5 hours ago, johng said:

I carry out these interactions with my FAX machine.

Nope I don't know a single BEV owner but they all claim to be 'saving the planet' by not using fossil fuels and not emitting C02 or other gasses don't they ?

Firstly, if you don't know a single BEV owner, how do you know what they claim?

Secondly, I know plenty and no, they don't all claim that.

5 hours ago, johng said:

... don't they ?

? .... Not myself or any owners that I know, or talk with.

Don't think the planet even needs saving. Humans may need to do something in the future to avoid self extinction. But the planet and most critter will carry on.

My Vios is 20 years old. Runs perfectly, costs about 40,000 baht a year for everything - insurance, registration, petrol, maintenance. Parts available everywhere, any mechanic in Thailand knows how to fix it.

EV owners have unknowingly walked into a dealership trap. AFAIK one can't find an independent EV mechanic in Thailand. It's proprietary software, a normal OBD reader gets garbage.

The dealership can control software updates remotely. Any independent work voids the battery warranty. Parts, including battery, only obtainable via the dealership.

This is a deliberate business model, designed to tie the buyer to the brand for life. Prices can be hiked to suit the bottom line.

The fun and games will really start when the current wave of EV's start ageing. Me, I am keeping the Vios.

Edited June 13Jun 13 by Lacessit

44 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

My Vios is 20 years old. Runs perfectly, costs about 40,000 baht a year for everything - insurance, registration, petrol, maintenance. Parts available everywhere, any mechanic in Thailand knows how to fix it.

EV owners have unknowingly walked into a dealership trap. AFAIK one can't find an independent EV mechanic in Thailand. It's proprietary software, a normal OBD reader gets garbage.

The dealership can control software updates remotely. Any independent work voids the battery warranty. Parts, including battery, only obtainable via the dealership.

This is a deliberate business model, designed to tie the buyer to the brand for life. Prices can be hiked to suit the bottom line.

The fun and games will really start when the current wave of EV's start ageing. Me, I am keeping the Vios.

At today's petrol price (42), I'm saving ฿30k-฿60k TBH a year, driving 10k - 20k kms, as the ICE version of our MG ZS got 14 kpL.

10k kms ÷ 14 kpL = 714.28571 liters X ฿42 = ฿30k THB

At that rate, we drive 20k for 10 years, and we saved the price of a new EV maybe, and the next one, will have a lifetime warranty on main components, and what's left of the EV's current battery, will be added to the solar system. At present, a quality 10kWh ESS cost about ฿50k

We save your operating cost every year instead of spending it. If 20k local driving, that's about 60k THB a year, and kind a adds up, fast.

Beats the hell out of spending 30-60k THB a year to drive. Just think if you just saved your petrol cost over the last 20 years. New car for FREE.

We're at 60+k kms already, after 3+ yrs. 4+ more years of warranty, and we'll still have 80+% of battery capacity. Still more range than our bladder 😂

Edited June 13Jun 13 by KhunLA

9 hours ago, KhunLA said:

At today's petrol price (42), I'm saving ฿30k-฿60k TBH a year, driving 10k - 20k kms, as the ICE version of our MG ZS got 14 kpL.

10k kms ÷ 14 kpL = 714.28571 liters X ฿42 = ฿30k THB

At that rate, we drive 20k for 10 years, and we saved the price of a new EV maybe, and the next one, will have a lifetime warranty on main components, and what's left of the EV's current battery, will be added to the solar system. At present, a quality 10kWh ESS cost about ฿50k

We save your operating cost every year instead of spending it. If 20k local driving, that's about 60k THB a year, and kind a adds up, fast.

Beats the hell out of spending 30-60k THB a year to drive. Just think if you just saved your petrol cost over the last 20 years. New car for FREE.

We're at 60+k kms already, after 3+ yrs. 4+ more years of warranty, and we'll still have 80+% of battery capacity. Still more range than our bladder 😂

I do less than 10K a year. The Vios has 207,000 km on the odometer. For the legendary 1NZ-FE engine, that's about halfway in its life. The car has depreciated about as far as it ever will, the value of your EV started dropping as soon as it left the showroom.

Maybe your math works for you, it does not for me. I live mostly in a condo without solar panels. I shudder every time an EV parks next to me, batteries have far more stored energy than a petrol tank. That's why there's a ship at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

I am 83 yo. The Vios will easily outlive me.

So tell me, why should I spend 700-900 K baht on a car which I will hardly use, just so I can bask in the approval of relatives, friends, and neighbors - that I don't need?

40 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I do less than 10K a year. The Vios has 207,000 km on the odometer. For the legendary 1NZ-FE engine, that's about halfway in its life. The car has depreciated about as far as it ever will, the value of your EV started dropping as soon as it left the showroom.

