Sunwoda, a prominent Chinese battery manufacturer, has recently received approval to invest in battery cell plants in Thailand. This development marks Sunwoda as the latest Chinese company to establish battery capacity in the Southeast Asian country.
The Board of Investment in Thailand announced that a unit of Sunwoda Electronic, based in Shenzhen, will invest over $1 billion to produce batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. This investment aims to bolster Thailand’s supply chain and support EV manufacturing for both domestic and export markets.
Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology (Thailand) Co Ltd is set to construct manufacturing facilities in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor region. The first factory, situated in Chonburi Province, will focus on producing lithium-ion battery cells for EV manufacturers. This facility will be Sunwoda’s premier EV-related battery cell plant in the ASEAN region, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Construction of Sunwoda’s initial plant in Thailand is progressing smoothly, with expectations of employing over 1,000 individuals once production commences. The project, encompassing manufacturing, research, and product development, will also create opportunities for Thai engineers and researchers.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, expressed that having EV battery cells produced locally in Thailand will enhance the country’s status as a manufacturing hub for EVs and hybrids, thereby bolstering its competitiveness in the global market.
Sunwoda is recognized as one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, with 18.8 GWh of installed EV batteries in 2024, securing a 2.1 percent share in the market. In China, Sunwoda ranked 9th with a 1.63 percent share in installed EV battery volume last month, as reported by the China Automotive Battery Innovation Alliance (CABIA).
Prior to Sunwoda’s venture, several Chinese battery makers had localized production in Thailand, focusing on pack products based on battery cells rather than producing battery cells locally. Gotion High-tech, Svolt Energy, CATL, and Eve Energy are among the companies that have made significant investments in the Thai market to strengthen their presence in the region.
Sunwoda’s entry into Thailand’s battery manufacturing sector signifies a strategic move to expand its global footprint and cater to the growing demand for EV batteries in the region. With the establishment of its first battery cell plant in Thailand, Sunwoda is poised to contribute significantly to Thailand’s EV supply chain and reinforce its position as a key player in the global EV market.
