Andrew Dwyer

Toyota take another crack at an EV after the poor reception given to the bZ4x https://electrek.co/2023/03/03/first-toyota-bz3-ev-co-developed-with-byd-rolls-off-the-line/?fbclid=IwAR0GIFp4zkda6cP4Yuwj4mrmU1iAPeRTG0NWSd4uVrcWveLcrJbe5q1mXdA An interesting joint venture. No mention of a RHD version but let’s see how it turns out first.

I had a Honda Jazz and the procedure was as @MJCM stated above. The “ key” was hidden inside the fob and extracted by squeezing and pulling the silver part, yours might be the same.

That Neta S looks a beast !! and 1100 km range !. Curious about the Moose Test though ?

Okay, well an EV should cut the cost of fuel down from 2.50 baht per km to 0.75 baht ( rough figures from reporting in Facebook groups ) using the cheapest method of charging ( a TOU meter and off peak charging ). ( not counting solar ). EV’s are most cost effective in the city as battery power is regenerated via braking and less cost effective on highway runs, the exact opposite to combustion engines so in your son’s case makes a lot of sense. I would still suggest you look at Neta V as the cheapest EV , 549k with a reputable name or the MG4, 869/969k, with a more expansive dealership and reputable name. The MG EP is an estate/station wagon which might be useful transporting children and possible sports equipment or bikes around. The previous version was a price beating 771k but I’m not sure of the price of the new version due anytime soon. I would add that while there are cheaper Chinese EV’s available, as mentioned above, some level of safety should be considered especially as the primary objective is to ferry children around, so personally I wouldn’t consider anything less than the Neta V.

Ah okay, I must admit I was a little confused as to whether the Nissan Kicks was HEV or EV . Apparently it’s a different type of hybrid. From Nissan website: ”However, what sets it apart from the rest is that the electric motor is the only one that drives the vehicle forward. The job of the gasoline engine is to act as a generator to supply the battery pack with more power when needed thus powering the electric motor in return. The proper term for this is a series hybrid which differs from the more common parallel hybrids that you see in most of the hybrid vehicles available in the country today. This simply means that Kicks can’t use its gasoline engine to move the wheels. ”

I think the op has done his duty and now it is up to his friend to see the light. The OP’s biggest challenge is refraining from saying “ I told you so “ when his friend confirms his suspicions this time next year.

I’m not knocking Nissan owners and i don’t know why I haven’t considered them. Maybe their marketing dynamic isn’t making them as attractive as the Chinese invasion. Japanese cars, although reliable have a certain tendency to stay safe, particularly the interior. With the Chinese EV influx is a certain futuristic element, bigger screens, rotating screens, two tone interiors , built in dvr’s , 360 degrees cameras etc etc Obviously it’s down to taste , some like the quirky interiors, some don’t. But, you are right, the Nissan Kicks should be added to the list, starting at 749k it certainly falls into the affordable bracket.

Good question, (I know it wasn’t aimed at me )I’m not sure why I’ve never considered the Nissan. The Leaf got some bad rep for the outdated system even though it was one of the early adopters of EV tech. I will take a look at the Kick. Might be just a little bit bland, like Honda and Toyota and not as willing to take risks as the Chinese EV’s ?

AC ( slow ) charging. Most , if not all, EV’s will come with a free wall charger ( and installation although a new additional meter may be required) to enable you to charge at your leisure, usually around 8 hours 0-100%. Your normal electricity charges apply unless you have a TOU meter installed and charge between 10 pm - 9 am for a reduced rate. A Granny charger , supplied with some cars, enables you to plug in to a normal household socket, handy if you go to visit relatives. Granny charging is very slow and would take around 24 hrs typically. Guesthouses or resorts may charge you for doing this. DC ( rapid ) charging. Available at shopping malls, many gas stations, PEA authorities and dealerships ( i.e. MG ) is faster. Obviously depends on battery size and car model but will allow you to charge around 40 minutes 20%-80%. The majority of these will need paying for with an app or credit card, not sure if free DC charging can still be found ?, maybe at MG ?. Prices are around 7.5 baht per kw , reduced rate from 10 pm to 9 am.(?).

