Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[ExpatOilWorker]

32 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

Just took a look at the Thailand DLT "registration" stats for Jan - Apr 2025 and NETA sales are heading south.   While Apr was not a great month for most car manufacturers when compared to the previous 3 months the NETA registrations had a big drop in Apr.  So far for 2025 NETA registrations have been: 985 in Jan, 288 in Feb, 237 in Mar, and 123 in Apr. 

 

 Jan is typically a good registrations month for pretty much every car manufacturer due to end of year sales typically during the previous Nov/Dec which don't possibly materialize into actual completed sales/registrations until a month or two later and then typically appear in the ensuing Jan registration stats like shown below. 

 

So, with all the recent news over the last few months regarding Neta's financial challenges and the typical registration pop in Jan, it might be best just to ignore Jan registration numbers to determine "current" potential customer buying sediment.  Hopefully Neta pulls through but it will probably be the primary home market in China versus overseas markets like in Thailand that really determine Neta's future. 

 

From Thailand Dept of Land Transport (DLT) stats website

 

 

BYD is back in the game after a 6 months streak of falling sales.

 

[Pib]

32 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

BYD is back in the game after a 6 months streak of falling sales.

 

 

Yea....if ignoring Jan stats which has typically been a distorted registrations month due to previous year end of year sales/motor shows it does look like BYD is on a roll....even exceeding 2023 sales which was a hot selling year for EVs in general.    

 

BYD now has numerous more models in comparison to "earlier years" when it was pretty much by an Atto or Dolphin then adding Seal to that line-up.   But now they also have the Sealion 7, Sealion 6 (a hybrid), and M6.    More models and choices is probably behind BYD increasing sales....along with BYD now being the 4rd largest vehicle seller in Thailand behind Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu....and I expect this year BYD will probably move into the 3rd position when not even counting Denza which BYD owns and has separate registration stats.

[KhunLA]

57 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

BYD is back in the game after a 6 months streak of falling sales.

 

I think the price war is pretty much over.   Everyone is probably done with the 'wait & see' thinking.  Entry level pricing really can't get much lower, <฿600k

 

BYD & MG have had stable pricing now.  Saw the MG line up at the mall last week, and full up ...

... couple hybrids if wanting

... low entry MG3, would be fun to scoot around town in

... larger SUV hybirds

... new S5 (ZS replacement (?), and ฿719k  (promo) 👍

... sporty, entry price MG4, couple versions starting at ฿569.9k (D promo)

... even sportier IM6 w/quick charging, and nice price for those wanting

... even dropped their ICEV line up down to near no profit prices, <฿600k.  Would think that whole line up is on borrowed time in TH.  

 

BYD with more than a few to choice from, with different price points for all.

 

Both having large dealer networks now with charging facilities, if needing.  Hard not to go with either one of those auto makers.

 

[Photoguy21]

5 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

I don’t know what the adverts told me as I don’t watch adverts (I have a YT premium membership). What I do know is that dollar for dollar, my EV is a far superior vehicle to any ICEVs I have previously owned. I also know that not everyone is in favour of EVs and that there are certain downsides. Every EV owner acknowledges that. 
 

What is sad is that there are some who are so blinkered that they won’t accept an EV is a good choice for some. Their only argument is that EVs are rubbish without being able to say why. Just from what they read, if you know what I mean…

You like them and that is great. It is your money to spend as you will. Just that they are not for me.

[Bandersnatch]

1 hour ago, Photoguy21 said:

You like them and that is great. It is your money to spend as you will. Just that they are not for me.

 

We get it. They are not for you. You don't need to keep posting the same thing again and again.

 

You don't see me on the "Attractive Lady Boys" discussion constantly posting:

 

"You like them and that is great. It is your money to spend as you will. Just that they are not for me"

 

People would probably start saying stuff like:

 

"Then why do you keep hanging out here then?"

 

"Sounds like maybe you're in denial mate"

 

 

 

[Photoguy21]

2 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

We get it. They are not for you. You don't need to keep posting the same thing again and again.

 

You don't see me on the "Attractive Lady Boys" discussion constantly posting:

 

"You like them and that is great. It is your money to spend as you will. Just that they are not for me"

 

People would probably start saying stuff like:

 

"Then why do you keep hanging out here then?"

