Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[Pib]

It will probably just be another infotainment system function like most of the Advanced Driving Assistance System (AFAS) functions in my BYD Atto that I turn off now.  😀

 

The only intelligent driving system I trust (especially Thailand driving) is my own senses and brains; not computer software and algorithms doing the driving.

[KhunLA]

On 1/17/2025 at 2:08 PM, Bandersnatch said:

Looks like you could sleep in that 

 

That's 38 cm longer than our ZS 

[yankee99]

23 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. 

there's a shortage of the sealion 7 in Thailand what would motivate byd to cut the price ?

[Pib]

5 minutes ago, yankee99 said:

there's a shortage of the sealion 7 in Thailand what would motivate byd to cut the price ?

Any shortage won't last long....almost always slow delivery for a few months of any new BYD model. After the initial spike in sales and interest begins to wain the price cuts begin as this price war continues.  Yeap, by 1 July.

[BritManToo]

21 hours ago, Pib said:

 

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

That's odd cos they offered her credit on secondhand ICE, just not EV.

[Pib]

The BYD Seal came out on top in the "D-Segment" for total registrations in 2024....beat out number 2 Honda Accord and number 3 Toyota Camry.   Then we have two more BEVs coming in at number 4 and 5 followed by Mazada ICEV at number 6.    Looks like BEVs are now dominating the Thailand D-segment.   See below 18 Jan 2025 car250 article....see weblink for full story.

 

D-segment cars are mid-size family cars or sedans that are longer and wider than cars in lower segments. They are designed to be comfortable and have enough room for passengers and luggage.

 

https://www.car250.com/d-segment-th-2567-1.html

 

[vinny41]

A source in the automotive industry revealed to Autolifethailand that the total sales of cars in the Thai car market in 2024 were 573,000 units, down 26.09% compared to the previous year, which is the lowest sales in 15 years due to the economic slowdown , strictness of financial institutions ( finance ) , and high household debt. 

TOYOTA has total sales of 220,356 units , down 17.14%.

ISUZU has total sales of 85,582 units , down  43.67%.

HONDA has total sales of 76,574 units, down 18.83%.

MITSUBISHI has total sales of 27,318 units , down 16.38%.

BYD's total sales were 26,981 units, down 11.34%.

FORD had total sales of 20,893 vehicles, down 42.73%.

MG had total sales of 17,239 units, down 36.88%.

NISSAN had total sales of 9,427 units, down 42.60%.

MAZDA had total sales of 9,220 units, down 44.27%.

GWM's total sales were 7,364 units, down 43.52%.

https://autolifethailand.tv/annual-sales-report-2024/

[4myr]

On 1/17/2025 at 5:39 PM, 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. 

 

Agree on sluggish sales this year, but for Sealion 7 to drop that far will be too much of a stretch. BYD does not need to as competition in this segment is not so fierce as in Australia. Last Motor Expo's introductory price of 1.15M will be enough to blast any ICE [CRV, CX5] or EV [Deepal S7, Xpeng G6, Tesla MY] competition. Expect this price again at coming April Motor Show.

 

Note that SL7 is still fresh. The Seal's price drop of more than 200k is because the model that is sold in Thailand is the same MY23, more than a year after it's launch. In China they already sell MY25 with 800V architecture, and in Australia they are selling a minor upgrade of MY24 with electric sunshade added for almost the same discounted price as the MY23 model in Thailand

[josephbloggs]

2 hours ago, Pib said:

The BYD Seal came out on top in the "D-Segment" for total registrations in 2024....beat out number 2 Honda Accord and number 3 Toyota Camry.   Then we have two more BEVs coming in at number 4 and 5 followed by Mazada ICEV at number 6.    Looks like BEVs are now dominating the Thailand D-segment.   See below 18 Jan 2025 car250 article....see weblink for full story.

 

D-segment cars are mid-size family cars or sedans that are longer and wider than cars in lower segments. They are designed to be comfortable and have enough room for passengers and luggage.

 

https://www.car250.com/d-segment-th-2567-1.html

 

What I find most amazing about this is that 805 people can get over the Ora 07's looks.

[Pib]

13 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

What I find most amazing about this is that 805 people can get over the Ora 07's looks.

Preaching to the choir when I say personal preferences vary greatly in what looks great to one person while looking not-so-great (disliked) to another person. 

 

Like for me and Neta V's.  I'm perfectly OK with the looks of a Neta V "as long as it's not a pink one."  I think why I probably dislike the looks of a "pink" Neta V is because it reminds me of a medicine many mother's gave kids for upset stomach.....Pepto Bismol medicine...which is almost the same pink color.  I still distinctly remember my Mom giving me as a kid Pepto Bismol for an upset stomach...while it didn't have a terrible taste it still had a taste I disliked.  Memories, memories.... 

