BYD licenses Rêver to build electric buses, trucks in Thailand

BYD Co Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding with Rêver Automotive Co Ltd on March 28 for Rêver Bus and Truck Co Ltd under Rêver group to build electric buses and trucks based on BYD technologies.

During the MoU signing ceremony, the two partners did not announce the timeframe for the new factory. But they did announce that the factory would make internal and external parts for EVs as well as manufacturing buses and trucks.

They said the factory would make use of advanced technologies from BYD, such as the Chinese company’s iron-phosphate battery and six-in-one motor controllers.

Rêver Bus and Truck said it hoped that the new factory would support Thailand’s goal to become an EV hub of the region with EV solutions for transport and logistics.

Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, said during the ceremony that BYD and Rêver have shown during their two-year operation in Thailand that they have strong potential to become the EV industry leader in the kingdom.

He said BYD would be ready to support its Thai partner to expand its products to meet the demands of industries and the transport sector.

Pratarnwong Phornprapha, chief executive of Rêver Automotive, said it would be the first time that technologies from BYD Commercial Vehicles would used to build a factory outside China.

Pratarnwong said the new factory would create a lot of jobs in Thailand and would generate much revenue for the country.

He said the factory and BYD technologies would contribute greatly to Thailand’s goal to become an EV hub.

Pratarnporn Phornprapha, deputy CEO of Rêver Automotive, said it and BYD Commercial Vehicles would provide after-sale services with professional teams of engineers and high-quality spare parts.

She said buses and trucks from the new factory would help those in the transport and logistic sectors save a lot of cost on energy while contributing to carbon-emission reduction.