Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[Pib]

And my mid January prediction (below)  of the Sealion 7 dropping in price by at least Bt150K by 1 July 2025 has come true way before 1 July with a Bt150K price reduction in the AWD model.   

 

This ongoing price war don't care if it's a super popular/on backorder or unpopular model....the cut throat pricing will continue.   Heck, by 1 July BYD could very well sneak in another price cut of around Bt50K on one of the Sealion 7 models in the form a straight out price reduction or smoke and mirrors cash back type promotion.   Both EV and ICEV manufacturers are still at war---price-wise!

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Well that was quick, and probably not welcome by those who recently bought .

 

 

[Bandersnatch]

BYD Shark 6 DMO AWD PHEV is a bit pricey for a 30kWh 100km PHEV

 

 

There is a cheaper option

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KhunLA]

Wonder if SAIC's pick up will make an appearance at auto show.  I bit too plush for me, and priced accordingly, ฿2-2.5M, from online reports.

 

Waiting for something around ฿700k w/60kWh battery and more importantly, a proper 2m cargo bed.   Don't need another SUV with small cargo bed, that my wife can't even stretch out on.

 

Kind of wish Toyota, would electrify it's 'Champ' pick up, since having a proper work bed available for it  ... OMT ... I didn't just say that out loud  

[marino28]

7 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

may i ask why you are waiting and what made you want to buy an electric car?

i was in the same position for about three years, wanting to replace my own car, and now i've been driving electric for two months... i love it!

 

i don't quite understand the hype around even faster charging and even greater range. for the average driver, 300 to 400 km is more than enough. on the rare occasions when longer trips are needed, an extra charging stop can be made ...

 

faster charging with higher power levels can only be fully utilized if the necessary infrastructure is in place. however, high-power chargers (300+kw) are still rare in thailand, and this is unlikely to change suddenly in the near future.

 

i believe that battery and vehicle technology will bring updates and improvements to the market every year. however, a real breakthrough that would be truly significant for the average driver (like most of us) will probably take more than just a few years ... 

 

 

 

I’m currently waiting because BYD is expected to release a major update this year regarding their battery technology. They’ve already announced the 1000V platform, but they’re also expected to introduce new battery tech for regular EVs soon. On top of that, I already have two relatively new cars.  I’m planning to replace one of them with an EV, but there’s no real rush.

 

In my opinion, it’s not just about price cuts.

 

Of course, early buyers have lost out in some ways, but even buying an EV now could be risky. In 2–3 years (not 10), I believe we’ll see fast charging above 300kW becoming much more common, and most cars will have significantly higher range.

 

So buying a car today with a 60kWh battery and slow charging might feel like a good deal now, but I think it could lose its market appeal very quickly maybe still resellable, but for very little. Because new technologies will be so much better, and even if we don’t really need them, they will still strongly impact perceived value and demand.

 

By the way, which EV did you end up choosing?

[marino28]

New Mg with pricing.

 

this is also interesting 64kw battery and charging at 140kw for 899

 

https://www.car250.com/new-mg-s5-ev-2025-25.html

[motdaeng]

19 minutes ago, marino28 said:

By the way, which EV did you end up choosing?

 

thanks for your reply ....

i bought the byd sealion 7 awd at the discount price (motor expo) few months ago ... the sl 7 ticks nearly everything i was looking for ... 

 

 

[marino28]

5 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

thanks for your reply ....

i bought the byd sealion 7 awd at the discount price (motor expo) few months ago ... the sl 7 ticks nearly everything i was looking for ... 

 

 

 

in that price segment at the moment

 

is the best one👍

[vinny41]

150,000 discount! Special price MG4 D 100% electric car: 559,900 – 664,900 baht (assembled in Thailand) 

• MG4 D Standard Range RWD  709,900  559,900 baht*
• MG4 D+ Long Range RWD  769,900 664,900 baht**

* Special price, discount 110,900 baht in all body colors of the D model, from 709,900 to 599,000 baht and the D Standard + Spoiler model, price 609,900 baht, plus Home Charger and lifetime battery warranty.

