Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[Bandersnatch]

5 minutes ago, Pib said:

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. 

 

Agreed, that is why BYD is currently top of my list. 

[JBChiangRai]

I’m interested in what EV’s come from China in the large luxury type category, I think we’ll see something, maybe Honqi or BYD’s premium brand in the next 3 years.

 

I could be tempted by the Yang Wang U9 if BYD make it available at a similar price to China or the Xiaomi Porsche knock-off (SU7).

 

It’s a very exciting time to be a motorist.

[JBChiangRai]

I’m not worried about distance to dealership.

 

My previous two cars had to be trailered to Chiang Mai (Mercedes dealer 180km away) and Bangkok (German main agent 800km away).

 

As long as they will trailer them if they fail, I’m comfortable.  I don’t mind a trip to Bangkok every year or two for a service, a road-trip occasionally is fun.

 

I have 30,000 baht charging credit to use in the next 2 years so I need to start thinking about road trips.

[carlyai]

13 hours 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?

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are coming from a Honda CRV. so we wanted something with that size inside, but with more Ommmfff than the rear wheel drive 2.0L CRV. Got no real acceleration power for passing.

So the AWD Selion 7 is about the same inside size as the CRV but has that extra Grunt if needed when passing.

That's why we went for the Sealion 7. Also they wanted B 1.7 for the new ICE CRV.

 

[vinny41]

Atto2 has been seen on the roads in Thailand so expected to launch for Motor show in March along side the mg ES 5 (mg zs ev replacement

https://www.car250.com/byd-atto-2-2025-th-15.html

atto2 size wise between Dolphin and atto 3

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, vinny41 said:

Atto2 has been seen on the roads in Thailand so expected to launch for Motor show in March along side the mg ES 5 (mg zs ev replacement

https://www.car250.com/byd-atto-2-2025-th-15.html

atto2 size wise between Dolphin and atto 3

Don't know why they call it a ZS replacement, as obviously a HS BEV.

 

Dimensions of different SUV models ...

[Gweiloman]

15 hours 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. 

There you go again, making up false stories. Your anti-China bias really knows no bounds. If you want to be taken seriously, do a bit more research, and not only from anti-China sources.

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, vinny41 said:

Atto2 has been seen on the roads in Thailand so expected to launch for Motor show in March along side the mg ES 5 (mg zs ev replacement

https://www.car250.com/byd-atto-2-2025-th-15.html

atto2 size wise between Dolphin and atto 3

The ES 5 choice of name is going to cause some confusion, especially in Thailand where we already have an ES and a 5 !, thought they might have been a little more imaginative.

 

https://autolifethailand.tv/mg-es5-ev-bev-zs-ev-coming-thailand/

[mistral53]

2 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

There you go again, making up false stories. Your anti-China bias really knows no bounds. If you want to be taken seriously, do a bit more research, and not only from anti-China sources.

In all fairness, he has a point, as he obviously includes Chinese made toy cars - and for some kids replacing four AA Alkaline batteries is 'crazy amount of money required to replace them'! 

[vinny41]

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Don't know why they call it a ZS replacement, as obviously a HS BEV.

 

Dimensions of different SUV models ...

Once you move away from only looking at MG and start to look at your competion

Compared to competitors in the same and similar segments

MG ES5 : 4,476 x 1,849 x 1,621 mm. | Wheelbase 2,730 mm.

BYD Atto 3 : 4,455 x 1,875 x 1,615 mm. | Wheelbase 2,720 mm.

NETA X : 4,619 x 1,860 x 1,628 mm. | Wheelbase 2,770 mm.

Chery OMODA C5 EV : 4,400 x 1,830 x 1,588 mm. | Wheelbase 2,630 mm.

GEELY Galaxy EX5  : 4,615 x 1,910 x 1,670 mm. | Wheelbase 2,750 mm.

GAC Aion Y Plus  : 4,535 x 1,870 x 1,650 mm. | Wheelbase 2,750 mm.

[KhunLA]

59 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Once you move away from only looking at MG and start to look at your competion

Compared to competitors in the same and similar segments

MG ES5 : 4,476 x 1,849 x 1,621 mm. | Wheelbase 2,730 mm.

BYD Atto 3 : 4,455 x 1,875 x 1,615 mm. | Wheelbase 2,720 mm.

NETA X : 4,619 x 1,860 x 1,628 mm. | Wheelbase 2,770 mm.

Chery OMODA C5 EV : 4,400 x 1,830 x 1,588 mm. | Wheelbase 2,630 mm.

GEELY Galaxy EX5  : 4,615 x 1,910 x 1,670 mm. | Wheelbase 2,750 mm.

GAC Aion Y Plus  : 4,535 x 1,870 x 1,650 mm. | Wheelbase 2,750 mm.

Not sure where you're going with that one, as they don't plan on calling their car 'ES'.  They're all just B Class (small) SUVs.  

 

I don't even agree with them being called SUVs, or worse, smaller ones getting labeled SUV.   

 

A Fortuner & Mu 7 types are SUVs.   Nothing sporty or utility wise about an ICE B-SUV.

