Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[Gweiloman]

19 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Looks like a Fiat Multipla. And that's not a good thing.

I have a Danish friend that had a Fiat Multipla. He said it’s looks never bothered him as he can’t see it when he’s driving it 😁

[motdaeng]

the new model y is now available to order ...

 

https://www.tesla.com/en_th

 

[JBChiangRai]

18 minutes ago, motdaeng said:

the new model y is now available to order ...

 

https://www.tesla.com/en_th

 

 

Lipstick on a pig.

[CLW]

On 1/9/2025 at 4:05 PM, 4myr said:

In 2024 there is hardly any competition in EV models sold of Accord/Camry sized sedans:

• BYD Seal 5,156 units
• TESLA Model 3 3,238 units
• Deepal L07 743 cars

I really hope that the rumors are true that XPeng Mona M03 will come to Thailand in 2025 to shake up this segment.

Given the 50% uptick of the Thai Xpeng G6 compared to its price in China, the 420 km range M03 would be priced between 900k to 1M baht, just below the Seal Dynamic. Of course BYD will undercut this price, if it arrives in Thailand.

 

BTW the dimensions of the Mona is similar to Camry, and not to Corolla.

 

 

 

Unfortunately no drivers display. But I am afraid this might sooner or later become standard. Does it have the option for a HUD?

[Pib]

28 minutes ago, CLW said:

Unfortunately no drivers display. But I am afraid this might sooner or later become standard. Does it have the option for a HUD?

Yea....I simply don't like EVs that don't have a driver's display "straight ahead" in the steering wheel area direct line of sight.   A HUD is suitable substitute for a straight ahead display.    I do "not' want to be always glancing at a display in the center of the dash causing me to turn my eyes or head slightly to a center dash display to confirm basic stuff like how fast I'm going and other basic info.    But that is just me.  

[Pib]

 

Nice AutoLifeThailand 7 Jan 2025 article.  Total EV "registrations" for 2024 was down 8.1% compared to 2023...but I expect that percentage drop is a lot less than "total EV & ICEV registrations."   BYD and its Dolphin model topped the sales in 2024.  Below are some snapshots of some of the charts in the article.....see the article for full details.  

https://autolifethailand.tv/total-ev-bev-register-2024-thailand/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[vinny41]

35 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

Nice AutoLifeThailand 7 Jan 2025 article.  Total EV "registrations" for 2024 was down 8.1% compared to 2023...but I expect that percentage drop is a lot less than "total EV & ICEV registrations."   BYD and its Dolphin model topped the sales in 2024.  Below are some snapshots of some of the charts in the article.....see the article for full details.  

https://autolifethailand.tv/total-ev-bev-register-2024-thailand/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have to wait until the end of this month to compared total number of EV sales in 2024 against number of EV sales in 2023

We know the total number of EV sales for 2023 was 89,967

BYD stated they sold nearly 40,000 EV in 2023

based on current 2024 registrations total number of EV sales excluding December 2024 is 56,484

DLT have already stated the large number of EV registrations for January 2024 was due to the end of the EV 3.0 subsidy which ended 31st December 2023

[vinny41]

On 1/9/2025 at 1:53 PM, josephbloggs said:

Looks like a Fiat Multipla. And that's not a good thing.

It may look like a  Fiat Multipla but its interior is not as versatile as a Fiat Multipla given that the Multipla was a 6 seater 3+3 with decent storage space  of 430 litres or with the rear seats folded 1300 litres of storage space or the option of  removing the rear seats competely providing 1900 litres of storage space

and the added bonus of if you didn't want to watch the driver driving the seats could be reversed so passengers could look at the rear window

https://www.theautopian.com/never-mind-the-looks-feel-the-width-the-1998-fiat-multipla-was-beautiful-on-the-inside/

Here is another car that is similar size to the Wulling  the Toyota Yaris Verso

At just 3.86m long, 1.69m wide and 1.6m tall, the Yaris Verso still manages to offer lots of interior space. With all seats in position, it is a full five-seater with 390 litres of boot space.

owever, the Yaris Verso also has a versatility that is unequalled by other small cars on the market to date thanks to its unique design of second row 'flat-in-floor' retractable rear seats. Within seconds, any member of the family can fold away the left and right rear seats to create a low, flat floor and an incredible 2,160 litres of load space. That's more than the Renault Scenic which is a much larger car.

https://www.carenthusiast.com/ncar2808/toy_ver.htm

rear middle seat could be removed other rear seats fold into the floor allowing a 4ft double bed to lay flat on the floor

[4myr]

12 hours ago, CLW said:

Unfortunately no drivers display. But I am afraid this might sooner or later become standard. Does it have the option for a HUD?

