Toshiba, Naturenix Expand EV Battery Subscription in Bangkok

Toshiba and Japanese battery startup Naturenix are expanding their battery subscription pilot for electric motorcycle taxis in Bangkok, signaling progress toward scalable battery-as-a-service (BaaS) solutions.

The new phase, running December 2025 to March 2026, will shift to a paid model and target 100 EV motorcycles and five charging stations. This follows the first phase (Sept 2024–March 2025), which was free and focused on testing battery swapping and charging systems. The upgraded system will deploy enhanced battery packs with real-time monitoring and faster charging, while Thailand’s Windee International will collect driver feedback. Insights will refine technical performance, study degradation, and improve user experience.

Key Highlights

• Toshiba and Naturenix expand Bangkok EV battery subscription pilot
• Second phase shifts to paid model with 100 bikes and 5 stations
• Focus on reuse, circular electrification, and sustainability in EVs

Toshiba and Naturenix aim to commercialize the subscription service in fiscal year 2026, with future applications for industrial vehicles under consideration. This initiative reflects a global shift to BaaS models that reduce upfront EV costs. Similar programs include India’s SUN Mobility, which has run battery swapping since 2019, and China’s NIO, which offers three-minute automated swaps and on-demand charging.

The Climate Policy Initiative highlights battery subscriptions as a way to lower adoption barriers by separating battery ownership from vehicle ownership—tackling range anxiety, charging delays, and high costs.

Also Read: CATL Signs Battery Storage Deal for Cross-Border Vanda Energy Project

Crucially, the model also supports circular electrification and battery reuse, addressing sustainability challenges. With only 5 percent of lithium-ion batteries recycled (vs. 99 percent for lead-acid), extending lifecycles reduces toxic landfill waste and the 46 percent carbon emissions from EV battery production. By prioritizing durability and reuse over volume, Toshiba and Naturenix are aligning innovation with environmental responsibility.