BMTA Plan for 1,520 EV Buses and Charging Infrastructure

Matichon•Economy•21d ago

Reader Briefing

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority is proceeding with a 14,905 million baht project to lease 1,520 EV buses to replace old cream-red buses.

•BMTA is leasing 1,520 EV buses over 7 years with a budget of 14,905 million baht.
•The buses will be delivered in three lots between March and May 2027.
•BMTA will pilot EV charging stations at three locations starting late October 2026.
•The transition to EV buses is estimated to save BMTA approximately 4,100 million baht per year.

•BMTA and Nakhonchai Air visited a production plant on September 1, 2026, where Nex Point Public Company Limited is assembling the buses.
•Bus assembly is expected to begin on September 2, 2026, with a production capacity of 15 buses per day.
•Delivery of the 1,520 buses is scheduled for March 2027 (500 buses), April 2027 (500 buses), and May 2027 (520 buses).
•The 1,520 EV buses will replace all existing cream-red non-air-conditioned buses across approximately 50 routes.
•The transition to EV buses is projected to reduce costs for BMTA by approximately 4,100 million baht per year.
•Kittikan Jomduang Jaruworapolkul stated that the government is considering ways to ensure passengers do not face increased travel costs as fares shift from 8 baht to 15-25 baht.
•BMTA has requested over 8,000 million baht for a second phase to acquire an additional 800 buses, expected around 2028.
•BMTA is preparing 12 depots for charging stations, with pilot installations at Chiang Rak Depot, Kheha Samut Prakan Depot, and Khlong Bang Phai Station by late October 2026.

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BMTA(ขสมก.)

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority responsible for the EV bus leasing project.

Nakhonchai Air Company Limited(บริษัท นครชัยแอร์ จำกัด)

The contract partner of BMTA for the provision of 1,520 buses.

Nex Point Public Company Limited(บริษัท เน็กซ์ พอยท์ จำกัด (มหาชน))

The company assigned by Nakhonchai Air to assemble all buses.

Department of Land Transport(กรมการขนส่งทางบก)

The agency whose conditions determine air-conditioned bus fares.

Budget Committee of the House of Representatives(คณะกรรมาธิการงบประมาณ สภาผู้แทนราษฎร)

The body currently considering the budget request for the second phase of EV bus procurement.

Kittikan Jomduang Jaruworapolkul(กิตติกานต์ จอมดวง จารุวรพลกุล)

The Director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority.

Chiang Rak Depot(อู่เชียงราก)

One of the three pilot areas for EV charging station installation.

Kheha Samut Prakan Depot(อู่เคหะสมุทรปราการ)

One of the three pilot areas for EV charging station installation.

Khlong Bang Phai Station(สถานีคลองบางไผ่)

A pilot area for EV charging station installation located at the MRT Purple Line.