HUDs are sofar absent in Xpengs, also this one.

[Pib]

10 hours ago, vinny41 said:

Have to wait until the end of this month to compared total number of EV sales in 2024 against number of EV sales in 2023

We know the total number of EV sales for 2023 was 89,967

BYD stated they sold nearly 40,000 EV in 2023

based on current 2024 registrations total number of EV sales excluding December 2024 is 56,484

DLT have already stated the large number of EV registrations for January 2024 was due to the end of the EV 3.0 subsidy which ended 31st December 2023

Wait till the end of January?  Why? 

 

Updated registration numbers/stats for the previous month (e.g., like Dec 2024) becomes available to the public from DLT during the first 10 days or so of the following month (e.g., like Jan).   That data for Dec 2024 (and all of 2024...Jan thru Dec) is already available on the DLT public website....and I expect some people like AutoLife probably get access to it before the public.

 

And don't expect the AutoLife data to "exactly" match what a person will get when viewing/sorting the DLT spreadsheet as AutoLife always seems to tweak that data by lumping in some vehicles from other categories vs purely reporting only RY1 registrations.

 

 

From DLT website....regristration data for/thru Dec 2024 already available.

[vinny41]

57 minutes ago, Pib said:

Wait till the end of January?  Why? 

 

Updated registration numbers/stats for the previous month (e.g., like Dec 2024) becomes available to the public from DLT during the first 10 days or so of the following month (e.g., like Jan).   That data for Dec 2024 (and all of 2024...Jan thru Dec) is already available on the DLT public website....and I expect some people like AutoLife probably get access to it before the public.

 

And don't expect the AutoLife data to "exactly" match what a person will get when viewing/sorting the DLT spreadsheet as AutoLife always seems to tweak that data by lumping in some vehicles from other categories vs purely reporting only RY1 registrations.

 

 

From DLT website....regristration data for/thru Dec 2024 already available.

December data is November sales

DLT already explained the large number of EV registrations for January 2024 date released early February was due to EV 3.0 subsidy ending 31st December 2023

There is a data set that  provides information by fuel type no need to do any sorting or data manipulation

simply click on the Categorize button and that will take you to a selection of datasets including one that is named

 Number of newly registered vehicles classified by fuel type (monthly) select which month your interested in

open up spreadsheet go to column and there is lists number of ev registrations from RY1 through to RY17

If your only interested in number of reistrations then looking at data from January ro December is fine but if you try to correlate that data into number of sales then the period that you should be looking at is 1st February 2024 to 31st January 2025 likewise for 2023 sales the period  you should be looking at is 1st February 2023 to 31st January 2024

Data from the Department of Land Transport indicate that the EV market has not been particularly strong since the beginning of the year. January recorded the highest number of registrations for the year at 13,321 units, driven partly by a rush to register before the January 31 deadline to qualify for benefits under the EV promotion plan, EV 3.0, which offers a 2% excise tax and a subsidy of up to 150,000 baht.

This rush led to a sharp decline in registrations the following months.

https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/automobile/40039276

To qualify for EV 3.0 subsidy car had to be purchased no later than 31st December 2023 and registered no later than 31st January 2024

[Pib]

40 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

December data is November sales

DLT already explained the large number of EV registrations for January 2024 date released early February was due to EV 3.0 subsidy ending 31st December 2023

 

The article is talking "registrations"....we are not talking sales.  

 

December data represents "registrations" completed by 31 Dec.  A registration is a fully "completed" sale that govt has issued the registration book (a.ka., blue book for cars/trucks).    A registration is a fully completed sale....a blue book issued although the person drove the car home on red tags once the dealership received full payment from the finance company or individual..and the person is now awaiting awaiting govt registration completion which issues the registration/ownership book (a.k.a., blue book).