 

"Sounds like maybe you're in denial mate"

 

 

 

I will post as many times as I want. My choice not yours

[KhunLA]

On 5/14/2025 at 12:19 PM, Photoguy21 said:

And where exactly do you need really good acceleration? The road are far too dangerous to open a vehicle up. In Germany yes no problem but Thailand I think not.

When stuck behind slow moving vehicles, and there is not enough road to pass,IF driving a less performing (ICE) vehicle.

 

The instant torque & hp is awesome at times, and much appreciated.  Once you experience it, you'll understand, and not go back to just 'settling for', low hp @ xxxx rpms.

 

Sort of like masturbation vs intercourse or BJ.   Hope that helps explain it ... 😎

 

Your statement equates to a virgin asking ... "Why should I have sex with another person, when I can masturbate"

 

Let that sink in, don't hurt yourself.

[Pib]

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

 

I think the price war is pretty much over.   Everyone is probably done with the 'wait & see' thinking.  Entry level pricing really can't get much lower, <฿600k

 

 

I agree that it appears the "cut-throat" battles in the price war are probably over.  But I also think mini-battles, skirmishes, trench warfare, etc., will continue to be very noticeable among the Chinese manufacturers during this weak period of the Chinese economy, EV manufacturers jockeying for position (i.e., trying to get out in the front of the pack even for a short while...trying to get noticed), and the tariff war.   Kinda like the Ukraine war that started off as a full scale invasion, a battle for survival but has now settled into trench (and drone) warfare.

 

Like you said I do agree prices for entry level models in the half million baht ballpark seemed to have leveled out.  But I don't think prices have bottomed-out yet for many "mid and upper price level EVs" because of  many new models being released frequently which usually means seasoned models see a price cut.  I think this model and price turmoil creates a scenario of plenty of "wait & see" thinking still going on in the EV world.

 

In closing, I'm right in my thinking about 50% of the time due to the penny I flip.  😜

 

[Photoguy21]

58 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

When stuck behind slow moving vehicles, and there is not enough road to pass,IF driving a less performing (ICE) vehicle.

 

The instant torque & hp is awesome at times, and much appreciated.  Once you experience it, you'll understand, and not go back to just 'settling for', low hp @ xxxx rpms.

 

Sort of like masturbation vs intercourse or BJ.   Hope that helps explain it ... 😎

 

Your statement equates to a virgin asking ... "Why should I have sex with another person, when I can masturbate"

 

Let that sink in, don't hurt yourself.

Slow moving traffic is the norm in Thailand and it wouldn't matter what you drive, traffic congestion will always rule the speed

[KhunLA]

12 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Slow moving traffic is the norm in Thailand and it wouldn't matter what you drive, traffic congestion will always rule the speed

Where we go O&A, there is rarely congestion, but get behind slow traffic on a windy and or upgrade road, and the instant power is nice.   Can pass where I wouldn't attempt it before, with the same car, but the ICE version.  Neither high performance, but those few seconds faster, makes a lot of difference when passing.

[Photoguy21]

Just now, KhunLA said:

Where we go O&A, there is rarely congestion, but get behind slow traffic on a windy and or upgrade road, and the instant power is nice.   Can pass where I wouldn't attempt it before, with the same car, but the ICE version.  Neither high performance, but those few seconds faster, makes a lot of difference when passing.

I would agree a few seconds can make a big difference but on these roads I think more than a few seconds is prudent.

[TronxII]

1 hour ago, Pib said:

 

I agree that it appears the "cut-throat" battles in the price war are probably over. 

If you see the prices in China for exactly the same vehicles, and if they are produced in TH, then there is still room for nice discounts.

[KhunLA]

52 minutes ago, TronxII said:

If you see the prices in China for exactly the same vehicles, and if they are produced in TH, then there is still room for nice discounts.

As long as the 'made in TH' entry level & import prices for JP's badged cars are more expensive, they'd be crazy to discount any more.   They already beat to the non CN competition.  I think the international market is their big profit market.  

[Pib]

Quick!!!!....book/reserve yours now!   Sure hope the traction battery is not lead-acid. 😜

 

https://autolifethailand.tv/thailand-national-ev-brands-2025/

"Thailand's National Electric Vehicle Brand" will launch 3 new vehicle models by the Ministry of Commerce / CHERY / KING GEN / NSTDA.

