EV ferries set to recharge routes between Surat Thani-Koh Samui
Ferry services shuttling electric vehicles (EVs) between mainland Surat Thani and the idyllic shores of Koh Samui are set to resume on Tuesday, following a three-month hiatus prompted by safety concerns.
Phutthapong Wimolphan, the Deputy Managing Director of Raja Ferry Port Plc, broke the news today, February 7, revealing that the company will offer this service twice a week, every Tuesday and Saturday, from Don Sak district to Koh Samui.
Raja Ferry also oversees routes to Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Phaluai, both part of the Koh Samui district in this stunning southern province.
The suspension, which began in November last year, was aimed at safeguarding vessels and passengers, although hybrid cars were allowed to continue using the service. In the meantime, Seatran Ferry, a rival operation, continued to permit EVs on board, albeit with strict parking limitations to the ship’s front and rear zones.
Raja Ferry highlighted that before welcoming EVs back on board, essential equipment upgrades were necessary, including the installation of fire extinguishers designed specifically for EVs.
To ensure readiness, a fire drill was executed on Friday, where staff were trained to handle potential emergencies using specialised EV fire blankets.
Although EV battery fires have grabbed global headlines, research suggests that the fire risk is actually higher in vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE).
A study conducted for the Australian Department of Defence highlighted a mere 0.0012% chance of an EV battery fire, compared to a 0.1% likelihood for traditional ICE vehicles, reported Bangkok Post.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s car production industry, a powerhouse of the national economy, stands at a pivotal red light crossroads.
The decision now looms large: should the focus be on propelling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) into the spotlight, or should there be a concerted effort to guide the internal combustion engine sector through a transitional phase towards EVs?
Latest Thailand News