Maybe your math works for you, it does not for me. I live mostly in a condo without solar panels. I shudder every time an EV parks next to me, batteries have far more stored energy than a petrol tank. That's why there's a ship at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

I am 83 yo. The Vios will easily outlive me.

So tell me, why should I spend 700-900 K baht on a car which I will hardly use, just so I can bask in the approval of relatives, friends, and neighbors - that I don't need?

in your situation, an aged Vios makes perfect sense.

For someone in the market for a new car, the reasons for buying an ICE car over an EV are vanishingly small.

I’m 3,000km into a 4,000km roadtrip, I haven’t planned any changing, almost all PTT’s on the highway have a charger.

Currently in Hua Hin.

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Maybe your math works for you, it does not for me. I live mostly in a condo without solar panels. I shudder every time an EV parks next to me, batteries have far more stored energy than a petrol tank. That's why there's a ship at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

You need to be 6 times more worried about your own ICE vehicle catching fire....or the ICE vehicle parked next to your ICE vehicle.

Gasoline packs roughly 100 times more energy by weight and volume than current EV batteries. However, because electric motors are incredibly efficient, an EV only requires about one-third the energy of a gas car to travel the same distance.

The Energy Comparison at a Glance

• Energy Density: One gallon of gasoline contains about 33.7 kWh of energy and weighs around 6 pounds. In contrast, a typical EV battery (e.g., 75 kWh) can weigh over 1,000 lbs.

• The "Equivalent" Tank: A standard 15-gallon gas tank holds over 500 kWh of raw energy. To match this, an EV battery would be prohibitively heavy and enormous.

• Real-World Range: Despite gas having far more energy, the superior efficiency of an EV means that a much smaller amount of stored energy goes much further on the road.

Why EVs Go Further with Less Energy

• Engine Efficiency: Gasoline engines waste about 70–80% of their energy as heat and friction, leaving only 20–30% to move the car. Electric motors are highly efficient, converting 85–90% of battery energy directly into motion.

• Regenerative Braking: EVs can recover kinetic energy and route it back to the battery when slowing down, whereas gas cars lose this energy as heat through brake pads.

Why Gas Still Feels "Bigger"

• Refueling Speed: Filling a 15-gallon gas tank injects massive amounts of energy in about 3 minutes. Fast-charging an EV to get a similar usable driving range takes 20 to 40 minutes.

• Energy Draw: Because EVs are so efficient, they feel the immediate impact of auxiliary power (like running the heater or AC) on the total vehicle range.

50 minutes ago, Pib said:

Gasoline packs roughly 100 times more energy by weight and volume than current EV batteries. However, because electric motors are incredibly efficient, an EV only requires about one-third the energy of a gas car to travel the same distance.

The Energy Comparison at a Glance

• Energy Density: One gallon of gasoline contains about 33.7 kWh of energy and weighs around 6 pounds. In contrast, a typical EV battery (e.g., 75 kWh) can weigh over 1,000 lbs.

True, but as recently announced, lithium air batteries are now being developed (by CATL among others) that could rival gasoline in energy density.

CATL claims its lithium-air battery has energy density similar to gasoline

The theoretical energy density limit for lithium-air systems is 12,000 Wh/kg. Gasoline sits at roughly 13,000 Wh/kg

https://m.arenaev.com/catl_claims_its_lithiumair_battery_has_energy_density_similar_to_gasoline-news-5938.php

@Lacessit

Had 2 Vios, as throw away cars, since undecided if staying in TH. Overpriced POS. Mazda 2 after those, a bit better overpriced POS.

After those POS cars, got the MG ZS ICE, and way better for same price. Upgraded to BEV when MG upgraded the ZS EV.

Probably the last & least expensive car we'll ever own. Will end up saving the purchase price in save petrol cost, since most charging is done with excess solar.

At 83, why would you consider even buying another car and yeah, keep what you have running, especially since you don't drive it much.

Edited June 14Jun 14 by KhunLA

4 hours ago, Pib said:

You need to be 6 times more worried about your own ICE vehicle catching fire....or the ICE vehicle parked next to your ICE vehicle.

It's not the probability that worries me. It's the fact a gasoline fire can be put out with foam. An EV fire can't, it's a chemical reactor spiking with incredible speed. All firefighters can do is use tens of thousands of gallons of water to conduct heat away from the battery. How likely is it I will get a two minute response from the local fire brigade?

17 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Had 2 Vios, as throw away cars, since undecided if staying in TH. Overpriced POS. Mazda 2 after those, a bit better overpriced POS.

MG ZS ICE, and way better for same price. Upgraded to BEV when MG upgraded the ZS EV.

