Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[mistral53]

Quite interesting that in the C-segment SUV, electric cars are totally dominating sales in Thailand for the first few months of 2025.

 

[JBChiangRai]

13 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

Quite interesting that in the C-segment SUV, electric cars are totally dominating sales in Thailand for the first few months of 2025.

 

 

@ExpatOilWorker, @transam I hate to say it, but,  TOLD YOU SO

[CLW]

For those of you that use Facebook, there is a guy that reviewed his experience and costs driving over 200,000 Kms with his BYD Atto 3.

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BcMX8AsZS/

[brewsterbudgen]

I'm considering a Nissan Kicks e-power car to replace my elderly March.

 

https://www.nissan.co.th/vehicles/new-vehicles/new-kicks.html

 

Anyone got one?

[JBChiangRai]

23 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm considering a Nissan Kicks e-power car to replace my elderly March.

 

https://www.nissan.co.th/vehicles/new-vehicles/new-kicks.html

 

Anyone got one?

Be very careful, all indications are Nissan is going bust.  I recommend you do some googling about their financial situation and junk S&P rating.

 

Regarding the car itself, I think you can do better with a full EV from BYD or other large Chinese manufacturer, alternatively look at a Hybrid from Toyota or Honda.

[CLW]

30 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm considering a Nissan Kicks e-power car to replace my elderly March.

 

https://www.nissan.co.th/vehicles/new-vehicles/new-kicks.html

 

Anyone got one?

I ever had one as a rental car. The interior quality is really bad. Cheap plastic and noisy. 

[KhunLA]

12 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

Regarding the car itself, I think you can do better with a full EV from BYD or other large Chinese manufacturer, alternatively look at a Hybrid from Toyota or Honda.

Or MG line up, quite nice, and if going BEV, lifetime battery warranty 👍

 

SAIC - MG ... state owned, so won't be going bankrupt anytime soon.  I'd be leery of the legacy auto makers, as many in deep financial trouble.

 

[brewsterbudgen]

27 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Or MG line up, quite nice, and if going BEV, lifetime battery warranty 👍

 

SAIC - MG ... state owned, so won't be going bankrupt anytime soon.  I'd be leery of the legacy auto makers, as many in deep financial trouble.

 

Thanks.  The MG3 looks good.

[Andrew Dwyer]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm considering a Nissan Kicks e-power car to replace my elderly March.

 

https://www.nissan.co.th/vehicles/new-vehicles/new-kicks.html

 

Anyone got one?

As stated above Nissan’s days are probably numbered.

If prepared to go EV route I should look at BYD Dolphin, very affordable.

Or if in no particular rush you might want to check out the Atto 2.

 

https://autolifethailand.tv/byd-atto2-suv-ev-motor-show-2025-thailand/

[JBChiangRai]

31 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Thanks.  The MG3 looks good.

 

My friend just bought one and loves it.

 

I'm concerned at resale values of non-EV MG's.  The EV's fare much better.

[JBChiangRai]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

I'm considering a Nissan Kicks e-power car to replace my elderly March.

 

https://www.nissan.co.th/vehicles/new-vehicles/new-kicks.html

 

Anyone got one?

 

Here's another article out today on Nissan

 

More massive layoffs at Nissan

[brewsterbudgen]

2 hours ago, CLW said:

I ever had one as a rental car. The interior quality is really bad. Cheap plastic and noisy. 

I've been driving a Nissan March since 2014, so anything new should be better than I'm used to!

[brewsterbudgen]

A useful summary from ChatGPT:

ChatGPT said:

Choosing between the MG3 Hybrid+ and the Nissan Kicks e-POWER in Thailand depends on your priorities, such as performance, fuel efficiency, features, and budget. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

---

🚗 MG3 Hybrid+

Pros:

• Powerful Performance: Combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 hp, offering brisk acceleration. Thai Auto News

• Fuel Efficiency: Achieves an average of 26.3 km/L, making it economical for daily commutes. Thai Auto News

• Modern Features: Equipped with digital driver and center displays, ADAS package, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a rotary gear selector. Thai Auto News

• Affordable Pricing: Priced between ฿579,000 and ฿619,000, offering value for money. Thai Auto News

Cons:

• Brand Perception: MG is relatively new in the Thai market, which might affect resale value and long-term reliability perceptions.

• Interior Space: Being a hatchback, it offers less cargo space compared to crossovers.

---

🚙 Nissan Kicks e-POWER

Pros:

• Electric Driving Experience: The e-POWER system uses a petrol engine to charge the battery, providing an electric motor-driven experience without the need for external charging.

