Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[JBChiangRai]

5 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

The petroleum industry is firing on 100% of the Cylinders.

Funny how you were opposing month on month comparison back in February when registrations dropped from 20.5% to 7.4%.

The cherry 🍒 harvest is getting ever more desperate when port's are filling up with unsold EVs even as manufacturers are rolling out new discounts.

Soon you will have to add some hawk tuah.

 

The usual "fluff" post

[Pib]

1 hour ago, Bandersnatch said:

I started this discussion over 2 years and 7,000 posts ago. My intention was to try and help people considering an EV in Thailand to distinguish the facts from the fiction. 

 

Most of the contributions have been helpful and supportive from the growing number of EV owners on the forum, however there have been a vocal minority of EV haters who feel that their uninformed opinions are more important that the facts.

 

So I want to share a little book of EV Myths written by ex Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson:

 

https://www.faircharge.co.uk/little-book-of-ev-myths

 

 

Great little book.  But I expect it's banned reading material for EV Myth Parrots (a.k.a., EV Haters).   Below are the opening and closing paragraphs from the book which sums up the situation well I think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

3 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Bases on February-May's registration data, 11% of Thais want an EV while 95% of Thais want an ICE vehicle. 

To no surprise a few electromagnetic fried souls are confused how precentage can add up to 106%.

It is of course a bit of play on words, but let me explain. 

The past 4 months, the registrations were 90% ICE and 10% EV.

Who wants an ICE vehicle?

90% who bought one, but just like @Pib, half of EV buyers probably already have an ICE and wants an EV as a new toy or second vehicle, hence 90% + 5% = 95% wants an ICE.

Similar, just fewer, some ICE buyers could have an EV and buy an ICE for longer trips, hence the 11% wants an EV.

[Pib]

5 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

The EV fraction was falling in May, but mostly flat around 10%.

95% ICE tell a everlasting love ❤️ story.

 

 

 

2024 is a sluggish year for vehicle sales, ICEV and EV. 

 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/thai-car-output-drops-162-year-may-local-sales-down-federation-says-4434361

 

25 Jun 2024 12:07PM(Updated: 25 Jun 2024 12:13PM)

Thai car output drops 16.2% on-year in May, local sales down, federation says

BANGKOK: Car production in Thailand fell 16.19 per cent in May from a year earlier to 126,161 units, mainly due to lower production of pickup trucks, the Federation of Thai Industries said on Tuesday (Jun 25).

The figure compared with April's 11.02 per cent year-on-year drop.

In the January-May period, car production declined 16.88 per cent from a year earlier to 644,951 units, it said.

The federation has said car production has been down mainly because of lower pickup truck output, reflecting weaker demand as banks have tightened auto lending due to high household debt.

Domestic car sales declined 23.38 per cent in May from a year earlier, after a drop of 21.49 per cent year-on-year in April, the federation said.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's biggest autos production centre and an export base for some of the world's top carmakers, including Toyota and Honda, with pickup trucks among the key vehicles manufactured.

 

***********************

[Pib]

OTA Ver 1.8 installed in my BYD Atto today.  I got the notice on the display this morning while driving...a few hours later I installed it.  Installation took around 40 minutes although at the beginning of the install it said it would take 62 minutes.  After the update and some googling on what OTA Ver 1.8 added was some improved A/C controls, a display icon to open/close the hatchback, updated Navigation, Voice Commands, Browser, Karaoke, & Car Manual,  and Vehicle Position is now available on the BYD mobile app.   By Vehicle Position I mean when I turn that function on in the app I can see where my Atto is in the world in via map/satellite view...or like I said, I can turn off that function.

 

While playing with the BYD mobile App I noticeed when the doors were locked the app showed the doors as closed but not locked. Didn't have this glitch until I installed OTA Ver 1.8.  So, for some reason the car and mobile app were misunderstanding each other as to whether the doors were locked or not.  Cleared the app's cache, started and turned off the car a few times, locked and closed the doors with the key FOB (i.e., electronic key), manually opened, closed, and locked all doors but the app would still showed the doors as being unlocked when in fact they were locked. Then I did one more thing that cleared this glitch...and that was to push the lock and unlock buttons on the driver door arm rest to lock and unlock the car doors...this magically cleared the issue with the mobile app....or should I say communications between the car and the app.   I've found when experiencing any glitch after some update with the car infotainment system or app that exercising the controls/icons that control a certain function (i.e., from on to off, deactivate to activate, etc.) has cleared the glitch. 