 

 

"Thailand's National Electric Vehicle Brand" will launch 3 new car models, jointly developed by the Ministry of Commerce / CHERY / KING GEN / NSTDA, produced in Thailand, using over 50% Local Content parts, opening the brand in Thailand by the end of 2025!

"Thai National EV BRAND"

 

• MPV EV 100% electric
• Pick-up EV 100% electric
• 100% electric SUV EV

That's all for today's details. Stay tuned...

CHERY Automobile, a global leader in automotive technology, and OMODA & JAECOO have collaborated with the Ministry of Commerce to develop a Thai electric vehicle brand to elevate the Thai automotive industry to become an EV production hub in the ASEAN region.

This collaboration aims to develop Thailand's national EV brand, promote domestic EV technology capabilities, and support domestic parts manufacturers to enter the global supply chain, focusing on sales in Thailand, highlighting the strengths of EV technology and affordable prices for Thai consumers.

To support Thai people to switch to electric vehicles more easily, the project also uses the tax advantages as a “Thai car” to create a reasonable price system and stimulate the domestic production chain, from parts procurement, employment to the development of a more comprehensive after-sales service network in every region.

[Gweiloman]

On 5/14/2025 at 12:19 PM, Photoguy21 said:

And where exactly do you need really good acceleration? The road are far too dangerous to open a vehicle up. In Germany yes no problem but Thailand I think not.

 

15 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

Slow moving traffic is the norm in Thailand and it wouldn't matter what you drive, traffic congestion will always rule the speed

Not sure where you live but could be Bkk or Pattaya by the sounds of it but here in CM, there is hardly any traffic congestion outside of the old town. Most of the roads are rather free flowing. The big issue are the traffic lights, they take a long time to change. This is where the instant acceleration of EVs come into their own. It allows you to be quicker by a couple of seconds which then saves 3-5 minutes otherwise spent sitting at the traffic lights.

 

Not sure how long you have been driving but any good and experienced driver will tell you that it’s always better to have good acceleration when you need it rather than top end speeds which can be nice in Germany but only on some Autobahns.

[Gweiloman]

18 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

You like them and that is great. It is your money to spend as you will. Just that they are not for me.

Fair point. But tell us why they aren’t for you? Range anxiety? Chinese made? No electricity where you live? Knowing why would contribute to a more meaningful and interesting discussion.

[KannikaP]

12 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

It allows you to be quicker by a couple of seconds which then saves 3-5 minutes otherwise spent sitting at the traffic lights.

Only if you are in Pole position at the lights.

 

[Gweiloman]

23 hours ago, johng said:

I'm very glad it doesn't have factory installed spying devices,up-datable software,require a phone signal to refuel..and is totally fixable easily and cheaply by any mechanic  without specialised tools or even having to hook up a computer.

I have made no other comments except to enquire whether EV owners are aware/concerned or doing anything about the spyware aspect..but before getting any answers receive a torrent of abuse  as if I had insulted their mothers !!

 

Anyway never mind..in other news..

 

 

I find having factory installed software to locate the vehicle an excellent feature of my EV. I’m able to see where my car is at, anytime I want. No need to call up the driver as to where they are. I also have zero concern that the CPC wants to know where my car is at any given point in time. Or that they know I listen to 80’s music while driving.

 

As for OTA software, such a great convenience, not having to bring the car into the workshop for major/minor improvements. I also need a phone signal to refuel my ICEV, to scan pay the exorbitant amounts they charge. As for minor repairs that can be easily done by any mechanic with just a few tools, I like that EVs don’t need minor repairs. Very few moving parts and all that…

 

And to answer your concerns about the spyware aspect, I have zero concern.

[Gweiloman]

5 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Only if you are in Pole position at the lights.

 

No, you misunderstand. You are coming up to the lights and you see that it will change to amber/red in 5 seconds. A fast instant accelerating EV can get you safely past within those 5 seconds, thus saving you minutes, waiting for the lights to change again.

[ExpatOilWorker]

On 5/14/2025 at 10:31 PM, matchar said:

Looks like Neta Auto is about to go bust...

https://carnewschina.com/2025/05/14/troubled-neta-auto-faces-potential-bankruptcy-rather-than-toyota-acquisition/

 

They are going to leave a lot of unhappy creditors behind...this could have a major impact on the Thai auto industry.

 

Apparently they owe Nissan Leasing (Thailand) 10 billion baht!

