other factors that may affect future results in the company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

For more information, please visit: https://www.upower-limited.com/

Contact:
Circadian Group IR
Xing.wang@upower-limited.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/u-power-limited-nasdaq-ucar-announces-landmark-joint-venture-with-susco-targeting-thailands-multi-billion-ev-infrastructure-boom-302409101.html

SOURCE U Power Limited

FAQ

What is the strategic partnership between U Power (UCAR) and SUSCO in Thailand?

U Power's Thai subsidiary U SWAP has formed a joint venture with SUSCO to deploy UOTTA battery-swapping technology across SUSCO's fueling station network in Thailand.

How does the UCAR-SUSCO partnership align with Thailand's EV goals?

The partnership supports Thailand's '30@30' policy targeting 30% EV sales by 2030 and contributes to the goal of 1,450 battery-swapping stations nationwide.

Who is the key strategic investor in the U Power (UCAR) Thailand joint venture?

Chatchaval Jiaravanon, from CP Group family, has personally invested in the joint venture, bringing strategic advantages and business relationships.

What is the target market size for UCAR's battery-swapping technology in Thailand?

The technology targets Thailand's taxi and ride-hailing fleet exceeding 300,000 vehicles, offering faster alternative to traditional charging.

How will U Power (UCAR) implement its battery-swapping technology in Thailand?

UCAR will deploy its UOTTA battery-swapping system across SUSCO's existing fueling station network, focusing on commercial vehicle fleets.