Bangkok: OR is moving forward with its electric vehicle business, expanding charging stations across Thailand to meet the growing number of EVs. The company is also expanding its existing business to support the transition to clean energy, and elevating its service stations into integrated lifestyle hubs to meet the needs of modern consumers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mom Luang Pikthong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR), discussed the strategy for driving the electric vehicle (EV) business to align with the country's 2050 Net Zero target. OR aims to develop a network of "EV Station PluZ" charging stations covering all of Thailand and expand service station areas into integrated lifestyle centers to support consumer behavior in the energy transition era.
In line with the government's goal of EVs accounting for 30% of domestic vehicle production by 2030, OR is accelerating the expansion of charging stations to meet the expected increase in EV numbers. The company plans to expand DC charging stations to 7,000 nationwide by 2030, with over 3,300 currently available at PTT stations, LPG stations, and NGV stations, as well as shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, and government agencies.
In addition to expanding the EV Station PluZ network, OR is also developing the "EV Station PluZ" application as a user experience hub, consolidating services from charging station reservations, vehicle charging, payments, and points accumulation into a single app. OR has also opened a customer service center and improved the Quick Charger and Ultra Fast Charging systems to support all electric vehicle models, both personal and commercial.
M.L. Pikthong stated that OR does not view the EV business as a replacement for the oil business, but rather as an extension of existing businesses to support clean energy. This also opens up new opportunities for developing "OR SPACE," a commercial space within gas stations redesigned to align with the lifestyles of modern consumers. This space utilizes the 30-45 minute charging time required to power other services, such as Caf© Amazon, restaurants, Otteri WASH and DRY, health clinics, and found and found, which sells health and beauty products.
OR aims to transform its service stations into destinations that meet both travel and lifestyle needs. They serve not only as charging points for electric vehicles, but also as "rechargeable spaces" for modern consumers who demand convenience, technology, and lifestyle all in one place.