BMTA to deploy 1,520 electric buses in Thailand by 2027

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) has announced a plan to replace its traditional non-air-conditioned buses with 1,520 electric vehicles (EVs). The first phase involves receiving 500 buses by the end of March 2027, with a second batch of 500 in April 2027 and the final 520 in late May 2027. The BMTA aims to begin public service during the Songkran festival in 2027.

Production is being carried out at the Absolute Assembly facility in Chachoengsao, with key components for the first 40 units already arriving from Energy Absolute (EA). The BMTA intends to deploy these buses across approximately 50 major routes, focusing on city loops and central business districts such as Silom, Bang Rak, Khlong Toei, and Rama 4. This transition is expected to save approximately 4.1 billion baht annually in fuel and maintenance costs.

To support the new fleet, the BMTA is developing charging infrastructure at 12 depots, with the first three stations expected to be ready by this December. Two prototype vehicles have already been assembled for safety and road condition testing.