 

"Sales" is only something announced by car dealerships and does "not" mean the sale actually goes goes thru.  The buyer may not be able to get financing...the buyer may simply back-out out of the deal and forfeit the deposit or get the deposit back.....the buyer never took procession of the vehicle...the sale never reaches the registration stage.

 

How long does it take to register a vehicle?  Well, you will read articles it can take 30 to 60 days but those articles are typically really talking from time of booking/deposit, time to get financing approved which can be quick to slow depending on the finances/loan worthiness of each buyer, how busy each DLT office is, etc.   But registrations can complete well before 30 days when a person pays cash, a person's finances are in good order and financing is approved within days of the initial sale, and the DLT offices is not backlogged. 

 

I paid cash for my EV in Oct 2023...it took less than 3 weeks to complete the entire sale and registration from the point the dealership said they have my car in-hand....ready for me to take possession....just need payment.  I provided the funds.....drove the car home with red plates....the dealership immediately started the registration process and it took almost 3 weeks until I had the blue book and white tags in hand. 

 

 It would have only been two weeks except the DLT wanted to personally see/feel/smell my passport versus just the self certified copy the dealership provided.  And this DLT office is the main DLT office in Bangkok...an extremely BIG and BUSY office.  The dealership wanted to keep my passport for a few days during the registration process because they said "sometimes" the DLT office may want to see/touch/smell the actual ID document....actually see the passport or Thai ID card.  Well, I did "not" want to let my all important passport to be out of my possession for days and possibly get lost by the dealership or DLT so I told the dealership lets just wait to see if DLT does ask to see the actual passport vs accepting the self-certified copy.   Well, DLT did require to see the passport....then dealership then made an appointment to take me to DLT about 5 days later for me to show my passport....after DLT saw/felt/smelled the passport about 3 days later registration completed, blue book issued, white tags in hand.   Total time to complete the registration was a little less than 3 weeks in my case which had a delay; if I had allowed the dealership to take my actual passport to DLT which would have prevented the delay the total time would have been about 2 weeks.   

 

The 31 Dec DLT data will include some registrations from sales initiated in Dec.  What percentage of the total sales made in Dec actually complete the registration by 31 Dec is an unknown number because some registrations only take a few weeks and some take a few months.

 

You can "not" wait for Jan 2025 registration date to come out in early Feb 2025 and then try to relate that into Jan-Dec 2024 sales/registrations.   There has to be a cutoff date.

 

 

 

 

[4myr]

For what it is worth. Will this awaits us in 2025?
I've asked AI search this question:
 

"latest 2025 data on ev factory utilisation china per brand like byd, geely, saic, changan, chery, xpeng, nio"

 

Answer
The latest data regarding electric vehicle (EV) factory utilization in China for major brands like BYD, Geely, SAIC, Changan, Chery, XPeng, and Nio indicates significant challenges due to overcapacity. Here are the key insights based on the available sources:

 

Current Factory Utilization Rates
Overall Utilization:
As of late 2024, China's EV plants are operating at an average capacity of around 65%. This is below the break-even point of 80%, which raises concerns about sustainability and profitability for many manufacturers .

 

Brand-Specific Insights:
BYD: As the largest EV manufacturer in China, BYD is expected to maintain a higher utilization rate compared to its competitors due to strong sales performance.
Nio: Despite improvements in profitability, Nio continues to struggle with sales volumes and may not achieve optimal utilization rates.
XPeng: Expected to sell over 400,000 vehicles in 2025, XPeng's factory utilization will depend on its ability to meet these sales targets amid stiff competition.
SAIC and Geely: These established manufacturers are also facing challenges with overcapacity but may have better resilience due to their diversified portfolios.

 

Emerging Brands:
Many smaller or newer EV manufacturers are expected to face significant challenges, with predictions that around one-third of them may go bankrupt due to the ongoing price war and market saturation .

 

Market Dynamics
Production Capacity vs. Demand: China's production capacity for new energy vehicles is projected to reach over 36 million vehicles annually by 2025, while domestic demand is expected to be around 12 million units. This creates a substantial surplus that could lead to aggressive pricing strategies among manufacturers trying to offload excess inventory .
Impact of Subsidy Expiry: The expiration of government subsidies for EV purchases could further exacerbate the situation, leading to increased price cuts and potentially more bankruptcies among manufacturers unable to compete effectively .