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40047841

More ghosts 👻 than parts at the NETA distributtion center.

 

[Pib]

37 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

More ghosts 👻 than parts at the NETA distributtion center.

 

 

 

Here's the Neta Thailand public relations 29 Apr 2025 media release talking the new parts warehouse that suppose to go operational this month/May 2025.    I've also added the autolifethailand.tv news release links.   See both link for full details.  I wonder "just how stocked" the warehouse will actually be.   Hopefully Neta will pull thru its current challenges. 

 

https://www.neta.co.th/en/news/brands-pr-news/prnews20250429

https://autolifethailand.tv/neta-spart-parts-distribution-center/

[Pib]

Speaking of "spare parts" last week I had the 40,000 kilometer checkup done on my Atto....checkup went fine....totally free.  But I did pay out of pocket for some "optional" maintenance of having the A/C "evaporator coils cleaned.  The evaporator coils are in/under the dashboard; I'm not talking the A/C condenser coils in front of the radiator. 

 

 Anyway, I went into the maintenance bay for a few minutes while they were doing the checkup on my EV and saw a big pile of spare parts and part of that pile was a Dolphin traction battery out of it wooden packing box setting on sawhorses.  This allowed me to get a good look (to include touching) of the traction battery on its sides, top, bottom, and connectors....it's very obvious the traction battery is very simple to remove and install ( i.e., replace).  And right next to it was two more traction batteries still in their wooden packing cases and the technician said those were Atto batteries.  

 

When I saw those traction batteries I got a good feeling of knowing BYD traction batteries are probably readily available from the main BYD/ReverAutomotive warehouse in Bangkok where supposedly they keep 30 spare traction batteries at all times according to a video BYD released last year.  AND at the same time I felt a little bad that if my "little" BYD dealership has 3 traction batteries then some traction batteries must need replacement---don't know if due to just normal wear-and-tear failure or from accidents as they have a small maintenance area with only three lifts.   But I do know my "little" dealership does not do any major body repair like from accidents as they are too small...don't have the necessary space and equipment...they refer accident maintenance to one of the nearby much larger BYD dealerships like the other nearby dealership I use sometimes which has a big maintenance area, 12 lifts, different maintenance areas like a dedicated body repair & paint area, etc....etc...etc.

 

Yeap, when I saw those three replacement traction batteries I got mixed feeling.  

 

 

[JBChiangRai]

17 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

Slow moving traffic is the norm in Thailand and it wouldn't matter what you drive, traffic congestion will always rule the speed

Not at all true.  Around town maybe some truth, I regularly drive between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the road often has a line of vehicles behind a truck or bus.

 

With 530hp I can overtake the whole line in one go, even with oncoming traffic.  I couldn’t do that in a lesser car.

 

I drive from CM to center of CR usually in around 2 hours 10 minutes.  I don’t drive at high speed (speed kills) but I don’t get stuck behind anything, and joining the back of a queue of (say) 10 cars, I’m still the first past the obstacle.

 

I would gladly have an upgrade to 1,000hp or more, and I would absolutely use it.

[matchar]

6 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

Not at all true.  Around town maybe some truth, I regularly drive between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the road often has a line of vehicles behind a truck or bus.

 

With 530hp I can overtake the whole line in one go, even with oncoming traffic.  I couldn’t do that in a lesser car.

 

I drive from CM to center of CR usually in around 2 hours 10 minutes.  I don’t drive at high speed (speed kills) but I don’t get stuck behind anything, and joining the back of a queue of (say) 10 cars, I’m still the first past the obstacle.

 

I would gladly have an upgrade to 1,000hp or more, and I would absolutely use it.

What happens if one of those 10 cars pulls out to overtake without looking behind?

[CLW]

13 hours ago, Pib said:

Quick!!!!....book/reserve yours now!   Sure hope the traction battery is not lead-acid. 😜

 

https://autolifethailand.tv/thailand-national-ev-brands-2025/

"Thailand's National Electric Vehicle Brand" will launch 3 new vehicle models by the Ministry of Commerce / CHERY / KING GEN / NSTDA.

 

 

"Thailand's National Electric Vehicle Brand" will launch 3 new car models, jointly developed by the Ministry of Commerce / CHERY / KING GEN / NSTDA, produced in Thailand, using over 50% Local Content parts, opening the brand in Thailand by the end of 2025!

