Melpomene

44 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

I for one was very excited when Tesla announced they were going to be selling EVs in Thailand. I was shocked at the price they chose to sell them at  - nearly 40% more than in other RHD markets like Australia. Tesla has been cutting prices around the world in the run up the the Highland Model 3 launch, but not in Thailand. In 12 months they didn't cut prices once and then only days after the dramatic sales figures for the BYD Seal.

 

As I have posted above. Tesla Charging is available in Korat, Pattaya and BKK. They have been put to shame by MG and BYD that have rolled out showrooms each with DC and AC charging.

 

The sales figures speak for themselves:

 

 

 

Yeah they haven't really taken off in the way I thought they would've done to be honest.  I think the price is ok, particularly after the recent cuts, although maybe I'm just comparing them to the UK as they're about 15% cheaper.

I'm more concerned about the lack of service centres, I suppose you'd be gambling on them opening more sites and getting more trained technicians in over the next year or two.  There's a number of tales on the Thai forums of long queues to get issues looked at.  I'm also a bit wary of range compared to the Seal.  I want the LFP battery, so the only M3 option is the RWD which is just 513kms.  So you're paying 150-200k more depending on colour for a slower car with less range.  Then if you're looking at the MY it's only 455kms which I think really is too low.

17 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

Tesla model 3 RHD in Malaysia is only ฿1,444,000 with white color free.

 

 

 

 

 

Finally got round to popping into the Tesla showroom at the weekend.  I was very impressed, particularly with the size of the Model Y, the boot was enormous so from a practical point of view it would be great.  The build quality felt really good as well, I've seen plenty of people questioning this online, but to me the interior definitely felt like a step up from the BYD, and that's not disrespecting the BYD cars which I love, but it just had really nice feel to it.  I've seen people saying it's like Apple vs Android, and I can see where they are coming from with that.  

The lack of service centres & super chargers and the higher insurance costs in Thailand are a major issue, but it's certainly been added to my list of possibles.

I don't think I've seen anyone on this discussion who owns one in Thailand, but if there is it would be good to get some first hand views of living with one in Thailand. 

On 10/13/2023 at 10:02 AM, Pib said:

 

The PTT charging app just updated again/as of 12 Oct....only two days after their 10 Oct that had some major changes in bookings...and apparently also some people having problems with the updated app.  When comparing the "What's New" summary between the 10 Oct and 12 Oct updates (above and below) I don't see any difference.  But there must have been some glitch that was very significant for the app to be updated within 48 hours.

 

12 Oct Update

 

Anybody still have problems with PTT EV Station PluZ ?   I've tried to use it 3 times since they screwed up their app update.  The first two times I couldn't get charging to start.  I've left it for a week and tried them again this morning and this time charging started ok, but it didn't register through to my app and I was unable to end the charging session and unplug.  I ended up having to speak to their contact centre to get the CP reset.  There's absolutely no record of it on my app, so will be interesting to see if we get charged for it!

On all 3 occasions there was somebody else at the charging station experiencing the same problem, so it wasn't just me.  Seems like they really have screwed up their systems with this latest round of "upgrades" they've released!

Think I'll be sticking with EAnywhere in the future...

More discounts in the EV market. Apparently GAC are also refunding customers who bought previously at the higher price, which is a nice move on their part.

On 10/17/2023 at 3:54 PM, Pib said:

Actually, unless a vehicle was built "many" years ago, ICE vehicles have been a "computer on wheels" for many years.  And when I say computer I mean "Electronic Control Units" (ECU) which comes in many varieties to control/monitor many different systems on the vehicle.  Typically a vehicle will have a 40 to 150 ECUs spread around the vehicle especially an ICE vehicle which has all type of ECUs/sensors to monitor the combustion process.   

 

On a BEV there is no combustion process....many of the ECUs (computers) required on an ICEV and not required on a BEV.   Now sure the traction battery for a BEV has a sophisticated traction Battery Management System (BMS) ECUs not found on ICEV but the rest of the BEV is less ECU intensive than a ICEV with all its combustion monitoring/control ECUs.