 

Conclusion
The EV market in China is facing a critical juncture as it approaches 2025. With average factory utilization rates hovering around 65%, many brands will need to adapt quickly to avoid financial distress amid increasing competition and potential market contractions. The situation presents both challenges and opportunities as the industry navigates overcapacity issues and evolving consumer preferences.

 

"give me your sources"

Answer
Here are some sources that provide detailed analysis on the electric vehicle (EV) factory utilization in China, particularly focusing on major brands like BYD, Geely, SAIC, Changan, Chery, XPeng, and Nio as of 2025:

 

Bangkok Post: This article discusses the significant production milestones in China's EV sector, noting concerns about overcapacity and the impact on various manufacturers. It highlights that the overall manufacturing capacity is around 40 million vehicles annually, with sales around 22 million units, raising fears of excess capacity in the market 1.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/motoring/2902652/chinas-ev-sector-reaches-10-million-production-milestone-overcapacity-fears-deepen

 

Nikkei Asia: This source reports that factory utilization for new energy vehicles (including EVs) in China is currently around 50%, significantly below the break-even point of 80%. It also mentions that several emerging EV makers have gone bankrupt due to this overcapacity issue 3.

https://kr-asia.com/chinas-ev-overcapacity-spurs-global-fears-of-more-price-cuts

 

The Diplomat: This analysis emphasizes that overcapacity in China's EV industry is almost inevitable due to local government support for struggling manufacturers. It discusses how many local governments have invested heavily in EV factories, contributing to the oversupply situation 4.

https://thediplomat.com/2024/08/chinas-ev-overcapacity-is-inevitable/

 

Reuters: This report indicates that China's auto exports, particularly EV exports, are expected to stall in 2025 due to tariff barriers imposed by the EU and reduced shipments to Russia. This stagnation could exacerbate the overcapacity issue as manufacturers seek alternative markets for their surplus production 7.

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/chinas-car-sales-extend-gains-dec-2025-01-09/

 

Fastmarkets: This outlook discusses how increasing production in China will shape the global EV market while highlighting challenges such as high upfront costs and charging infrastructure availability. It notes that around 17 million passenger EVs are expected to be sold in 2024, with a significant portion coming from China 5.

https://www.fastmarkets.com/insights/policy-changes-global-ev-market-china-ahead-2025/

 

 

[4myr]

Trying to gauge if AI search know more about price cuts in Thailand:

"are there signs in 2025 that ev price cuts in china will spill over to australia, thailand and indonesia"

 

Answer
There are indications that the aggressive price cuts in China's electric vehicle (EV) market in 2025 may influence pricing strategies in Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Here are the key points from the search results:

 

1. Continued Price Competition in China
Chinese EV manufacturers have engaged in significant price reductions, with an average cut of 10% across various models. This price war is driven by overcapacity and a need to maintain market share as competition intensifies. The average selling price for pure electric vehicles fell by 24,000 yuan (approximately $3,275) in late 2024, suggesting that manufacturers are willing to compromise on margins to secure a larger share of the market 12.

https://cnevpost.com/2025/01/06/china-auto-market-227-models-price-cuts-2024/

https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3292531/prices-slashed-again-chinas-ev-sector-threatening-unprofitable-carmakers

 

2. Potential Spillover Effects
As Chinese EV makers continue to cut prices aggressively, there is speculation that these trends could spill over into international markets, including Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The competitive landscape in China often sets precedents for pricing strategies globally, especially as manufacturers seek to replicate their domestic success abroad 35.

 

3. Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies
While Chinese manufacturers are pushing for lower prices, external factors such as tariffs imposed by the EU and potential trade conflicts could complicate pricing strategies abroad. These tariffs may lead to increased costs for imported vehicles, potentially mitigating the effects of price cuts in China on foreign markets 67.

https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2024/1209/1485393-china-electric-cars-ireland-price-batteries-tariffs/

 

4. Government Incentives
The Chinese government has extended consumer trade-in subsidies into 2025, which may further encourage aggressive pricing strategies among manufacturers. Such incentives could also motivate international brands to adjust their pricing to remain competitive 49.

https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/chinese-ev-makers-extend-buying-incentives-price-war-enters-third-year-2025-01-02/

 

5. Market Reactions in Other Regions
In Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia, local EV markets are becoming increasingly competitive as brands respond to shifts in consumer demand and pricing strategies from major players like BYD and Tesla. Price adjustments have already been noted among various brands in these regions as they react to developments in China 8.

