A Battery Electric Vehicle Modification Supply Chain Model: A Case Study in Northern Part of Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to presents a supply chain model for converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Northern Thailand. Data were collected from conversion garages, EV service centers, and parts storage facilities. Currently, WPEV in Lamphun is the only remaining garage offering conversion services, as most others have ceased operations due to high logistics costs. This research proposed a centralized supply chain model utilizing a mathematical optimization approach combined with a genetic algorithm to determine the optimal distribution center location. The data used in this study were collected from EV conversion garages and electric vehicle service centers in eight provinces of Northern Thailand. The findings indicate that GWM CCC Auto Chiang Mai is the most suitable location to serve as the central distribution hub for materials and equipment. The analysis yielded the lowest total cost of 325.0 Baht. The cost of setting up a distribution center is assigned a synthetic value of 10.0 Baht. This is done for the purpose of preliminary simulation and analysis. In reality, however, such costs may reach tens or even hundreds of thousands Baht, depending on the context and current economic conditions. It aligns with the design objective of minimizing logistics costs.