 

Now the "Infotainment" display on a BEV does offer quite a few options to change certain driving characteristics of the vehicle like power response, steering feel, regenerative braking, etc., but I expect most people decide on a certain settings after driving the BEV for a few months and then rarely ever change those particular settings again.  And most of the remaining settings in the "Infotainment" are more comfort, map, sound, lighting, etc., type settings/controls....kinda like the settings on a typical smart phone.

 

So, assuming you know how to use a smartphone you are already qualified to use the "Infotainment Computer Thingie" in a BEV after reading the BEV Operating Manual.  Now out and pick a BEV to buy if you are in the market for a new car!!!! ????

 

 

ECUs on a vehicle snapshots

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah that's a fair point.  Although to me it does feel slightly different, the ECUs are computers that control the various components of the ICE, whilst BEVs are the computers themselves!

ICE technology has been fairly stable for many years, whereas EVs are progressing at a crazy rate of knots.  Look at some of the Changan cars with their 1000km ranges or the new Neta with 10 minute charging.  My mind is blown by the number of new cars appearing on the horizon, and not only do they look incredible but they seem to be getting cheaper !!  Everything I have ever known about cars feels like it's been turned upside down.  That said I'm close to booking a Seal, but I would ideally like to wait for the Changan release before the EOY if my patience allows it 😄.

5 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

Buyers Remorse.

 

EVs are like any new technology, they change at a rapid pace. 20 years ago I was working in BKK and dating a girl who worked at Toshiba. She was able to get me staff discount on a new 42 inch TV. 2 years ago I bought an 86 inch TV and it's already out of date.

 

ICE vehicles on the other hand are a mature technology and any improvement year to year are tiny. I also don't think that anybody is considering investing in developing a completely new ICE engine which could be obsolete before it's ready for production.

 

In 2018 at the BKK motor show a ฿2,000,000 40 kWh Li-ion Nissan Leaf with CHAdeMO charging was the only EV I saw. I am glad I waited, but how long do you wait?

 

I have chosen to buy an 82.5 kWh LFP EV with V2L for ฿1,449,000. Will something better come along in the next couple of year? Definitely, but I am happy with the deal I have got and I will enjoy the car instead of fretting over my decision.  Life is too short for all that worry.

 

 

 

This is a very good point, and it's probably the one doubt about EVs I still have.  When is the right time to jump in?  

EVs are in essence "a computer on wheels", and we all know how fast tech changes and not only that, with each year that passes, the rate of change itself gets even quicker.

Ultimately, I think EVs may not just end up changing the way we drive, but also the way we buy cars.  Perhaps we'll see more leasing/subscription type models that cater for constantly improving technology and will build on recycling capabilities for older models.  This isn't really an option in Thailand right now, but if I was back in the UK I'd certainly be looking at leasing rather than buying my next car.

2 minutes ago, Pib said:

 What does it cost per week, month, etc., to hire at Atto 3...total cost to include insurance, fee, tax, etc.?

I looked at the site but didn't see any pricing but maybe if it was a snake it would have bit me.   Thanks.

They offer 3 day, 1 week, 1 month and then longer options.

For the Atto 3 it starts at 7499 for 3 days inclusive. For a month it goes up to about 40k.  It's not exactly cheap, but it's a similar sort of price for what you'd pay for an SUV with other hire car companies.

I think I've seen them mentioned on this thread before, but I'm currently driving an EV that I hired from EVme https://evme.io

I wanted to see what it was like living with one before I commit.  I'm very impressed both with the car (Atto 3) and the service.  It's very easy to book through their app.  Collection is also straight forward and they'll deliver within Bkk.  Price wise they're comparable with other hire car companies and they have almost every model available including the Seal.  Definitely recommended if you fancy trying before buying...

7 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

BYD Seal RWD LR (Premium) purchase update.