Probably the last & least expensive car we'll ever own. Will end up saving the purchase price in save petrol cost, since most charging is done with excess solar.

I bought my Vios for 230,000 baht. 83,000 km, barely run in.

IMO anyone buying a new car has parked their brains at the showroom door, and forgot to retrieve them when they drove away.

Two Vios, a Mazda, one MG ICE, and an EV. How much capital have you spent on the shiny new toys, when they are tools designed to get you from point A to point B?

Edited June 14Jun 14 by Lacessit

5 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

in your situation, an aged Vios makes perfect sense.

For someone in the market for a new car, the reasons for buying an ICE car over an EV are vanishingly small.

I’m 3,000km into a 4,000km roadtrip, I haven’t planned any changing, almost all PTT’s on the highway have a charger.

Currently in Hua Hin.

Agree. If I was 30 years younger, an EV would make more sense as I would be racking up the km just like you are. Safe travels.

37 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I bought my Vios for 230,000 baht. 83,000 km, barely run in.

IMO anyone buying a new car has parked their brains at the showroom door, and forgot to retrieve them when they drove away.

Two Vios, a Mazda, one MG ICE, and an EV. How much capital have you spent on the shiny new toys, when they are tools designed to get you from point A to point B?

Money ... can't take it with me, and already leaving plenty behind for loved ones. I earned it, so I could enjoy it in my later years, retirement. Doesn't help my smile in the bank.

The price of 2nd hand at the time, buying new wasn't much of stretch.

Agree, if financially challenged, then buying new isn't a good investment. Why I only had one new vehicle when in USA, and that was my work truck, for dependablity.

Rest were 2nd hand till they died, though some were nice/comfy & fun/sporty, not just machines to get from A to B.

47 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

IMO anyone buying a new car has parked their brains at the showroom door, and forgot to retrieve them when they drove away.

that's a somewhat harsh statement, especially when someone can easily afford a new car without any financial problems ...

on the other hand, i might consider the same statement appropriate for heavy smokers or people who drink a lot of beer. when i spend money on a car, i get something of value in return. with smoking and excessive drinking, i'm mainly harming my own health ...

personally, i would rather treat myself to a good, comfortable, and modern car that brings enjoyment ...😄

2 hours ago, motdaeng said:

that's a somewhat harsh statement, especially when someone can easily afford a new car without any financial problems ...

on the other hand, i might consider the same statement appropriate for heavy smokers or people who drink a lot of beer. when i spend money on a car, i get something of value in return. with smoking and excessive drinking, i'm mainly harming my own health ...

personally, i would rather treat myself to a good, comfortable, and modern car that brings enjoyment ...😄

IMO the statement is justified when one looks at how much a car depreciates in 1-2 years.

The only new car I ever made money on was a 1974 Honda Civic, brilliant small car for its time. I paid $3200 for it, sold it in 1981 for $3400, with 100,000 km on the odometer.

I always preferred low km secondhand cars where someone else took the biggest hit on depreciation. Cars with a reputation for reliability, or technical excellence.

I am completely immune to fashion. Most of my generation are.

Smokers and drinkers completely ignore the statistics on lung and liver disease. Their lives, their choice.

If you think moderate drinking is safe, you're wrong. Alcohol has had the designation of a Class 1 carcinogen since 1989.

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Money ... can't take it with me, and already leaving plenty behind for loved ones. I earned it, so I could enjoy it in my later years, retirement. Doesn't help my smile in the bank.

The price of 2nd hand at the time, buying new wasn't much of stretch.

Agree, if financially challenged, then buying new isn't a good investment. Why I only had one new vehicle when in USA, and that was my work truck, for dependablity.

Rest were 2nd hand till they died, though some were nice/comfy & fun/sporty, not just machines to get from A to B.

Each to his own. You get your enjoyment out of cars. I get mine out of golf.

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Each to his own. You get your enjoyment out of cars. I get mine out of golf.

You got that one right, as golf is one thing I wouldn't spend money on. We're in our car a lot and for hours at times, so I need a little comfort, and the added performance of the EV makes even more enjoyable.

Below are some new registration stats from DLT regarding "RY1 Category" registrations for June 2026. RY1 Category covers all 4-wheel private vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, and standard 2-door or 4-door pickup trucks, provided they are under 2.30 meters in height.

Total New RY1 Registrations: 54,190 of which:
- 19,767 BEV (or 36.5%)
- 2,327 PHEV (4.3 %)
- 14,233 Petrol-Electric (HEV) (26.3%)

- 4 Diesel-Electric (HEV) (0.0%)
- 9,223 Diesel (17.0%)

- 8,636 Petrol (15.9%)

What I have been seeing in my middle to high income moobaan and among my friends & family over the past two years is BEV appearing more and more as their next vehicle buy even before the recent dino fuel price spike. More people are getting over their fear and misunderstanding of EVs which is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. And of course big EV price drops over the last few years, government subsidies, and lifetime battery/motor warranties are helping that transition.