** Special price, 50,000 baht discount on the new D+ Long Range model from 769,900 to 719,900 baht, plus a Home Charger and a lifetime battery warranty.

 price for a limited period of time, which is between March 26 and April 6, 2025 only.

https://autolifethailand.tv/official-discount-price-mg4-motor-show-2025/

[CLW]

12 hours ago, vinny41 said:

150,000 discount! Special price MG4 D 100% electric car: 559,900 – 664,900 baht (assembled in Thailand) 

• MG4 D Standard Range RWD  709,900  559,900 baht*
• MG4 D+ Long Range RWD  769,900 664,900 baht**

* Special price, discount 110,900 baht in all body colors of the D model, from 709,900 to 599,000 baht and the D Standard + Spoiler model, price 609,900 baht, plus Home Charger and lifetime battery warranty.

** Special price, 50,000 baht discount on the new D+ Long Range model from 769,900 to 719,900 baht, plus a Home Charger and a lifetime battery warranty.

 price for a limited period of time, which is between March 26 and April 6, 2025 only.

https://autolifethailand.tv/official-discount-price-mg4-motor-show-2025/

The D model is really low spec. Wouldn't want to have it when buying a new car...

[vinny41]

1 hour ago, CLW said:

The D model is really low spec. Wouldn't want to have it when buying a new car...

Specs are something that are very  personalized I can recall on MG facebook pages for the MG ZS EV the most popular model was the D spec as it didn't come with a sunroof which the X model does and many people don't want a sunroof in Thailand

Anyone can compare MG4 specs here

https://www.headlightmag.com/special-price-mg-4-ev-motor-show-2025/

I assume people will be comparing MG 4 EV Long Range D with Atto 3 extended and checking if the atto 3 extended is worth the extra B130K over the MG

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, CLW said:

The D model is really low spec. Wouldn't want to have it when buying a new car...

 

Spec'd fine when compared to others at the same price point, Neta V for example.   49kWh battery is 3+ hours on Thai roads, with a good reserve, and a break is always welcome at that point.  Our ZS is only 50kWh, and more than enough for our 'bladder' range.

 

A 60kWh battery would be nicer, but we'd still be stopping after 250 kms, as we average 80 kph on the highways, if lucky.

13 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Specs are something that are very  personalized I can recall on MG facebook pages for the MG ZS EV the most popular model was the D spec as it didn't come with a sunroof which the X model does and many people don't want a sunroof in Thailand

Anyone can compare MG4 specs here

https://www.headlightmag.com/special-price-mg-4-ev-motor-show-2025/

I assume people will be comparing MG 4 EV Long Range D with Atto 3 extended and checking if the atto 3 extended is worth the extra B130K over the MG

 

Agree, and exactly why we didn't get the 'X' model.   Featured packed for only 70k more, but definitely didn't want the sunroof, along with the extra electronic, we don't or wouldn't use.   They are usually the complaints from owners of all vehicles.   The more bells & whistles, the more things go wrong.

 

We don't use some of the features we have now.   Main concern beside the heat from sunroof, was 2 drivers, constantly adjusting the 'electric' seat, and only a matter of time before it craps out.   No thanks, especially if it craps out after wife driving, then would have to get fixed.

[CallumWK]

15 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Spec'd fine when compared to others at the same price point, Neta V for example.   49kWh battery is 3+ hours on Thai roads, with a good reserve, and a break is always welcome at that point.  Our ZS is only 50kWh, and more than enough for our 'bladder' range.

 

Maybe the abbreviation for electrical vehicles should be EP (enlarged prostate) sufferers?

[KhunLA]

31 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Maybe the abbreviation for electrical vehicles should be EP (enlarged prostate) sufferers?

Since we're on the road for 3+ hrs, it's also time for a munch, especially 1st or last leg of any O&A.   As I'm not a brekkie person, and usually have 1st meal about 1100-1200 hrs, which is about 3+ hours after we leave the house.

 

Along with seated for long time / distances also isn't recommended for us 'mature' folks, to avoid DVT, same recommendation for those on long flight, get up and walk around.   Wife, dog & myself, one of us is already ready to P, at the 3 hr mark, if not sooner.   Since there, might as well munch, and takes nothing to just plug in the car, 1st thing, while doing.

 

When we're done, then the car is back to 90+% and we're good for the next, usually shorter leg, and check in to hotel, about 1400, or earlier if allowed.  Rare occasion and we may make another 3 hr leg, but that really is rare, as my back isn't up to that these days.  

 

Days past, and 16-20 hrs on the road wasn't rare for me, when playing truck driver.  Especially the Philly to Miami run, and simply take a short nap, a swim, a munch, and return to Philly.

 

Even with the ICEV, and 3+ hr was always our limit.   Never in a hurry to go anywhere in retirement.  I last longer than the wife anyway, on the bladder range.  Prostate isn't a problem with me.