 

 

 

 

 

[josephbloggs]

So many EVs in my soi now, including a lovely MG Cyberster. Anyway, my opposite neighbour has a Haval Jolion. It makes so much noise, even when parked (I've never heard the ICE running, he only uses it in EV mode) it makes this whining noise. It is so loud I can hear it from inside my house.

Just wondering if this is normal or if there is something wrong with his? I've never heard any PHEV or EV make this loud whining before. Just curious. @Gweiloman has a Haval if I remember correctly. Does yours make this noise in EV mode?

[4myr]

 

 

 

 

 

A few days ago I test drove the Seal Premium. I was attracted by the big discount [1.1 M for Premium] and the long range [570 km WLTP]. At the moment only the Aion V can beat this on price.

 

I was most impressed by the dynamic handling and noise suppression. I also drove on dirt roads and on roads with small road bumps. The suspension is stiff as a Mazda. Except on road bumps, it will bounce a little bit longer.

 

Two things did put me off. Although the sunroof is silver coated at the factory, and additional ceramic film has been added, it felt a bit too warm inside, due to the full black color of the interior, including the pillars, and perhaps not optimal AC cooling. It was set at 23 C while in my Mazda with light interior 26 C is cool enough. Also the trunk space did not fulfill my requirement. Two 28 inch luggage suitcases did not fit. The width is only 1 meter and my suitcase is 54 cm wide.

 

The Seal is from MY23. This is visible in the software. Contrary to Sealion 7 there are no nav directions on the HUD and no small nav map on the driver's display. In 2025 I also expect native route planning with on-route chargers similar to the ABRP app.

 

For my next EV quest in 2025 two cars are remaining. After driven the Seal, I will only consider RWD cars.

 

Hopefully in coming Bangkok Motor Show the Deepal S05 will be launched. And that the SL7 will be lowered in price.
The S05 has in total more boot/frunk space than SL7 [651L vs 578L]. And the car is 450 km lighter, so more efficient and it can charge faster. Let's see if in Thailand the S05 can charge more km/min, as chargers with more than 125kw are still limited. 

 

S05 driving review [turn on subtitles]: 

 

 

Sealion 7 driven in Thailand:

 

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

So many EVs in my soi now, including a lovely MG Cyberster. Anyway, my opposite neighbour has a Haval Jolion. It makes so much noise, even when parked (I've never heard the ICE running, he only uses it in EV mode) it makes this whining noise. It is so loud I can hear it from inside my house.

Just wondering if this is normal or if there is something wrong with his? I've never heard any PHEV or EV make this loud whining before. Just curious. @Gweiloman has a Haval if I remember correctly. Does yours make this noise in EV mode?

I had a Haval Jolion for a while and in EV mode it was completely silent, that sounds like the air compressor is working overtime !

 

[Pib]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

So many EVs in my soi now, including a lovely MG Cyberster. Anyway, my opposite neighbour has a Haval Jolion. It makes so much noise, even when parked (I've never heard the ICE running, he only uses it in EV mode) it makes this whining noise. It is so loud I can hear it from inside my house.

Just wondering if this is normal or if there is something wrong with his? I've never heard any PHEV or EV make this loud whining before. Just curious. @Gweiloman has a Haval if I remember correctly. Does yours make this noise in EV mode?

Sounds likes the electric A/C scroll  compressor running at Max cooling level and/or a really low cabin temperature.

 

Even the  BYD Atto electric A/C scroll compressor can be loud for a "few" minutes (like in above recording when) when first starting the car after its been setting in hot summer temperature/sunshine....the electric A/C compressor spins at max RPM ( which can a somewhat whining loud sound)  to cool down the hot cabin as fast as possible.   After getting the cabin temp cooled down the compressor spins much slower and quieter.

 

While setting in the car it don't sound that loud at Max cooling but if standing outside the car it can sound a little loud especially since it's high pitch.

[JBChiangRai]

1 hour ago, 4myr said:

Two things did put me off. Although the sunroof is silver coated at the factory, and additional ceramic film has been added, it felt a bit too warm inside, due to the full black color of the interior, including the pillars, and perhaps not optimal AC cooling. It was set at 23 C while in my Mazda with light interior 26 C is cool enough. Also the trunk space did not fulfill my requirement. Two 28 inch luggage suitcases did not fit. The width is only 1 meter and my suitcase is 54 cm wide.