 

From some googling it appears OTA Ver 1.8 started arriving Thailand Atto's a few weeks ago...and today the BYD servers got around to my Atto.

 

[Pib]

On 6/21/2024 at 8:08 PM, Pib said:

 

 

I had a LINE messaging chat with a Bangkok BYD dealership today....the dealership's LINE point of contact is fluent in English.  Confirmed the 22-30 June 2024 Dolphin promotion does "not" include Free Spare and Maintenance for 8 years/160K Km (not to be confused with the 8 years/160K KM warranty). 

 

But if a person buys and takes delivery "before" the promotion begins 22 June Free Spares and Maintenance is included but no Bt100K price reduction. 

 

I expect after the promotion ends on 30 June and the Bt100K price reduction goes bye-bye then the Free Spares and Maintenance will return with the Dolphin going back to its regular/current price.

 

 

 

 

 

Regarding the ongoing BYD Dolphin promotion running thru 30 June, I got a LINE message today from BYD saying what Dolphin colors are still available under the promotion....see below.

 

Quote

 

Thank you for your feedback on the BYD Dolphin day run out campaign. The administrator would like to update the available models and colors as follows :

 

Byd Dolphin, standard range.

Only 559,900 baht (from 699,999 baht) *

Available colors

 -- purple

 -- cream

 

Byd Dolphin extended range

Only 699,900 baht (from 859,999 baht) *

Available colors

 -- gray

 -- blue

 -- pink

 

Please contact us for more information.

 

 

[ElwoodP]

Reported off topic post removed.

[Gweiloman]

21 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

To no surprise a few electromagnetic fried souls are confused how precentage can add up to 106%.

It is of course a bit of play on words, but let me explain. 

The past 4 months, the registrations were 90% ICE and 10% EV.

Who wants an ICE vehicle?

90% who bought one, but just like @Pib, half of EV buyers probably already have an ICE and wants an EV as a new toy or second vehicle, hence 90% + 5% = 95% wants an ICE.

Similar, just fewer, some ICE buyers could have an EV and buy an ICE for longer trips, hence the 11% wants an EV.

All these posts about percentages as to who wants what is, imo, meaningless non information.

 

There is a lot of misinformation out there about EVs and this undoubtedly influenced some people’s minds about wanting an EV or not. Videos about negatives of EVs probably outnumber positive videos by about 10:1. It’s safe to assume that the average car buyer is not really up to speed with the latest car technology and is content to stay with something tried and tested. All this talk about home charging and range is probably way too much for them to want to think about and in their minds, not worth the bother as they are unaware of the benefits.

 

Those of us who own EVs and are happy with our ownership have done our research, analysed the pros and cons and decided that it’s the better option for us, our needs and circumstances.

 

EVs are a relatively new technology. Not every 70 year old would exchange their wife of 45 years for a new sexy young 25 year old. Similarly not every car owner would want to exchange their tired, old, under performing, unexciting, flatulent ICE for a scrumptious new EV.

[Andrew Dwyer]

34 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

All these posts about percentages as to who wants what is, imo, meaningless non information.

 

There is a lot of misinformation out there about EVs and this undoubtedly influenced some people’s minds about wanting an EV or not. Videos about negatives of EVs probably outnumber positive videos by about 10:1. It’s safe to assume that the average car buyer is not really up to speed with the latest car technology and is content to stay with something tried and tested. All this talk about home charging and range is probably way too much for them to want to think about and in their minds, not worth the bother as they are unaware of the benefits.

 

Those of us who own EVs and are happy with our ownership have done our research, analysed the pros and cons and decided that it’s the better option for us, our needs and circumstances.

 

EVs are a relatively new technology. Not every 70 year old would exchange their wife of 45 years for a new sexy young 25 year old. Similarly not every car owner would want to exchange their tired, old, under performing, unexciting, flatulent ICE for a scrumptious new EV.

If he could spell the word “ percentage “ he would get more respect …… nah, only joking 🙃 

[Andrew Dwyer]

This isn’t going to help the Tesla Cybertruck promotion in Thailand.

 

Tesla issue another Cybertruck recall, the fourth so far.

 

https://www.tesla.com/support/recall-cybertruck-accelerator-pedal-pad

[Pib]

3 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

This isn’t going to help the Tesla Cybertruck promotion in Thailand.

 

Tesla issue another Cybertruck recall, the fourth so far.

 

https://www.tesla.com/support/recall-cybertruck-accelerator-pedal-pad

 

Layman's version of above Tesla weblink is below.

[Yellowtail]

3 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

Layman's version of above Tesla weblink is below.

