- RMA Group commences a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Conversion Program at its RMA Automotive (RMAA) Assembly and Distribution Center in Thailand
- RMAA has successfully completed a pilot program installing HEV system to test vehicles using a proven HEV technology from XL Fleet
- The program is aimed at fleet and retail customers who wish to reduce their CO2 footprint and running costs
- RMAA has purchased proven hybrid technology and existing key component inventory from US based company, Spruce Power, formerly known as XL Fleet, will cease operations of its hybrid and drivetrain related business lines on January 1st, 2023.
December 21st, 2022 – RMA Group has announced that it will be offering both Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) Conversion Programs with the acquisition of proven EV technology from XL Fleet (Spruce Power) located in Wixom, MI, USA. Engineers at the RMA Automotive (RMAA) Assembly and Distribution Center in Thailand have successfully tested the installation of lithium-ion batteries and hybrid technology on research vehicles during 2022.
This IP acquisition allows RMAA to participate in the growing Electric Vehicle segment by offering an initial range of Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and Plug-In Electric Vehicle (PHEV) kits.
Typical fuel economy improvements range from 20% to 45% based on kilometers per liter reading depending on the HEV or PHEV system. . The technology is compatible with most pick-ups and light commercial vehicles. It has been developed to provide fleet and retail customers with an immediate practical solution to improve their CO2 footprint and reduce running costs on their existing fleets.
The hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies transform a factory OEM vehicle into a more fuel-efficient hybrid, by adding an electric motor, an advanced lithium-ion battery pack, and control software. No changes are made to the internal combustion engine or transmission.
The plug-in hybrid system offers regenerative braking and features a volume proven high voltage lithium battery pack.
RMAA have purchased HEV and PHEV technology from US based Spruce Power, formerly known as XL Fleet, who will cease operations of their hybrid and drivetrain related business lines. XL Fleet was a certified Vehicle Modifier for all major North American brands and has electrified many of the most common commercial fleets such as vans, pick-up trucks and shuttle buses, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric drive solutions.
RMA Group will make further announcements on the roll out of its HEV and PHEV business during the first quarter of 2023.
About RMA Group
Headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, RMA Group employs over 7,800 people with operations in 14 countries. RMA is the partner of choice for leading automotive, equipment, services and food brands in Southeast Asia and beyond. Automotive operations include distribution, service and global parts supply and special vehicle manufacturing; heavy and agricultural equipment distribution, food franchises (EFG), engineering services (Comin Asia) and financial services (partnering with Bank South Pacific). Ford Global Fleet Sales, the global export distributor for Ford, are located in the US and Dubai.
About RMA Automotive
RMA Automotive is a major global supplier of modified vehicles, fleet services, accessories, parts supply, after sales support and technical training. RMA Special Vehicles dominate in their category of robust, specially engineered vehicles, suited to a range of applications and diverse customer needs – from large fleet customers, governments and aid organizations to multinational companies who rely on RMA Automotive’s large-scale capacity and high quality standards.
RMA Automotive, is headquartered in Thailand, at the 90,000m2 Assembly & Distribution Center. It has further manufacturing facilities in Cambodia, Myanmar, Dubai, Turkey, South Africa and Australia.