 

There is an ECO setting on the air conditioning in the Seal, if that's set then cooling is hopeless. I find my Seal's cooling to be excellent.

 

The roof panel is silver coated on the outside in the factory.  It will get hot if parked in the sun and if there is an aftermarket tint on the underside then it will get even hotter.

 

I have not found there to be much heated transmitted in from the glass panel, but if you park in the sun then the glass panel can get very hot, the airflow over it as the car is moving, keeps it cool.

[Bandersnatch]

2 hours ago, 4myr said:

Although the sunroof is silver coated at the factory, and additional ceramic film has been added, it felt a bit too warm inside, due to the full black color of the interior, including the pillars, and perhaps not optimal AC cooling.

 

I chose to not fit any black privacy film. I felt that installing black film on top of the silver coated glass roof would actually make it hotter.

 

Here is a video I did when I got the car.

 

 

[JBChiangRai]

20 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

I chose to not fit any black privacy film. I felt that installing black film on top of the silver coated glass roof would actually make it hotter.

 

 

Science confirms you are correct, installing a tinted film under the roof glass will make the glass hotter.

[josephbloggs]

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Sounds likes the electric A/C scroll  compressor running at Max cooling level and/or a really low cabin temperature.

 

Even the  BYD Atto electric A/C scroll compressor can be loud for a "few" minutes (like in above recording when) when first starting the car after its been setting in hot summer temperature/sunshine....the electric A/C compressor spins at max RPM ( which can a somewhat whining loud sound)  to cool down the hot cabin as fast as possible.   After getting the cabin temp cooled down the compressor spins much slower and quieter.

 

While setting in the car it don't sound that loud at Max cooling but if standing outside the car it can sound a little loud especially since it's high pitch.

Thanks to you and @Andrew Dwyer - curiosity sated. Seems like that is what it must be as it does go up and down in pitch. It is so loud though, even when it is in his driveway I can hear it in my house with windows and doors closed and A/C running.

[4myr]

A CNBC classic on Chinese EVs vs Tesla:

 

 

[TronxII]

Does anyone have seen or heard about tow bars for trailers on any of the more budget like EVs? I know that the Thai don't use trailers that much, but maybe some rural area guy would have this? Most likely the BYD shark would have this option, but even the Riddara pickup would still be at the very upper end of my budget. Therefore the most reasonable option for me would be some Neta, Dolphin or so with a tow bar and a trailer which I would bring from europe.

[Andrew Dwyer]

6 hours ago, TronxII said:

Does anyone have seen or heard about tow bars for trailers on any of the more budget like EVs? I know that the Thai don't use trailers that much, but maybe some rural area guy would have this? Most likely the BYD shark would have this option, but even the Riddara pickup would still be at the very upper end of my budget. Therefore the most reasonable option for me would be some Neta, Dolphin or so with a tow bar and a trailer which I would bring from europe.

Not all EV’s are approved for towing :

https://pod-point.com/guides/your-guide-to-towing-with-an-ev?srsltid=AfmBOoo3csUVeffi7qI0kHfg7hfvmPk3aOvjgb8ai0ZnmzAIZrRvFBtP
 

With that in mind and also the relative rarity of towing here in Thailand ( with the exception of pickups ) I would say its unlikely to find an off the shelf tow-bar but maybe on the online sites.

 

Incidentally I saw a Tesla yesterday in a beautiful Army Green wrap with a tow bar fitted.

 

Reminded me of a few years ago when i considered fitting a tow bar to carry the family bicycles on a small trailer to a lovely 3 km bike track near my home.

The extremely busy road meant we couldn’t cycle there and was for this reason I abandoned the idea, as we usually went to the bike track around 4.30/5.00 pm we would encounter the start of the pm rush hour. A small trailer would undoubtedly get side swiped sooner or later by one of those idiots zig zagging recklessly on the highway.

[KhunLA]

7 hours ago, TronxII said:

Does anyone have seen or heard about tow bars for trailers on any of the more budget like EVs? I know that the Thai don't use trailers that much, but maybe some rural area guy would have this? Most likely the BYD shark would have this option, but even the Riddara pickup would still be at the very upper end of my budget. Therefore the most reasonable option for me would be some Neta, Dolphin or so with a tow bar and a trailer which I would bring from europe.

The Riddra RD6 starts at 899k, quite the bargain, and far from 'upper end' of any budget for those specs.

 

You need to raise you budget if wanting something designed for towing.  I don't think 559k is going to cut it.

 

Even our MG ZS only has a 500kg max towing weight, with only a 75kg down weight.  

 

What do you plan on towing ?