 

Found out today that finance has been approved. The sales girl said she hoped to get us a white premium this month. Clearly all the stock they had has been sold. 
 

I thought buying White rather than the cool Black and also not choosing the popular performance version would help with delivery but apparently not.

Congratulations, hopefully you'll now not have to wait too long to collect the car.

If I remember correctly you mentioned you were doing the finance in your wife's name, but based upon your income from outside of Thailand - have I got that right ?  We've always paid cash for our cars, but I may be tempted to finance this one as I didn't realise this would be possible, so it's good to know you can do this.

On 9/30/2023 at 7:12 PM, KhunLA said:

Yes, with 3 settings of regen.  I leave it on the highest (3), and when in Nan, made a huge difference, as some quite steep hills.  At one point, I wasn't 'using' any energy that wasn't being totally replaced.

 

That's some pretty techie stuff.  

Out of interest is there any reason, other than personal preference of driving style, that you wouldn't want the highest levels of regen at all times?

I'm still learning about everything EV, and this seems like the best setting to have - additional range, less wear on the brakes etc. Just wondered if I'd missed something?

Hello all - massive thanks for all the comments, tips, guidance and general conversation on this thread.  There's been lots of useful info provided that I'll certainly be following when it comes to application time ????

2 hours ago, Red Phoenix said:

A document that would cover all the detailed and DIFFERENT requirements for the 1-year extension application for reason of Marriage as applied in all +76 Thai Imm Offices, would be both massive, impractical and unreadable. 

I requested the OP to provide me with the requirements document as provided by his local Imm Office, so that I can provide detailed comments on how to deal with these specific requirements.  And that Imm Office specific Guideline document would be quite comprehensive. 

I'll send these over to you over the weekend. Apologies for the delay ????

1 hour ago, Red Phoenix said:

It is indeed 'cutting it fine' for the 1-year extension of stay application, especially since you wrote that it will be your very first 1-year extension of stay application for reason of Marriage. 

But for sure it is not impossible. 

I would suggest you proceed as follows: 

#1 - Get hold of the 'requirements document' for a 1-year extension for reason of marriage at your local Imm Office.  This is important as every Imm Office has different requirements on the details of these requirements, and will not accept your application when it is not 100% in compliance with THEIR requirements.

#2 - Then get hold of all documents (except the ones that need to be up-to-date on date of application), and visit Imm Office again to enquire whether that provisional trial-application meets their requirements.

#3 - Apply at the earliest day possible (as confirmed by the Imm Office, as they might allow 60 days instead of 2 months for your application), which will give you sufficient time to get hold of any missing or incomplete documents, for the application.  

 

NOTE that I recently compiled a comprehensive Guideline for such a 1-year extension of stay application based on an original Non Imm O Visa for reason of MARRIAGE.

When you are interested in receiving that Guideline do send me a PM, as well as at WHICH Imm Office you will be applying for the 1-year extension (and the 1-year extension of stay requirements document from that Imm Office if you have that already).  

Cheers and success!

 

Many thanks for the tips. I've already got the requirements document, so am currently working through that.  I'll make another trip to the IO ahead of time as you suggest to validate our documents. And then pray it goes smoothly ????. 

I think I'll also make an appointment in HCMC as well just in case there's an issue, so I've got a back up plan. I can always cancel this if the application is accepted. 

47 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

OP, which immigration office.

It will be Pathum Thani immigration.

Hello all - I posted a few weeks back about having to pop to HCMC to get another non-imm O visa based upon marriage to give myself time to allow the 400k to season for two months.  However, I've managed to get my ducks in a row a bit quicker than I thought and with doing the 60 day extension I think I will just about be able to apply for the one year extension based upon marriage before the extension stamp expires.

