Toshiba and Japanese startup Naturenix have begun testing a new battery replacement and monitoring service in Bangkok, Thailand. The service, which involves the use of Toshiba’s lithium-ion battery, the ‘SCiB,’ aims to offer fleet operators a cost-effective solution by leasing batteries through a subscription model. This approach allows vehicle purchasers to buy vehicles without batteries, lowering initial costs.
Naturenix, responsible for developing and manufacturing the battery packs, has integrated technology to minimize heat generation, a critical feature for the hot climate in Thailand, where high temperatures can degrade lithium-ion batteries. The company also includes data analysis functionality in the battery packs to monitor battery health. This data is transmitted to an AI-enabled system that can predict battery degradation with high accuracy, enhancing performance monitoring.
The battery packs are also designed to accelerate charging, with the press release claiming that they can be recharged in as little as six minutes. The service is expected to benefit two- and three-wheeled vehicle users, who typically face challenges in implementing cooling mechanisms due to space constraints.
If the demonstration project proves successful, Toshiba and Naturenix plan to expand the service to a wider scale in fiscal year 2025, focusing on asset management, system development, installation, and battery subscription services.