[Pib]

8 hours ago, TronxII said:

Does anyone have seen or heard about tow bars for trailers on any of the more budget like EVs? I know that the Thai don't use trailers that much, but maybe some rural area guy would have this? Most likely the BYD shark would have this option, but even the Riddara pickup would still be at the very upper end of my budget. Therefore the most reasonable option for me would be some Neta, Dolphin or so with a tow bar and a trailer which I would bring from europe.

Here's how Google AI responded to my query about "BYD vehicles with towing capability."   Maybe an Atto 3 at around Bt900K would work for you.   But I would double check with BYD...want to see some printed BYD specs confirming its towing rating versus just blindly believing some google search.

 

 

 

[yankee99]

8 hours ago, KhunLA said:

The Riddra RD6 starts at 899k, quite the bargain, and far from 'upper end' of any budget for those specs.

 

You need to raise you budget if wanting something designed for towing.  I don't think 559k is going to cut it.

 

Even our MG ZS only has a 500kg max towing weight, with only a 75kg down weight.  

 

What do you plan on towing ?

that 899 spec is really stripped down and no heater can be a issue 

[Yodarapper]

On 1/17/2025 at 7:43 PM, Pib said:

 

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

hoping it’s a bit more as I’m supposedly laying 20% which is 179k downpayment and rest is supposed to be financed….🤷‍♂️

[Pib]

2 minutes ago, Yodarapper said:

hoping it’s a bit more as I’m supposedly laying 20% which is 179k downpayment and rest is supposed to be financed….🤷‍♂️

It should be as BYD has special arrangements with certain banks as listed below.  Plus you are buying a new 2024 model, right? You are not buying a used vehicle, right?

 

Heck the day you drive a new vehicle from the dealership the car is now a used vehicle and you could never sell it for the price you just paid for it.  It's kinda like the day you drive it home its "resell value" has significantly dropped.

 

• Quote

  Participating financial institutions include Bank of Ayudhya Public Company Limited, Kasikorn Leasing Company Limited, and Siam Commercial Bank Public Company Limited.

   

[TronxII]

15 hours ago, KhunLA said:

The Riddra RD6 starts at 899k, quite the bargain, and far from 'upper end' of any budget for those specs.

What do you plan on towing ?

Yeah, actually this gives a good reason to buy the Riddara.

The aim is to get half a palette of concrete blocks and some cement, 2m solar panels etc.  from time to time. A trailer would be nice here.

Also I feel the need for one of these little diggers. They weigh from 550kg + .

Let's hope 2025 is as bad for EV as the previous year, with another big round of price cuts.

 

 

[KhunLA]

8 minutes ago, TronxII said:

Yeah, actually this gives a good reason to buy the Riddara.

The aim is to get half a palette of concrete blocks and some cement, 2m solar panels etc.  from time to time. A trailer would be nice here.

Also I feel the need for one of these little diggers. They weigh from 550kg + .

Let's hope 2025 is as bad for EV as the previous year, with another big round of price cuts.

 

 

The Riddara is the less expensive of the 2 hitting the market in Thailand.  So don't think they'll be cutting the price.

 

MG Maxus is pretty cushy, so can't see that being <2M

 

Crossed my mind to get the Riddara, as in my price range, but wanted for converting to RV.   Having a pick up would be handy locally also, but since everything is delivered here, not really necessary.

 

Talk myself out of it, as 2 four wheel vehicles is overkill for us.  Wife will never give up the ZS.

 

[TronxII]

7 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

...  Having a pick up would be handy locally also, but since everything is delivered here, not really necessary.

 

Talk myself out of it, as 2 four wheel vehicles is overkill for us.  Wife will never give up the ZS.

 

Yeah this is what wife says, can just let them deliver the stuff.

Therefore the little digger... gives a reason for the Pickup 🙂

 

By the way, the excavator in the picture is also electric. 60k B , but they want 160kB delivery from China LOL.

[vinny41]

1 hour ago, TronxII said:

Yeah, actually this gives a good reason to buy the Riddara.

The aim is to get half a palette of concrete blocks and some cement, 2m solar panels etc.  from time to time. A trailer would be nice here.

Also I feel the need for one of these little diggers. They weigh from 550kg + .

Let's hope 2025 is as bad for EV as the previous year, with another big round of price cuts.

 

 

Imported EV pickup trucks no subsidy

Thai locally builtEV  pickup trucks B100K subsidy until the end of 2027

RD6 has been discontinued in China due to poor sales it has been replaced by The Radar King Kong

have to wait and see if it comes to Thailand

https://carnewschina.com/2024/12/23/geely-backed-radar-king-kong-pickup-truck-launched-in-china-for-13700-usd/