Neta V has to be the cheapest, of the big brands, at 549k , looks okay, a little basic but the price is way ahead of the others. MG4 at 869/969k is a great little hatch, very popular in the U.K. and no doubt will become so here. MG ZS EV is still a great small SUV at around the 1 mill mark. MG EP , the updated version will appear here soon, this popular est/wagon was very good value at 771k for the previous version, not sure how much the latest is. Atto 3, 1.1/1.2 mill, the current favourite of the Thai/Chinese EV’s , a quirky interior but some excellent tech , starting to see plenty of these on the road now, Australia and NZ already approved. Ora Good Cat , various models and prices, starting around 850k i think, a great small EV setting the futuristic trend. Only drawback could be the minuscule boot/trunk. Obviously budget dependent but I would say the MG4 is the best value for the baht, unless you are limited then go Neta V.

Just carry the “ Get out of jail free “ card.

Yup, worst case of “ rounding up “ I have seen for a while !!

Yup, and she was giving him some severe ear bending as they walked out, pretty sure the guy thought he was just humiliating the young cashier and didn’t bargain on the wrath of a Thai wife losing face. I almost felt sorry for the guy ……. almost !

When it happens to me i usually snatch the money out of the cashiers hand and throw in a “ F£&k you “ for good measure !! Actually, i never have done that, or ever will , but i did see it happen a couple of weeks ago !!

Just an update on the Atto 3 rust issue as sure there’s interested parties on this thread. The car was written off and in a breakers yard in Australia, a guy started to strip for parts for an EV van he was putting together and noticed the rust largely around bolt holes as he dismantled it. The theory being that several parts of the Atto 3 were already bolted together before being dipped. He then posted his photos on FB. I won’t clog up this thread with anymore of this so anyone interested to follow the unfolding saga can do by joining the FB group “ BYD EV Owners Australia “

Yes, I read the initial post on FB ( BYD Atto 3 Australia group I believe ) and there was no mention of the car “ landing in the sea “ although there was mention of it being “ salvaged “ ( whether that means in a breakers yard or just being repaired not sure, the English used in the initial post was presumably a second language ). Currently defenders are saying it had crashed and left open to the elements for some time ( car apparently 8 months old with 1100 miles on the clock ) while others are cancelling orders and quoting “ Chinese manufacturing “ as the culprit. As is the norm with social media the truth is buried deep among the stories on both sides. One would have to imagine owners having rust checks on their own cars done but as yet i don’t see any other cases.

Have had an ICE MG for a couple of years now and would have no worries going for the MG4 or even the EP. Atto 3 sparked my interest, as well as a lot of Thai drivers , but this rust issue is disappointing, no doubt will see some more cases as owners start to investigate. The Neta U Pro looks okay and hopefully is nicer in the flesh than the Neta V which is very basic. I have a few months before I decide, waiting on some finances to resolve themselves, so maybe a visit to the Motorshow is on the cards.

Yup, the MG4 is getting some great reviews and at 869/969k is an excellent price. I’m currently torn between the MG4 and the Atto 3 . The Neta U Pro might be another one to consider ?

Whatever happened to the Neta U Pro ?, saw a few videos when it was at the Motorshow a while ago ? Seemed like it was in contention with its 610 km range ( NEDC ) decent specs and a great size boot. A bit bland in style inside and out perhaps but with a rumoured price of 900k thought it might have made an appearance by now.

Wondering if you had seen this Owl or know the guy ? Ban Dung , presumably the one you mention occasionally ? I didn’t read it as this sort of topic usually attracts a great load of tripe comments !

Because, as stated 5 minutes earlier: ” DWP issue "proof of life" forms on a random basis, people and timeframe, if the only postal address they have for you is outside the UK. “

I started using the Brave Browser on iPad and iPhone because of this annoying video. Cleared it immediately, still get the occasional pop up reminder about the newsletter ( despite having subscribed ) but the bottom right hand video annoyance is a thing of the past !!

On my previous trip they also requested a utility bill for the address on my U.K. license ,which I didn’t possess. I managed to wriggle out of this lack of documentation before producing my 5 year Thai license which I was worried might have complicated matters. So next time, around Aug time, i will forget the U.K. license rigmarole and go with the Thai license.

You may be surprised at the prices now for U.K. car rental, seems like there has been an almighty increase. Seems like picking up the car from the airport is a premium price, I shopped around last August and found a car rental place ( also Europcar ) in a city location. Meant I had to travel from the airport downtown but cut my rental bill from £1,436 to £747, this still a lot more expensive than my previous trip 3 years earlier ( pickup at airport ).

My Makro has the Horeca Cheddar, 2 kg for 659 baht, as stated earlier it is a bit bland but I cut it into 8 and freeze it and it seems to bring the taste out .