Line Man plans to deploy 50 units of BYD’s e6 electric multi-purpose vehicle on its ride-hailing platform, as part of an electric taxi programme launched in partnership with local operators. BYD delivered the first batch of vehicles in Bangkok on Jan. 16, the companies said.
The initiative is being carried out with ITPP Co., Ltd., which provides taxis under lease and hire-purchase arrangements. Under the Line Man EV Taxi programme, ITPP will supply BYD e6 electric vehicles to drivers operating on the Line Man platform through five-year lease agreements.
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To help reduce operating costs, charging incentives will be provided by Energy Absolute. Participating drivers will receive a 10% cashback when charging their vehicles at EA Anywhere charging stations. Energy Absolute said it has also taken an equity stake in ITPP through its EV hire-purchase subsidiary Paypop Co., Ltd., together with Italig Co., Ltd., to support expansion in the energy and electric vehicle sectors.
ITPP said the project received green financing support from Thai Orix Leasing and Kasikorn Leasing. The company estimates that operating 50 electric taxis could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 47%, or roughly 1,800 tonnes of CO₂, compared with conventional vehicles.
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BYD sells its vehicles in Thailand through a partnership with Rever Automotive. The e6 electric MPV is offered locally in a single five-seat variant priced at 990,000 baht. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 70 kW and 180 Nm of torque, paired with a 71.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. BYD lists a driving range of 415 kilometres under the WLTC test cycle.
Line Man is operated by Line Man Wongnai, a joint venture between Japan’s LINE Corporation and Thailand’s restaurant review platform Wongnai. The service competes with regional ride-hailing and delivery platforms including Singapore-based Grab.