Nothing about soap or lubricant of any kind in the voluntary recall. 

 

No real danger and a 15-minute fix, that can often be done at your home or office. Seems like Tesla is handling it okay. 

 

 

 

[JBChiangRai]

IIRC the Cybertruck is made from 304 grade Stainless Steel, that's not suitable for anyone living near the coast, it will rust.  316 Marine Grade is the minimum recommended.

 

I understand Cybertrucks are rusting already.

[Yellowtail]

1 minute ago, JBChiangRai said:

IIRC the Cybertruck is made from 304 grade Stainless Steel, that's not suitable for anyone living near the coast, it will rust.  316 Marine Grade is the minimum recommended.

 

I understand Cybertrucks are rusting already.

While 316 has better corrosion resistance, 304 generally does not rust.

 

If I had to bet. the "rust" appearing on Cybertrucks is a result of carbon contamination from the tooling. This is a common issue, and probably the number one customer service issue with fabricated stainless-steel products. 

 

 

[In the jungle]

A recall on the Cybertruck wiper was recently announced so add that to the list.

[Pib]

2 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

Nothing about soap or lubricant of any kind in the voluntary recall. 

 

No real danger and a 15-minute fix, that can often be done at your home or office. Seems like Tesla is handling it okay. 

 

 

Yes...the "tesla.com" recall notice does not mention the root cause which was Tesla using soap (unauthorized) to assemble the pedal assembly.  But the below CNN report and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does specify the root cause. 

 

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/19/business/tesla-cybertruck-recall/index.html#:~:text=Nearly 4%2C000 of the new,stuck in the down position.&text=Tesla has been ordered to,according to the regulator%3A soap.

 

New YorkCNN — 

Tesla has been ordered to recall nearly 4,000 of its Cybertrucks due to an accelerator pedal that can stick in place when pressed down.

The cause, according to the regulator: soap.

“An unapproved change introduced lubricant (soap) to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal. Residual lubricant reduced the retention of the pad to the pedal,” the NHTSA wrote in the recall document.

Tesla has yet to detail how many of the futuristic looking Cybertrucks it has produced. But it has said that it would be slow ramping up production of the vehicle, which had its first deliveries in late November.

The NHTSA said the recall affects “all Model Year (‘MY’) 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024.”

That means the 3,878 trucks being recalled are likely many, if not all, of the trucks now on US roads.

Documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the recall say that “when high force is applied to the pad on the accelerator pedal, the pad may dislodge, which may cause the pedal to become trapped in the interior trim above the pedal.”

The safety regulator said workers assembling the trucks at Tesla’s factory near Austin, Texas, improperly used soap to aid in the component assembly of the pad onto the accelerator pedal.

The accelerator sticking issue was first raised in social media and online discussion group posts.

On Monday, NHTSA told CNN it had reached out to Tesla requesting more information on the issue.

Telsa did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company this month told employees it would lay off roughly 10% of its global workforce.

Unlike many Tesla recalls, this one cannot be fixed with a simple over-the-air software update. Tesla will have to have owners respond to letters and bring the Cybertrucks into its service centers for a repair at no charge.

 

 

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCLRPT-24V276-7026.PDF

 

[vinny41]

The Transport Department plans to make EV-specific license plates to warn rescuers in the event of an accident

https://www.prachachat.net/motoring/news-1588863

[JBChiangRai]

9 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

The Transport Department plans to make EV-specific license plates to warn rescuers in the event of an accident

https://www.prachachat.net/motoring/news-1588863

 

From your link...

 

The facilitator will be careful and clear, or in the future, some areas will determine or give preferential treatment to this type of car first. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish it more clearly.

 

I like preferential treatment, I'm special.

[KhunLA]

32 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

The Transport Department plans to make EV-specific license plates to warn rescuers in the event of an accident

https://www.prachachat.net/motoring/news-1588863

Seems just a different color plate would be easy enough.   Don't need to over think it.

[JBChiangRai]

20 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Seems just a different color plate would be easy enough.   Don't need to over think it.

 

That won't work for people like Bandersnatch & I who opted for the coloured vanity plates.

[Andrew Dwyer]

In the U.K. the majority of EV’s have a vertical green stripe on the license plate.

I say “ majority “ because it is not mandatory and on my last visit i spotted many without the identification stripe, mainly Teslas.

 

Seems like not making it mandatory is achieving nothing !!