 

Conclusion
Overall, while there are signs that the price cuts in China's EV market may influence pricing strategies in Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia, external factors such as tariffs and local market conditions will play a crucial role in determining the extent of this impact. The competitive dynamics established in China could lead to more aggressive pricing strategies among international brands as they seek to attract consumers amid evolving market conditions.

 

"give me your sources per market"

 

Answer
Here are the sources detailing the latest electric vehicle (EV) price cuts in Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia for 2025:

 

Australia

 

Chery Omoda E5:
Chery has reduced the price of its Omoda E5 by $6,000, bringing the entry-level price down to $36,990 before on-road costs. This price cut aims to increase sales amid a competitive market environment. CarsGuide 1.

 

Nissan Leaf:
The Nissan Leaf's price has been slashed to $34,990 driveaway, down from $50,990. The e+ variant is now priced at $44,990, reflecting a significant reduction aimed at boosting sales. The Driven 3.

 

BYD Dolphin:
BYD introduced a new entry-level Dolphin model priced at $29,990, representing a reduction of $6,900 from previous pricing. This makes it one of the most affordable EVs in Australia. CarsGuide 5.

 

Cupra Born:
The Cupra Born has seen a price cut of up to $20,000, with the new starting price now around $49,990 driveaway. This adjustment enhances its attractiveness to potential buyers. CareExplore 4.

 

Thailand
While specific articles detailing 2025 EV price cuts in Thailand were not provided in the search results, the general trend indicates that local manufacturers are adjusting prices in response to competitive pressures and government incentives aimed at promoting EV adoption.

Indonesia
Similarly, specific articles detailing 2025 EV price cuts in Indonesia were not included in the search results. However, it is noted that local brands are expected to follow suit with competitive pricing strategies as part of government initiatives to promote electric vehicle adoption.

These sources reflect ongoing trends in the EV market across these countries as manufacturers respond to competitive pressures and changing consumer demands through significant price reductions.

[4myr]

First impressions of Munro's teardown of a BYD car [ "not revolutionary", a mash up of existing components?, "unimpressive ride" ].

 

 

Contrast this to Japanese teardowns who looks at it from a cost/performance perspective, and not from an engineering ingenuity only.

https://insideevs.com/news/738606/byd-ev-teardown-impresses-japan/

 

 

 

[UWEB]

Just for Information

 

https://www.aboutamazon.eu/news/sustainability/amazon-places-its-largest-ever-order-of-electric-heavy-trucks

[Bandersnatch]

Starting to slowly look for an EV as my “second car” or “Wife’s car”

 

Currently my 1st car is a BYD Seal AWD Performance. It’s a great grand tourer - got back yesterday from a 900+km trip to BKK where it cut through traffic like a hot samurai sword through butter and left us feeling more relaxed and less stressed than our recent flights to the capital.

 

What the seal is not, is a car for trips to the garden center or for carting 3 labradors to the vets. It’s also not a great baby car.

 

My current “second car” is my 4 year old MG HS PHEV. There is actually nothing wrong with it except it only has a 17kWh battery and only charges at 3.5kW. A sensible person would keep it as a  perfectly sensible second car but perhaps I’m not that sensible!

 

Stopped at MG to look at their stock, we like the MG 4 but too small for our needs.

 

At BYD we have already tested the M6, available in 6 or 7 seats not a bad car but not great looking.

 

They had an ATTO 3 (now made in Thailand) in black with a black interior and it looked very smart. Here it is next to my MG HS PHEV

 

 

 

The Sealion 6 is a plug-in hybrid so didn't make the cut, so we test drove the fully electric Sealion 7 and it was very nice indeed if a bit pricey for a second car, but maybe the RWD Premium is more sensible as a baby chariot than the AWD Performance.

 

What would be your choice?

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Yellowtail]

12 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

Starting to slowly look for an EV as my “second car” or “Wife’s car”

 

Currently my 1st car is a BYD Seal AWD Performance. It’s a great grand tourer - got back yesterday from a 900+km trip to BKK where it cut through traffic like a hot samurai sword through butter and left us feeling more relaxed and less stressed than our recent flights to the capital.

