Chinese battery-swapping equipment supplier U Power has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with heavy truck manufacturer SAIC Hongyan Automotive and EV technology company UNEX EV to cooperate on the deployment of heavy trucks that are compatible with battery swapping.

The companies will initially deploy 3,000 electric heavy-duty tractors for long-haul transportation and 1,200 electric heavy-duty port-specific short-distance trucks in Thailand. They have also agreed to explore the expansion of the partnership into additional markets, including the broader Southeast Asia region, Latin America, Europe, Hong Kong and Macau.

U Power, which is developing its UOTTA EV technology, will lead the development and manufacture of compatible battery-swapping stations and provide related operational services. UNEX EV will be responsible for adapting SAIC’s heavy trucks, developing compatible battery modules and promoting the sales of the heavy trucks in Thailand. SAIC Hongyan will supply heavy truck prototypes and provide technical support to ensure full compatibility between the adapted truck models and U Power’s battery-swapping stations.

The companies will focus on serving major highway transportation enterprises and container port operators that require terminal tractors.

“We are pleased to expand our strategic partnership and scope of collaboration with SAIC and UNEX EV, two of U Power’s key allies in the development and manufacturing of battery-swapping compatible vehicles,” said Johnny Lee, CEO and Chairman of U Power. “In July, we launched Southeast Asia’s first operational smart battery-swapping station on Phuket Island, Thailand. Earlier, in April 2025, in collaboration with UNEX EV and SAIC CP-MG, we successfully delivered the first batch of swappable electric vehicles for taxi and ride-hailing services on the island.”

Source: U Power