BTS Group joins forces with Winnonie in launching ‘Pinto’, an electric motorcycle leasing service to tap into the electric motorcycle market along the SkyTrain network
BackOn 12 January 2024 at 14:30 at the parking lot next to the BTS Mo Chit SkyTrain Station, Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the unveiling ceremony of the 'Pinto' electric motorcycle by Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the BTS Group. The event was attended by Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, Mr. Surapong Laoha-Unya, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of MOVE business unit of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach, Group Chief Executive Officer and President, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, along with executives from Bangkok and BTS Group, Certain Corporation Public Company Limited, Winnonie Co., Ltd., and Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd."
The 'Pinto' electric motorcycle by Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd., is the result of the collaborative vision of BTS Group, a leading player in the global transportation and infrastructure industries, and Winnonie Co., Ltd., a key player in the future energy sector. The initiative aims to create a convenient, safe, and income-enhancing public transportation feeder system for motorcycle users, aligning with the future trends in the transportation industry. The service is designed to improve overall travel convenience for electric train users.
Moreover, the Pinto electric motorcycle plays a vital role in addressing the issue of PM 2.5 air pollution caused by fossil fuel-powered engines. Powered by an environmentally-friendly electric system, the Pinto contributes to the creation of a pollution-free society, aligning with the slogan 'Pinto growing together’.
Nevertheless, to support income growth for the electric motorcycle community along the railway lines, Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd. has launched a special campaign. The leasing cost for the Pinto electric motorcycle has been reduced from 4,500 Baht per month to just 4,000 Baht per month. This price includes battery replacement services with unlimited frequency, free maintenance, and repairs for one year (conditions as specified by the company). Interested motorcycle users can apply for this promotion starting from today until June 30, 2024.
Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin expressed gratitude to BTS Group and Winnonie Co., Ltd., a Bangchak subsidiary, for initiating the establishment of a joint venture named Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd. This joint venture aims to carry out the electric motorcycle leasing project "Pinto." The project aligns with the government's policy to increase income, economic benefits for low-income individuals, and contributes to the Carbon Neutrality policy to position Thailand as a leader in ASEAN in reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
The government is determined to promote a transformation in the country's energy structure that aligns with sustainable economic and environmental development. There is a commitment to support and encourage the use of clean energy, particularly in the public transportation system, focusing on hired motorcycles as a crucial component of the secondary transport system. This is seen as vital for connecting with the primary transportation system, such as the various BTS SkyTrain lines, ensuring effective integration.
Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt stated that this is a delightful development for the public to have access to a quality secondary source transportation system near BTS Skytrain stations. The Pinto electric motorcycle will enhance access to electric-powered vehicles for residents of Bangkok, contributing to increased income for the motorcycle taxi community along the railway routes. It also addresses the issue of PM 2.5 air pollution, providing clean air for both riders and users of the BTS Skytrain services. Importantly, this project aligns with the policies of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, supporting clean energy transportation systems to mitigate long-term PM 2.5 air pollution hazards to public health.
Additionally, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration encourages private sectors to install charging stations and replace motorcycle batteries in areas under its jurisdiction. There will be collaborative efforts to push for an increased number of charging stations in the future.
Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas revealed that one of the key policies of BTS Group is to develop a public transportation system that is convenient, safe, and seamless. However, beyond that, environmental considerations are crucial, and this is a global initiative that all organizations collectively drive. Therefore, BTS Group collaborated with leading future energy partners to develop a secondary transport system along the BTS Skytrain routes, resulting in the Pinto electric motorcycle. This initiative serves as a vital foundation for over 200 motorcycle taxi groups along the Skytrain routes, providing them with income and an improved quality of life. The Pinto electric motorcycle offers cost-effective electric power compared to conventional fuel, along with low-interest leasing options and convenient battery replacement services. Additionally, the Pinto electric motorcycle can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% and minimize the generation of PM 2.5 pollutants, making it environmentally friendly. BTS Group is committed to continuous development of public transportation systems that cater to the needs of the people and the environment, aiming to expand the pollution-free society concept to cover all areas.
Mr. Chaiwat Kovavisarach congratulated Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd., a company born from the collaboration between BTS Group and Winnonie, for initiating the business of providing electric maotorcycle leasing services with the Pinto model for motorcycle taxi riders along the BTS Skytrain routes. This initiative aims to offer BTS Skytrain passengers a seamless First Mile to Last Mile travel experience with clean energy, allowing them to travel from home to the station and back using electric public transportation.
Winnonie is dedicated to leading the Battery as a Service (BaaS) platform for electric motorcycles, targeting an increase in users to over 1,000 and establishing 120 battery swap stations by the end of 2023, serving 60,000 users. The goal is to have 3,000 stations by 2030. The collaboration in Smart EV Bike Co., Ltd. today is part of Winnonie's mission to advance the creation of a low-carbon society, support the improvement of quality of life and society, and sustainably preserve the environment. This aligns with the trends both in the country and globally, providing a driving experience that is "Good for Us and Good for the World."