 

Just MG stating it's ZS replacement, but not using the same platform.   Make more sense to just say ZS is discontinued, and the ES is all new, or a BEV version of HS.

[mistral53]

Gawd.......... the haters will be all over this one again

[Andrew Dwyer]

23 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

Gawd.......... the haters will be all over this one again

Nah, from what i have seen from the haters on here they probably won’t understand it !!

[JBChiangRai]

1 hour ago, mistral53 said:

Gawd.......... the haters will be all over this one again

 Where is @ExpatOilWorker when you need him!

[KhunLA]

41 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 Where is @ExpatOilWorker when you need him!

MIA since 

 

Still lurking though ...

 

 

 

[Bandersnatch]

On 1/15/2025 at 6:02 PM, 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.

 

Discussions in the Bander Household has been along these lines recently.

 

The Sealion is the most attractive, but it's sloping roof line means that it's actually a smaller boot than our current MG HS PHEV.

 

At BYD today to get our SIM card updated to get GBox for apps. We asked about the Sealion delivery and were told 2-3 months!

 

Atto 3 looks good, but I was put off by the small 60 kWh battery and slow 80 kW DC charging compared to the 82.5 kWh/150 kW on the Seal. 

 

Also there is an updated model coming:

Atto 3 new model Q2 2025
https://carnewschina.com/2025/01/15/2025-byd-atto-3-update-revealed-in-china-by-regulator/

 

So we put down ฿10,000 deposit on the 7 seat M6 Extended range in Harbour Grey they had in stock:

 

71.8 kWh LFP BYD Blade Battery
Charging 115kW

Cost ฿899,000, the price has recently been reduced from ฿929,000

 

Finance:
30% down ฿269,970 with ฿629,930 to finance @ 1.98%
฿14,173/month 48 months

 

 

 

 

 

[JBChiangRai]

Congratulations

[Andrew Dwyer]

41 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

Discussions in the Bander Household has been along these lines recently.

 

The Sealion is the most attractive, but it's sloping roof line means that it's actually a smaller boot than our current MG HS PHEV.

 

At BYD today to get our SIM card updated to get GBox for apps. We asked about the Sealion delivery and were told 2-3 months!

 

Atto 3 looks good, but I was put off by the small 60 kWh battery and slow 80 kW DC charging compared to the 82.5 kWh/150 kW on the Seal. 

 

Also there is an updated model coming:

Atto 3 new model Q2 2025
https://carnewschina.com/2025/01/15/2025-byd-atto-3-update-revealed-in-china-by-regulator/

 

So we put down ฿10,000 deposit on the 7 seat M6 Extended range in Harbour Grey they had in stock:

 

71.8 kWh LFP BYD Blade Battery
Charging 115kW

Cost ฿899,000, the price has recently been reduced from ฿929,000

 

Finance:
30% down ฿269,970 with ฿629,930 to finance @ 1.98%
฿14,173/month 48 months

 

 

 

 

 

Great choice and a much nicer car than the rather strange, imho, 6 seater M6 .

With 3 dogs and a young ‘un it will serve very well.

 

Sealion 7 is certainly, again imho, the most exciting option available but loses out on practicality.

[carlyai]

2 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

Discussions in the Bander Household has been along these lines recently.

 

The Sealion is the most attractive, but it's sloping roof line means that it's actually a smaller boot than our current MG HS PHEV.

 

At BYD today to get our SIM card updated to get GBox for apps. We asked about the Sealion delivery and were told 2-3 months!

 

Atto 3 looks good, but I was put off by the small 60 kWh battery and slow 80 kW DC charging compared to the 82.5 kWh/150 kW on the Seal. 

 

Also there is an updated model coming:

Atto 3 new model Q2 2025
https://carnewschina.com/2025/01/15/2025-byd-atto-3-update-revealed-in-china-by-regulator/

 

So we put down ฿10,000 deposit on the 7 seat M6 Extended range in Harbour Grey they had in stock:

 

71.8 kWh LFP BYD Blade Battery
Charging 115kW

Cost ฿899,000, the price has recently been reduced from ฿929,000

 

Finance:
30% down ฿269,970 with ฿629,930 to finance @ 1.98%
฿14,173/month 48 months

 

 

 

 

 

Nice choice. 🙂

[Pib]

2 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

Sealion 7 is certainly, again imho, the most exciting option available but loses out on practicality.

And, I bet the Sealion 7 models undergo a big price drop (say in the Bt150K to 200K ballpark) by 1 July 2025 or earlier which will be here before you know it   I like really like the looks of the Sealion 7 interior and exterior but have not test drove one....do not plan to test drive either as I'm still happy with my almost 15 month old Atto 3 Extended. 

 

It seems the price war has slowed down somewhat but I expect 2025 to be another sluggish sales year for EVs and ICEVs with maybe a little growth over 2024 which will push many car manufacturers to offer some BIG price cuts again.    2025, especially the last half, should be another good year for folks in the market for a new vehicle. 

