Toyota & Pattaya Partner for EV Public Transport to Combat Pollution

Toyota Motor Thailand has embarked on an innovative pilot project for sustainable public transport in the beachside city of Pattaya, located within Chonburi province. The initiative involves deploying 12 fully electric pickup trucks to serve as local public vehicles, known colloquially as "Songtaew." These Toyota EV pickup trucks are modified Hilux Revo models and will be trialed until December 2025. 
 
This move reflects Toyota's commitment to encouraging green mobility and sustainability. It also underscores the Japanese automaker's determination to maintain its dominant position in Thailand's vehicle sector amidst rising competition from Chinese EV manufacturers. 
 
The pilot project is a joint venture with the Pattaya Municipality and forms part of their strategy to evolve into a sustainable and pollution-free model city. Executive Vice President Surapoom Udomwong from Toyota Motor Thailand detailed how this partnership would operate on a multi-pathway system. This means that Toyota will supply various green models designed to cover short, medium, and long distances throughout Pattaya and neighboring areas such as U-Tapao Airport. 
 
Mr. Udomwong revealed that both tourists and locals in Pattaya have shown interest in availing themselves of this alternative energy vehicle service provided by Toyota. Since the inception of the project, these vehicles have been used over 4,500 times, covering more than 335,000 kilometers collectively. 
 
Furthermore, he expressed optimism about how this collaboration could help Pattaya achieve its objective of reducing carbon dioxide emissions originating from its tourism industry. The overall goal set by the project team is to cut CO2 emissions by as much as 4,225 metric tons before we reach 2025. 
 
This ambitious undertaking aligns perfectly with Toyota’s recent announcement regarding their mission towards achieving carbon neutrality globally. The company plans on dedicating its innovation capabilities and operational resources to supporting global goals for sustainable development. 
 
Toyota’s decision to launch this pilot program clearly showcases their dedication not only toward environmental sustainability but also towards the betterment of local communities. By providing cleaner, greener public transport to serve locals and tourists alike, Toyota is playing an integral role in transforming Pattaya into a model city for sustainable living. 
 
Moreover, by introducing these electric pickup trucks as part of the existing Songtaew service, Toyota is making green mobility more accessible and familiar to people. This can potentially foster greater acceptance and adoption of EVs among the general population. 
 
In conclusion, this pilot project initiated by Toyota Motor Thailand represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable public transport within Thailand’s vehicle sector. It not only underscores their commitment to combating climate change but also highlights their adaptability amidst rising competition from other EV manufacturers. As global attention shifts increasingly towards ecological preservation, initiatives such as these are vital in steering our societies toward a more sustainable future.