 

What the seal is not, is a car for trips to the garden center or for carting 3 labradors to the vets. It’s also not a great baby car.

 

My current “second car” is my 4 year old MG HS PHEV. There is actually nothing wrong with it except it only has a 17kWh battery and only charges at 3.5kW. A sensible person would keep it as a  perfectly sensible second car but perhaps I’m not that sensible!

 

Stopped at MG to look at their stock, we like the MG 4 but too small for our needs.

 

At BYD we have already tested the M6, available in 6 or 7 seats not a bad car but not great looking.

 

They had an ATTO 3 (now made in Thailand) in black with a black interior and it looked very smart. Here it is next to my MG HS PHEV

 

 

 

The Sealion 6 is a plug-in hybrid so didn't make the cut, so we test drove the fully electric Sealion 7 and it was very nice indeed if a bit pricey for a second car, but maybe the RWD Premium is more sensible as a baby chariot than the AWD Performance.

 

What would be your choice?

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you want for the MG? 

[motdaeng]

26 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

What would be your choice?

 

if you like the sealion 7, i'm sure there will be another very nice discount later this year, possibly during the moto show 2025 in april.

it could be similar to the discount offered at the moto expo 2024 in early december, which was 150,000 thb for the sealion 7!

[Andrew Dwyer]

11 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

Starting to slowly look for an EV as my “second car” or “Wife’s car”

 

Currently my 1st car is a BYD Seal AWD Performance. It’s a great grand tourer - got back yesterday from a 900+km trip to BKK where it cut through traffic like a hot samurai sword through butter and left us feeling more relaxed and less stressed than our recent flights to the capital.

 

What the seal is not, is a car for trips to the garden center or for carting 3 labradors to the vets. It’s also not a great baby car.

 

My current “second car” is my 4 year old MG HS PHEV. There is actually nothing wrong with it except it only has a 17kWh battery and only charges at 3.5kW. A sensible person would keep it as a  perfectly sensible second car but perhaps I’m not that sensible!

 

Stopped at MG to look at their stock, we like the MG 4 but too small for our needs.

 

At BYD we have already tested the M6, available in 6 or 7 seats not a bad car but not great looking.

 

They had an ATTO 3 (now made in Thailand) in black with a black interior and it looked very smart. Here it is next to my MG HS PHEV

 

 

 

The Sealion 6 is a plug-in hybrid so didn't make the cut, so we test drove the fully electric Sealion 7 and it was very nice indeed if a bit pricey for a second car, but maybe the RWD Premium is more sensible as a baby chariot than the AWD Performance.

 

What would be your choice?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well difficult to comment on someone else’s preferences but i would agree that the Sealion 7 is pricey for a second car and could well become the first car !

From a price point the Atto 3 would be my choice, a great car imho.

 

If you are willing to stray from BYD then the Deepal S07 ( SUV ) would be worth a look but pricey compared to the Sealion 7.

 

Neta X is an Atto 3 competitor and worth a look but the recent financial problems of Neta might be off putting.

 

Geely EX5 is another mid sized SUV at a great price ( 859k + 949k ) but very new and a lack of showrooms as yet.

 

Aion Y Plus is an extremely roomy car with some nice features but is a bit fugly imho , great price though !

 

Yup, I would go Atto 3 personally.

[spidermike007]

What I find kind of astonishing is the number of new Chinese brands that are coming into Thailand with absolutely no track history. How do you spend real money on a vehicle without knowing how dependable they are.

 

We hear stories of tens of thousands of Chinese EVS, that are no longer running due to faulty battery systems, and a crazy amount of money required to replace them. 

[JBChiangRai]

Out of your list, I would go for the Atto 3 although I would probably look for a 1 year old Seal or Atto, you'll probably find another Seal AWD for the same price as a new Atto.

 

I'm also very fond of the MG4, I understand the D model now looks the same as the X with the rear spoiler.

[JBChiangRai]

13 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

What I find kind of astonishing is the number of new Chinese brands that are coming into Thailand with absolutely no track history. How do you spend real money on a vehicle without knowing how dependable they are.