"Thai National EV BRAND"

 

• MPV EV 100% electric
• Pick-up EV 100% electric
• 100% electric SUV EV

That's all for today's details. Stay tuned...

CHERY Automobile, a global leader in automotive technology, and OMODA & JAECOO have collaborated with the Ministry of Commerce to develop a Thai electric vehicle brand to elevate the Thai automotive industry to become an EV production hub in the ASEAN region.

This collaboration aims to develop Thailand's national EV brand, promote domestic EV technology capabilities, and support domestic parts manufacturers to enter the global supply chain, focusing on sales in Thailand, highlighting the strengths of EV technology and affordable prices for Thai consumers.

To support Thai people to switch to electric vehicles more easily, the project also uses the tax advantages as a “Thai car” to create a reasonable price system and stimulate the domestic production chain, from parts procurement, employment to the development of a more comprehensive after-sales service network in every region.

Another billion baht grave with tax payers money wasted. But surely a few politicians get their five minutes of fame at several photo ops. 

[Pib]

46 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

More ghosts 👻 than parts at the NETA distribution center.

 

 

When I saw that red banner on the building I got the initial impression it's probably a "for lease/rent" sign but Google Translate shows it's just a advertisement for loans. 

 

Not sure if I was the Neta boss I would want such signs hanging on my new warehouse.  But then again, unless someone just hung the banner in the middle of the night (which often happens with many signs/banners around Thailand....advertise for free in a prime location until the prime location property owner pulls down the banner), it would be a way for Neta to make a few baht on renting advertising space on their building.

,

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

Fair point. But tell us why they aren’t for you? Range anxiety? Chinese made? No electricity where you live? Knowing why would contribute to a more meaningful and interesting discussion.

 

On 5/13/2025 at 2:51 PM, Photoguy21 said:

Currently driving a HONDA CRV. My decision is based very much on engineering, not quality but limitations

Range anxiety it would appear, as the only thing stated ... 'limitations'.   Only possible limitation a BEV might have for some people.  Since tech heavy vs ICEV.  To repeat myself, one last time, about range anxiety ... 🙄

 

Understandable ... IF ... on the road all day and time is money, almost, unless one doesn't stop to P or eat.   Our last 'long drive' and the first leg range was just over 2 hrs, as wife had to P.  I planned on stopping an hour or so later, for a dog walk, munch & P, but, guess not.

 

Our range is dictated by bladder or stomach.  Or the dog's.  I'll say very rare, that we've ever stopped to charge the car, just for charging the car.  TBH, can't think of once, but possibly have.   When O&A, the car gets plugged in first thing when stopping.   We've never stopped anywhere, for less than 15 minutes.

 

If eating, then usually a full top up (90-95%)  by the time we're done our business.   Range so far has never been a problem, and doubt if it ever will be, as have no desire to drive for 3.5 - 4 hours at any time.  Or even able to, without a stop.  And we only have 50kWh battery, and 46.3kWh usable battery.  Most new BEV start with 60-70kkWh batteries now.

 

Limitation is not an issue at all for us.  At 3+ hrs, I want out of any vehicle I'm in.  If in the USA or EU, were one can do 100-120kph on the highway, then range for older BEV might be an issue, with a younger bladder or back.

[JBChiangRai]

1 hour ago, matchar said:

What happens if one of those 10 cars pulls out to overtake without looking behind?

They don’t have the power to attempt such a maneuver, that’s the whole point of my post about why & how high performance can be used in Thailand.

[Bandersnatch]

20 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

I will post as many times as I want. My choice not yours

 

You need to keep to the topic "EVs in Thailand" This is not a general discussion about EVs. @KhunLA has already posted about this directing you and @johng to his discussion

https://aseannow.com/topic/1246109-ice-vs-ev-the-debate-thread/

 

 

As OP I will report those who try to derail this discussion.

[khunphil]

4 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I drive from CM to center of CR usually in around 2 hours 10 minutes.  I don’t drive at high speed (speed kills) but I don’t get stuck behind anything, and joining the back of a queue of (say) 10 cars, I’m still the first past the obstacle.

I would gladly have an upgrade to 1,000hp or more, and I would absolutely use it.

That s a good speed ! I usually enjoy the scenery and take 1 more hour 😉 By curiosity, when you arrive at destination, do you still have some power left ?