[vinny41]

May hybrid car sales surge 92.1%, EV sales drop 28.8%, watch June car market slow down further

 

For interesting car sales figures in May, especially in the xEV market with sales of 17,228 vehicles, accounting for 34.5% of the total car market. There was a growth rate of 17.9% compared to the same period last year. When divided by vehicle type, sales of hybrid vehicles (HEV) were 10,986 units, an increase of 92.1%, while sales of electric vehicles (BEV) were 5,573 units, a decrease of 28.8%.

https://autolifethailand.tv/sale-report-may-xev/

[Pib]

3 hours ago, vinny41 said:

May hybrid car sales surge 92.1%, EV sales drop 28.8%, watch June car market slow down further

 

For interesting car sales figures in May, especially in the xEV market with sales of 17,228 vehicles, accounting for 34.5% of the total car market. There was a growth rate of 17.9% compared to the same period last year. When divided by vehicle type, sales of hybrid vehicles (HEV) were 10,986 units, an increase of 92.1%, while sales of electric vehicles (BEV) were 5,573 units, a decrease of 28.8%.

https://autolifethailand.tv/sale-report-may-xev/

 

More and more ICEV models now days are transitioning from ICEV to HEV by installing an electric motor and small traction battery to assist the internal combustion engine.  This has the effect of making Hybrid sales increase at the expense of ICEV (i.e. pure combustion engine vehicles).

 

Heck, even the Toyota Fortuner SUV is beginning the transition to HEV by installing a small 48V traction battery and drive motor....the drive motor can not move/power the Fortuner on its own; all it can do is "assist" the ICE.   Basically this 48V mild hybrid system replaces the alternator and starter with an electric drive motor.    Even Toyota Hilux trucks are beginning the transition to HEV.

 

And then there are HEVs that have fair size traction batteries that can totally power the vehicle for a few kilometers....switch back and forth between ICE and electric power as it drives along.  So many different varieties of HEVs....some with small traction batteries and some with medium sized traction batteries.  

 

 Toyota will probably continue down the road of converting more and more of its ICEV to HEVs and then eventually get around to getting serious about producing good BEVs.

 

[vinny41]

Home EV charger catch's fire while charging overnight

https://www.thairath.co.th/video/news/topnews/hotclip/795452

[Pib]

I fully expect the charger caught on fire due to faulty/poor installation or  possible failure of its contactor/high power relay.

 

All a home EV charger is is a fancy light switch/circuit breaker so to speak as it does "not" convert/rectify AC to DC voltage....all it does is control when it closes its internal contactor/high power relay to allow the line AC  voltage thru to the EV where it's rectified to DC to charge the battery.  All the AC to DC rectification is done within the EV.

 

And the charger also communicates with the EV regarding charging safety protocols such as how much AC current is allowed to flow to the EV...the charger just tells the EV how many amps the charger can allow thru it and then the EV does not ask for more than that nor is the charger to allow more than that thru those communications...both the charger and EV are to monitor each other to ensure max current/amps draw of the charger circuit is not exceeded.  The charger also checks for ground faults, leakage current, etc., (kinda acting like a fancy circuit breaker).

 

 

Edited 9 hours ago by Pib

[motdaeng]

35 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Home EV charger catch's fire while charging overnight

https://www.thairath.co.th/video/news/topnews/hotclip/795452

 

according to the owner, the cause of the fire is unknown.

there is no damage to the car, only minor damage to the wall and roof.

a new wall charger installation is on the way ... 

[JBChiangRai]

50 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Home EV charger catch's fire while charging overnight

https://www.thairath.co.th/video/news/topnews/hotclip/795452

 

My money is on the supply not making a good contact or the terminals not being torqued down correctly.

 

It's 32 amps for 7 hours, it's vital it's installed properly. 

[Pib]

20 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

My money is on the supply not making a good contact or the terminals not being torqued down correctly.

 

It's 32 amps for 7 hours, it's vital it's installed properly. 

Absolutely totally agree. 

 

When I first looked at the video it appears the fire started at the bottom of the charger....right where the charger cable connects to the charger output terminals.  If the cable wires and charger terminals are not making good electrical contact a tremendous amount of heat will be generated at that point....the point were the cable wires and charger terminal come into contact. 

 

Heat hot enough to melt plastic, wire insulation and even the copper wires.  And of course start a fire.   In any high current/amps circuit like an EV charger, clothes dryer, water heater, etc., it's critical wire and terminal block connections are good and tight otherwise where the wires and terminals come into contact a tremendous amount of heat will be generated at that point.  But good and tight connections will result in little to no heat at that point.

Edited 8 hours ago by Pib