My time line is as follows :

25/09 - 400k deposited in my account

28/11 - my current permission to stay ends

It's going to be pretty tight and annoyingly the two month seasoning date is a Saturday (25/11), so potentially the earliest I could apply is 27/11 which is the day before my permission to stay expires - is this cutting it too fine given it'll be my first experience applying for this extension and there's a chance I'll have some document missing/incorrect ?  Would it be worth applying on 24/11 (I'd say 25/09 - 24/11 is two full months ????), or is this likely to be futile and risk irritating the immigration officer ?

Many thanks...

34 minutes ago, Melpomene said:

Thanks Todd

Oops! Apologies, that should say thanks Tod ????

6 hours ago, mistral53 said:

...............and all this relates to 'Electrical vehicles in Thailand' in what way?

 

FOCUS!!

Lol - I did chuckle reading about a Rover 75 in an EV discussion. Has there ever been a greater leap on AseanNow ????.

Back onto EVs I see the Volvo XC40 MY 2024 is out now with a range up to 645km NEDC.

Hello all,

I've been in and out of the country on a one year multi entry non-imm visa based upon marriage.  I'm now going to be staying in Thailand permanently and as my current visa is ending I want to do the 1 year in country extension.  However, it took me a while to get a bank account open which I now have, but I'm less than two months until my current stamp runs out (I've already done the 60 day extension).  So my plan was to pop back to HCMC and get another non-imm visa then when my 400k has been in the bank for long enough to extend this for another year. 

This is all fairly straight forward, however, I've stumbled across a visa agent who claim to be able to get me a 1 year extension for around 40k and I don't need 400k in the bank.  To be honest I'd happily pay the 40k for one year to save me the hassle of going a redoing the visa again, I can then start doing my own 1 year extensions from next year.  However, I'm a bit concerned how legit this is, I know TiT and all that, but I thought the 400k in a bank for two months was non-negotiable.  Apparently it's not done at my local immigration centre, but rather an upcountry one and they will also take care of my 90 day reporting during the year.  The agent seem to be fairly well recommended on various sites, but I wondered if anyone has experience of doing the extension this way ?

2 hours ago, DrJoy said:

Those do not cover the battery pack. You may want to read the fine print again.

 

If you damage the battery in an unfortunate accident or it catches fire etc, the cheaper insurance does NOT cover it.

New battery pack costs approx 1.33 Mill THB, which will have to be paid in cash.

 

 

So I did review the small print, and to be fair it neither explicitly mentioned covering or excluding damage to the battery, so you could well be right.  However, wouldn't this be an issue with all electric cars rather than just Volvo specifically ?  Anyone else with experience of insuring an electric car care to comment on this ?

11 hours ago, DrJoy said:

The yearly insurance of the volvo xc 40 is 155,000 THB.

Just FYI.

We've had quotes between 30 & 35k for 1st class insurance on the XC40, so it's certainly worth shopping around.

On 6/29/2023 at 11:23 AM, firefly17 said:

Decided against purchasing a C40 after researching range figures on various YouTube tests. Much higher consumption per mile than anything else. Not sure how Volvo can claim 'up to 590km'. It's just so far from the truth. Wd be lucky to see 375km in normal driving, as for motorway driving, it's around 250km.

Where did you see these reviews ? We're thinking of the XC40 and the YouTube range tests we've watched suggest around 360-410 kms for longer road trips. This would be fine, but at 250km I may well think again, particularly as the XC40 would be slightly less economical than the C40. 

I've linked a couple of the videos I've watched below.  The second one is, I think, quite relevant as it shows a long trip in LOS with all the stopping and starting associated with that.

6 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Good for you, as I'm a big fan, after only have (MG ZS) for 6+ months.

 

I would never own an ICE again.  Especially now, since same price as ICEs with govt incentives.  Which also means, there's no 1st or 2nd year depreciation, as our ZS is 'insured value' for more than we paid.   Since value is based on MSRP before incentive applied.  If want to sell/upgrade after incentives expire/2025, you gained that value for resale.

That's good to hear. I've really not heard too many negative experiences tbh.  

Have you found maintenance to be as minimal as suggested? We do quite a high mileage, so it seems like our Toyota is constantly at the garage for another service!