 

We hear stories of tens of thousands of Chinese EVS, that are no longer running due to faulty battery systems, and a crazy amount of money required to replace them. 

 

I agree with you that a lot of the new entrants have unknown history, but you can't say that about the big boys BYD, Geely, SAIC/MG, Changan.  These are all huge, well-established companies.

 

I hear nothing of Chinese EV's with faulty batteries.  I hear of thousands of abandoned Chinese EV's because the owners (rental companies etc) went bust, but faulty batteries is almost unheard of with Chinese EV's.

 

 

[JBChiangRai]

Looking at your prices @Bandersnatch, I would go for the MG4 X-Power, it's only a little bit more expensive than the Atto 3 extended now and it's always going to be sought after on the 2nd hand market.

[Bandersnatch]

32 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

We hear stories of tens of thousands of Chinese EVS, that are no longer running due to faulty battery systems, and a crazy amount of money required to replace them.

 

Funny I only hear these stories from people who don't actually own Chinese EVs!

 

This discussion "EVs in Thailand" has been going for nearly 3 years and has over 9,000 replies. As OP I've not seen one post by a Chinese EV owner saying that they had a faulty battery that meant that their EV was no longer running. 

 

I have 2 Chinese EVs and never had a problem.

 

My house is powered by solar and Chinese Batteries, the same battery chemistry as in my latest EV. They have been so reliable, that I gave my meter back to PEA over a year ago.

 

If I were you I wouldn't believe these "stories" as they sound like BS to me.

 

 

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

What do you want for the MG? 

 

Waiting to hear what BYD will offer, before I decide whether I consider selling it privately.

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, motdaeng said:

if you like the sealion 7, i'm sure there will be another very nice discount later this year, possibly during the moto show 2025 in april.

 

Thanks

[Pib]

58 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

What I find kind of astonishing is the number of new Chinese brands that are coming into Thailand with absolutely no track history. How do you spend real money on a vehicle without knowing how dependable they are.

 

We hear stories of tens of thousands of Chinese EVS, that are no longer running due to faulty battery systems, and a crazy amount of money required to replace them. 

With all these new Chinese brands some of them have a very small dealership support structure in Thailand where you can take your EV for service/maintenance.   I wouldn't want to buy a particular brand if the dealership was more than 1 hour drive away...and preferably much closer.

 

When I bought my BYD Atto in late 2023 BYD had 101 dealerships in Thailand....many of which were in Bangkok where I live....one dealership is a mere 3 minutes away....and then another one is around 10 minutes away.....I use these two dealerships for service/maintenance.   You can take you BYD EV to any BYD dealership for support; not just from the dealership you buy the EV from.  Whatever EV I bought I wanted to ensure there was "plenty of in-Thailand" support which BYD has (not to imply everyone in Thailand has a BYD dealership within a 1 hour drive).  

 

I looked a few minutes ago and BYD now reports 133 dealerships....continuing to grow dealerships.  And just last week when I was going to the dentist in highrise mid Bangkok I passed a closed UOB bank that was being converted to a new BYD dealership.  Yeap, BYD dealerships are continuing to grow in Thailand.

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Well difficult to comment on someone else’s preferences but i would agree that the Sealion 7 is pricey for a second car and could well become the first car !

From a price point the Atto 3 would be my choice, a great car imho.

 

If you are willing to stray from BYD then the Deepal S07 ( SUV ) would be worth a look but pricey compared to the Sealion 7.

 

Neta X is an Atto 3 competitor and worth a look but the recent financial problems of Neta might be off putting.

 

Geely EX5 is another mid sized SUV at a great price ( 859k + 949k ) but very new and a lack of showrooms as yet.

 

Aion Y Plus is an extremely roomy car with some nice features but is a bit fugly imho , great price though !

 

Yup, I would go Atto 3 personally.

 

Thanks. We love the V2L on the Seal and want to stick with LFP. It would be great having to BYDs as backup power for the house.

 

Other than BYD we will have to track down dealerships in Isaan.

 

 

[Bandersnatch]

36 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

Looking at your prices @Bandersnatch, I would go for the MG4 X-Power, it's only a little bit more expensive than the Atto 3 extended now and it's always going to be sought after on the 2nd hand market.

 

Test drove the X-Power and loved it, but my wife felt it was too much smaller than the HS