 

MG makes an EP model ... 😎

[CLW]

9 hours ago, vinny41 said:

Specs are something that are very  personalized I can recall on MG facebook pages for the MG ZS EV the most popular model was the D spec as it didn't come with a sunroof which the X model does and many people don't want a sunroof in Thailand

Anyone can compare MG4 specs here

https://www.headlightmag.com/special-price-mg-4-ev-motor-show-2025/

I assume people will be comparing MG 4 EV Long Range D with Atto 3 extended and checking if the atto 3 extended is worth the extra B130K over the MG

I don't know about the MG ZS, but neither the MG4 D nor X model have a sunroof. But the D model literally has no driver assistance systems, parking cameras and a smaller screen. 

[vinny41]

10 hours ago, CLW said:

I don't know about the MG ZS, but neither the MG4 D nor X model have a sunroof. But the D model literally has no driver assistance systems, parking cameras and a smaller screen. 

MG4 D has rear sensors and rear cameras and it does have many different driver assistance systems

It has the same safety options as the x power only items that the MG4 D doesn't have are 

 

ELK (Emergency Lane Keeping Assist) lane keeping and lane departure assistance system

Blind Spot Assist (LCA / BSD / RCTA / RCTB / DOW / RCW)

One Pedal System

https://www.mgcars.com/th/cars/mg4-electric

[JBChiangRai]

I think I read that the D model now gets the rear spoiler, I think the car looks ugly without it.

 

The ELK is annoying and needs turning off at every journey.

[matchar]

Zeekr 7X certainly looks interesting. 800V architecture and 100kWh battery.

[CLW]

2 hours ago, vinny41 said:

MG4 D has rear sensors and rear cameras and it does have many different driver assistance systems

It has the same safety options as the x power only items that the MG4 D doesn't have are 

 

ELK (Emergency Lane Keeping Assist) lane keeping and lane departure assistance system

Blind Spot Assist (LCA / BSD / RCTA / RCTB / DOW / RCW)

One Pedal System

https://www.mgcars.com/th/cars/mg4-electric

I think you are confused between X model and X power.

Besides that, the features that you mentioned are more than useful and standard on any other EV. 

So, for me it's a no brainer to spend little extra money to go for the X model

[CLW]

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

I think I read that the D model now gets the rear spoiler, I think the car looks ugly without it.

 

Agreed 👍🏻 

 

ELK is annoying for most daily driving but quite useful on the motorway and expressway in conjunction with adaptive cruise control ACC. It's almost like self driving mode from Tesla autopilot 

[vinny41]

1 hour ago, CLW said:

I think you are confused between X model and X power.

Besides that, the features that you mentioned are more than useful and standard on any other EV. 

So, for me it's a no brainer to spend little extra money to go for the X model

MG 4 Standard Range D 

Comes with the following standard equipment:

AVH (Auto Vehicle Hold) system to prevent vehicle from moving without having to keep the brake pedal pressed

ABS anti-lock braking system with EBD

Electronic Brake Assist (EBA)

Stability Control System (SCS)

Curve Brake Control (CBC)

Traction Control System (TCS)

Hill Start Assist (HAS)

Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) warning light system systems

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) low speed automatic cruise control system

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

FCW (Forward Collision Warning) system to warn when there is a risk of a collision with a car in front while driving

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Automatic high beam on-off system IHC (Intelligent High-beam control)

Driver Monitor System (DMS)

https://www.mgcars.com/th/cars/mg4-electric

https://www.headlightmag.com/special-price-mg-4-ev-motor-show-2025/

No confusion from me as it wasn't me that posted that the MG 4  D model  literally has no driver assistance systems

[JBChiangRai]

24 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

 

No confusion from me as it wasn't me that posted that the MG 4  D model  literally has no driver assistance systems

it makes a nice change for you to be right

 

[KhunLA]

15 hours ago, CLW said:

I don't know about the MG ZS, but neither the MG4 D nor X model have a sunroof. But the D model literally has no driver assistance systems, parking cameras and a smaller screen. 

source: MG Thailand ...

https://www.mgcars.com/en/cars/mg4-electric 

 

 

 

 

[motdaeng]

3 hours ago, matchar said:

Zeekr 7X certainly looks interesting. 800V architecture and 100kWh battery.

 

but as fare as i know NMC battery, which would be a no go for me ...