[vinny41]

1 hour ago, Pib said:

And, I bet the Sealion 7 models undergo a big price drop (say in the Bt150K to 200K ballpark) by 1 July 2025 or earlier which will be here before you know it   I like really like the looks of the Sealion 7 interior and exterior but have not test drove one....do not plan to test drive either as I'm still happy with my almost 15 month old Atto 3 Extended. 

 

It seems the price war has slowed down somewhat but I expect 2025 to be another sluggish sales year for EVs and ICEVs with maybe a little growth over 2024 which will push many car manufacturers to offer some BIG price cuts again.    2025, especially the last half, should be another good year for folks in the market for a new vehicle. 

Potential price cuts on EV's will largely depended on number of EV's produced locally and number of locally produced EV's that reach the 40% local content requirement for export and the number of EV's imported into Thailand outside of any EV subsidies 

Number imported EV's in 2025 taking part of the subsidy program will be reduced from 66,448 in 2024 to 34,386 in 2025 a reduction of 48.25%

and finally number of sales

[BritManToo]

Misses just tried to buy a secondhand electric car 18 months old with 30 payments left on credit from K-bank (taking over the original loan repayments).

K-bank say they don't finance 2nd hand electric cars, so the owner will need to repay the loan in full, and she will then need to pay cash.

 

Looks like we won't be getting an electric car, unless the current owner knocks 30kbht off his asking price. That can't be good for the electric car market in Thailand.

[KhunLA]

11 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Misses just tried to buy a secondhand electric car

 

 That can't be good for the electric car market in Thailand.

Tried ... that started off a bit ominous 

 

Ouch ... that's going to hurt 2nd hand market.  Even the new market, for folks not paying cash, and like new cars every couple of years.  

 

Good luck selling the old one.  Need to take what ever the tent folks will be offering, and that ain't going to be what you hoped for 

[Pib]

48 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Misses just tried to buy a secondhand electric car 18 months old with 30 payments left on credit from K-bank (taking over the original loan repayments).

K-bank say they don't finance 2nd hand electric cars, so the owner will need to repay the loan in full, and she will then need to pay cash.

 

Looks like we won't be getting an electric car, unless the current owner knocks 30kbht off his asking price. That can't be good for the electric car market in Thailand.

 

I just went to the K-bank used car loan webpage to see how much a person could finance/borrow to buy a 2023 BYD Atto 3 Extended Range EV....the answer was Bt563K.

 

 

https://www.kasikornbank.com/th/personal/autoloan/Pages/used-car.aspx

[mistral53]

5 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Great choice and a much nicer car than the rather strange, imho, 6 seater M6 .

With 3 dogs and a young ‘un it will serve very well.

 

Sealion 7 is certainly, again imho, the most exciting option available but loses out on practicality.

Just reflected on that the last word - 'practicality' - and I realized I have lived a sheltered life as that abstraction was something that never entered my decision making even tangentially......or does the need for 4WD to put all the power to the road qualify as 'practicality'? 

[Bandersnatch]

15 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

Just reflected on that the last word - 'practicality' - and I realized I have lived a sheltered life as that abstraction was something that never entered my decision making even tangentially......or does the need for 4WD to put all the power to the road qualify as 'practicality'? 

 

I have the 4 WD 3.8 seconds 0-100kph, now looking for a second car for the wife to do the school run and cart the family around.

 

Also trips to the garden center and we have 3 labradors and a husky all a bit tricky in the seal 

[Andrew Dwyer]

38 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

Just reflected on that the last word - 'practicality' - and I realized I have lived a sheltered life as that abstraction was something that never entered my decision making even tangentially......or does the need for 4WD to put all the power to the road qualify as 'practicality'? 

Practicality is reserved for the second car while exhilaration and reckless abandon is reserved for the first !

[carlyai]

7 hours ago, Pib said:

And, I bet the Sealion 7 models undergo a big price drop (say in the Bt150K to 200K ballpark) by 1 July 2025 or earlier which will be here before you know it   I like really like the looks of the Sealion 7 interior and exterior but have not test drove one....do not plan to test drive either as I'm still happy with my almost 15 month old Atto 3 Extended. 

 

It seems the price war has slowed down somewhat but I expect 2025 to be another sluggish sales year for EVs and ICEVs with maybe a little growth over 2024 which will push many car manufacturers to offer some BIG price cuts again.    2025, especially the last half, should be another good year for folks in the market for a new vehicle. 

I've driven it and love it. Inside space wise is as big as my Honda CRV, that swept look is deceiving.

[JBChiangRai]

10 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

Also trips to the garden center and we have 3 labradors and a husky all a bit tricky in the seal 

My dog fits anywhere, no doggy smells too.

 

 

[mistral53]

BYD just decided to nuke the entire car industry:

 

https://carnewschina.com/2025/01/17/byd-to-ship-autopilot-features-across-entire-lineup-from-seagull-to-yangwang-u8-in-2025/

 

I truly believe this is a game changer when they “democratize” access to L2+ smart driving from the cheapest to the $200k model in their line-up. This is a price war paired with a very real technological impact.

 

We live in deed in golden car times!

 

Of course, it begs the question how much Tesla share prices will jump on this news on Monday - the $10,000 for FSD starts to look rather silly right now.