Sharich Holding Co is very keen on the country's electric vehicle (EV) market, expecting to sell 1,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2019.
Sharich's subsidiary, Rizen Energy Co, has been appointed as an importer and distributor for Chinese BYD vehicles in Thailand. This EV brand used to be marketed by Loxley Plc until March 2015.
Sharich owns a 48% stake in Rizen Energy, while AJ Advance Technology Plc holds a 45% share.
Yesterday Rizen Energy signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with EV Society Co to deliver 100 units of the BYD e6 as a taxi fleet in the metropolitan area. The MoU covers a total fleet of 1,000 BEVs by the end of next year.
Apichat Leenutaphong, Sharich's chief executive, said EV Society is a newcomer to taxi fleet management.
"EV Society's business model is similar to All Thai Taxi, operated by Nakhonchai Air, but it categorises its fleet as VIP taxis, which have a higher fee than ordinary taxis," he said.
"Under Land Transport Department rules, VIP taxis can charge a maximum of 150 baht for the first two kilometres and 15 baht per km from 3-299km."
Mr Apichat said the BYD e6 can be as the taxi on the roads because this Chinese brand has been well-known in 40 countries, mainly in Europe as well as the BYD vehicles have been used as public transportation both taxis and buses.
The BYD e6, a five-seat multi-purpose vehicle can drive in a range of 350km per charge and spend only 90 minutes for charging with a 40-kilowatt station.
The BYD e6 costs 1.89 million baht.
The MoU was signed with other three companies to support the EV fleet management. For example, Energy Mahanakorn will provide free charging at its EV charging station and Susco and Phoenix Insurance will provide a special rate for BYD cars.
Mr Apichat said Sharich and Rizen Energy are seeking any opportunity to import other BYD models to be marketed in the country.
"We are conducting a feasibility study for BYD's 24-seat minibus because we are seeking new business partners to operate public EV buses," said Mr Apichat.
For the EV outlook in Thailand, he said the company has high expectations that EVs will become more popular because the country is concerned with many environmental issues, especially transport sector emissions.
At a global level, air pollution is getting worse and public transport is one of the main polluters, representing 33% of total emissions.
"Sharich is focusing not only on cars and buses, but also on motorcycles at this time," he said.
On March 8, Sharich introduced Niu brand electric motorcycles from China, with prices ranging from 95,000-98,000 baht.
Mr Apichat expects to sell 1,000 electric motorcycles in 2018 after delivering 10 units.