[matchar]

6 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

but as fare as i know NMC battery, which would be a no go for me ...

May I ask why you don't want NMC?

 

Both LFP and NMC have advantages and disadvantages but I don't think there is a clear winner.

 

A lot of misconceptions out there though. A common misconception is that it's good to charge LFP batteries to 100% all the time.

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, matchar said:

May I ask why you don't want NMC?

 

Both LFP and NMC have advantages and disadvantages but I don't think there is a clear winner.

 

A lot of misconceptions out there though. A common misconception is that it's good to charge LFP batteries to 100% all the time.

 

LFP for me ... and the clear winner

Longevity, better, safer chemistry.  

 

[motdaeng]

10 hours ago, matchar said:

May I ask why you don't want NMC?

 

Both LFP and NMC have advantages and disadvantages but I don't think there is a clear winner.

 

A lot of misconceptions out there though. A common misconception is that it's good to charge LFP batteries to 100% all the time.

 

i prefer LFP batteries over NMC batteries for several reasons: they offer greater safety, perform better in hot climates, have a longer lifespan with more charge cycles, can be charged up to 100% without issues, contain no cobalt, and are more cost-effective ...

 

my electric car has an 82.5 kwh LFP battery. at home, i usually charge it from around 15% to 60-70%. however, once a month, i take a longer round trip of 430+ km, so i charge the car to 100%. to be fair, i've only been driving electric for two months, so my charging strategy might still change in the future ... 555

[KhunLA]

MG ZS has LFP, and since having Solar, charge when we can with excess, and usually in the 80s% back to 100% every 3rd ish day.  As soon as solar start producing over 1kWh, I'll plug in, and will be done around noon, and time for the dog to take me for morning walk.

 

Unless exploring locally, or back from an O&A, then rarely below 70%.  On return from O&A, like to come back at around 20%.  99% of charging done with Granny charger, unless O&A, overnighting somewhere.

 

Wall charger on the grid, so that rarely get used.  Have E-MC for those days it needs to be charging all day or 2 

 

Added plus that LFP doesn't mind being charged to 100% often, so no real thought involved.

[mistral53]

2 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

i prefer LFP batteries over NMC batteries for several reasons: they offer greater safety, perform better in hot climates, have a longer lifespan with more charge cycles, can be charged up to 100% without issues, contain no cobalt, and are more cost-effective ...

 

my electric car has an 82.5 kwh LFP battery. at home, i usually charge it from around 15% to 60-70%. however, once a month, i take a longer round trip of 430+ km, so i charge the car to 100%. to be fair, i've only been driving electric for two months, so my charging strategy might still change in the future ... 555

I take it you are aware that BYD recommends to charge the battery to 100% regularly, like every time? It's the only way to reliably do the battery balancing, which is necessary for several reasons - re-calibrating the GOM is just one of them.

[motdaeng]

16 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

I take it you are aware that BYD recommends to charge the battery to 100% regularly, like every time? It's the only way to reliably do the battery balancing, which is necessary for several reasons - re-calibrating the GOM is just one of them.

 

thanks, i’m aware of this, and it’s not a problem for me. 

 

the battery should be charged from below 10% to 100% with ac charging, if i’m not mistaken about every three months!

or you’ll be prompted on the display to do so. since i have an 11kw home charger, it’s done overnight in around seven hours ... 

[carlyai]

4 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

i prefer LFP batteries over NMC batteries for several reasons: they offer greater safety, perform better in hot climates, have a longer lifespan with more charge cycles, can be charged up to 100% without issues, contain no cobalt, and are more cost-effective ...

 

my electric car has an 82.5 kwh LFP battery. at home, i usually charge it from around 15% to 60-70%. however, once a month, i take a longer round trip of 430+ km, so i charge the car to 100%. to be fair, i've only been driving electric for two months, so my charging strategy might still change in the future ... 555

@motdaengmotdaeng   As we both have the same Sealion 7, your posts are very informative to me. 🙂

Just did a 10 odd hour trip to Pattaya and recharged twice. Didn't need to charge the second time but we had a breakfast break for the first charge and a lunch break so decided to charge as well.

One of the chargers finished at 95%, that was it. Not sure why.

Also the GPS system had a hiccup at a series of cross roads, 'turn left, turn right, turn left, etc then straightened itself out. I'll see if it does it on our way back tomorrow.

Very comfortable trip and don't feel as 'beaten up' as I usually feel after a long trip.