Before writing my verdict about the last few days with the BYD Atto 3 I want to point out that this has been my first experience using an EV as my daily driver.
Due to that I haven’t been able to sign up with all the companies that provide charging stations.
In fact I only charged at PEA Volta stations since I wasn’t able to use my Thai Debit card with most other providers.
(The bank still has my old phone number that’s why I couldn’t receive the OTP-Code that you need for verification...my fault).
I really like the Atto 3.
It’s fun to drive, comfortable and spacious.
The only thing I don’t like is the interior.
But that’s just my personal taste.
So would I buy an EV?
Absolutely, going back to oil, gas and all the mechanical parts feels like going back to the past.
Also driving an EV in Thailand is so much cheaper than driving an ICE.
(EV: ~100 THB / 100km @ 15kWh and 6 THB per kWH - ICE: ~270 @ 7liter and 39 THB per liter)
But can I imagine owning an EV without having a Wall Box at home?
Unfortunately, no.
Granny charging is ok but at the 1,8 kWh that I got at our house you need 9 hours to add 100km of range.
Better than nothing but not really satisfied with this idea.
The public charging infrastructure is ok as well.
However I passed a lot of charging stations throughout the days and many were occupied.
Sometimes even with people waiting in line.
Also charging speeds are rather slow. (Claimed 120kW stations only charging at 45kW)
All in all I’m just not the type of guy that enjoys driving to gas stations and sitting there for 30-60 minutes.
Currently sitting in the car for 40 minutes already while writing this post and I’m already kind of annoyed.
So my verdict is:
EV yes if I was able to install a wall box at home and charge there more efficiently. Ideally combined with some solar panels.
I’m just a tenant so this isn’t an option at the moment.
Being dependent on public chargers and planning my daily life so that I only visit places with chargers nearby isn’t an option for me.