On 6/14/2026 at 1:46 PM, Lacessit said:

It's not the probability that worries me. It's the fact a gasoline fire can be put out with foam. An EV fire can't, it's a chemical reactor spiking with incredible speed. All firefighters can do is use tens of thousands of gallons of water to conduct heat away from the battery. How likely is it I will get a two minute response from the local fire brigade?

complete non-sense. car batteries now won't even catch fire, check the news for example the BYD Dolphin. house on fire, car on fire, battery still intact.

EDUCATE yourself first.

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Below are some new registration stats from DLT regarding "RY1 Category" registrations for June 2026. RY1 Category covers all 4-wheel private vehicles, including passenger cars, vans, and standard 2-door or 4-door pickup trucks, provided they are under 2.30 meters in height.

Total New RY1 Registrations: 54,190 of which:
- 19,767 BEV (or 36.5%)
- 2,327 PHEV (4.3 %)
- 14,233 Petrol-Electric (HEV) (26.3%)

- 4 Diesel-Electric (HEV) (0.0%)
- 9,223 Diesel (17.0%)

- 8,636 Petrol (15.9%)

What I have been seeing in my middle to high income moobaan and among my friends & family over the past two years is BEV appearing more and more as their next vehicle buy even before the recent dino fuel price spike. More people are getting over their fear and misunderstanding of EVs which is accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. And of course big EV price drops over the last few years, government subsidies, and lifetime battery/motor warranties are helping that transition.

Thailand is a privileged country, for now, and Thais are getting smarter and are taking advantage of that.

The government did a great job with EV incentives, infrastructure is amazingly good now, plenty of Sun to power solar panels, and solar system now is so cheap. And, you get to have Lifetime warranty on the battery, which only Thailand outside of China has that. That is unique and so good, that people dont get to appreciate.

EV cars here have become so cheap and you still can get both imports from China and locally made, even the premium brands EVs are now made in Thailand (benz, bmw)

On 6/14/2026 at 11:24 AM, Pib said:

Gasoline packs roughly 100 times more energy by weight and volume than current EV batteries. However, because electric motors are incredibly efficient, an EV only requires about one-third the energy of a gas car to travel the same distance.

The Energy Comparison at a Glance

• Energy Density: One gallon of gasoline contains about 33.7 kWh of energy and weighs around 6 pounds. In contrast, a typical EV battery (e.g., 75 kWh) can weigh over 1,000 lbs.

• The "Equivalent" Tank: A standard 15-gallon gas tank holds over 500 kWh of raw energy. To match this, an EV battery would be prohibitively heavy and enormous.

• Real-World Range: Despite gas having far more energy, the superior efficiency of an EV means that a much smaller amount of stored energy goes much further on the road.

Why EVs Go Further with Less Energy

• Engine Efficiency: Gasoline engines waste about 70–80% of their energy as heat and friction, leaving only 20–30% to move the car. Electric motors are highly efficient, converting 85–90% of battery energy directly into motion.

• Regenerative Braking: EVs can recover kinetic energy and route it back to the battery when slowing down, whereas gas cars lose this energy as heat through brake pads.

Why Gas Still Feels "Bigger"

• Refueling Speed: Filling a 15-gallon gas tank injects massive amounts of energy in about 3 minutes. Fast-charging an EV to get a similar usable driving range takes 20 to 40 minutes.

• Energy Draw: Because EVs are so efficient, they feel the immediate impact of auxiliary power (like running the heater or AC) on the total vehicle range.

The Chinese combustion engines now are the most efficient in the world, specially the BYD with 46% and another one just broke record 48%. and last very long in China it seems.

Just for context: this puts it ahead of Toyota's hybrid engines (around 40–41%), setting a new benchmark for production-ready hybrid gasoline engines. Other players are close behind too, Geely's i-HEV system, they claimed peak thermal efficiency of 48.41%, independently verified by Guinness World Records, later reported at 47.26% in mass production slightly tuned down for longevity.

Geely displayed a certificate claiming 46.1% and hinted at more in reserve, while Changan disclosed a mass-produced engine reaching up to 47.03%.

This is why these new Chinese gasoline/hybrid vehicles get super long ranges (800–2,000 km, as with BYD's DM-i models) from a very light fuel tanks and small battery.

that's crazy!! imagine you fill 65L, and you get 2000km range! more economic than my current pure EV car when it comes to Baht/km.

"BYD claims a combined range of over 2,000 km on that 65 L tank plus the small 10 kWh battery. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BYD_Qin_L_DM-i "