• Advanced Safety Features: Comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. WapCar+1WapCar+1

• Spacious Interior: Offers ample legroom and a generous boot space of 423 liters. Engear.tv

• Warranty: Provides a 10-year/200,000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty on the electric system. WapCar+2Nissan+2WapCar+2

Cons:

• Design: The exterior and interior design may feel dated compared to newer models. Engear.tv

• Performance: With 134 hp, it may feel underpowered during highway overtaking or steep inclines. Japanese Used Car Blog | BE FORWARD

• Price: Higher starting price compared to the MG3 Hybrid+, ranging from ฿889,000 to ฿1,049,000. Thai Auto News+1Motor1.com+1

---

📊 Comparison Table

Feature	MG3 Hybrid+	Nissan Kicks e-POWER
Price (THB)	579,000 – 619,000	889,000 – 1,049,000
Power Output	194 hp	134 hp
Fuel Efficiency	26.3 km/L	Up to 22 km/L
Drive Type	Hybrid (parallel)	Series hybrid (electric motor)
Cargo Space	Smaller (hatchback)	423 liters
Safety Features	ADAS package	Comprehensive ADAS suite
Warranty	Standard	10-year battery, 5-year system

---

🏁 Final Verdict

• Choose the MG3 Hybrid+ if you prioritize performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It's ideal for city driving and offers modern features at a competitive price.

• Opt for the Nissan Kicks e-POWER if you value a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a unique electric driving experience without the need for external charging.

[matchar]

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

A useful summary from ChatGPT:

 

ChatGPT said:

Choosing between the MG3 Hybrid+ and the Nissan Kicks e-POWER in Thailand depends on your priorities, such as performance, fuel efficiency, features, and budget. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

---

🚗 MG3 Hybrid+

Pros:

• Powerful Performance: Combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 hp, offering brisk acceleration. Thai Auto News

• Fuel Efficiency: Achieves an average of 26.3 km/L, making it economical for daily commutes. Thai Auto News

• Modern Features: Equipped with digital driver and center displays, ADAS package, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a rotary gear selector. Thai Auto News

• Affordable Pricing: Priced between ฿579,000 and ฿619,000, offering value for money. Thai Auto News

Cons:

• Brand Perception: MG is relatively new in the Thai market, which might affect resale value and long-term reliability perceptions.

• Interior Space: Being a hatchback, it offers less cargo space compared to crossovers.

---

🚙 Nissan Kicks e-POWER

Pros:

• Electric Driving Experience: The e-POWER system uses a petrol engine to charge the battery, providing an electric motor-driven experience without the need for external charging.

• Advanced Safety Features: Comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. WapCar+1WapCar+1

• Spacious Interior: Offers ample legroom and a generous boot space of 423 liters. Engear.tv

• Warranty: Provides a 10-year/200,000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty on the electric system. WapCar+2Nissan+2WapCar+2

Cons:

• Design: The exterior and interior design may feel dated compared to newer models. Engear.tv

• Performance: With 134 hp, it may feel underpowered during highway overtaking or steep inclines. Japanese Used Car Blog | BE FORWARD

• Price: Higher starting price compared to the MG3 Hybrid+, ranging from ฿889,000 to ฿1,049,000. Thai Auto News+1Motor1.com+1

---

📊 Comparison Table

Feature	MG3 Hybrid+	Nissan Kicks e-POWER
Price (THB)	579,000 – 619,000	889,000 – 1,049,000
Power Output	194 hp	134 hp
Fuel Efficiency	26.3 km/L	Up to 22 km/L
Drive Type	Hybrid (parallel)	Series hybrid (electric motor)
Cargo Space	Smaller (hatchback)	423 liters
Safety Features	ADAS package	Comprehensive ADAS suite
Warranty	Standard	10-year battery, 5-year system

 

---

🏁 Final Verdict

• Choose the MG3 Hybrid+ if you prioritize performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It's ideal for city driving and offers modern features at a competitive price.

• Opt for the Nissan Kicks e-POWER if you value a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a unique electric driving experience without the need for external charging.

Both of those would be near bottom of my list.

The Deepal S05 looks much better.

https://www.changan.co.th/en/deepal/s05-en/

[brewsterbudgen]

6 minutes ago, matchar said:

Both of those would be near bottom of my list.

The Deepal S05 looks much better.

https://www.changan.co.th/en/deepal/s05-en/

Is it hybrid?  I can't have charging at home, so don't want a 100% EV.

[Alotoftravel]

36 minutes ago, matchar said:

Both of those would be near bottom of my list.

The Deepal S05 looks much better.

https://www.changan.co.th/en/deepal/s05-en/

 

The reev version looks interesting but not much information of the total cost of ownership, Is this version cost less per Km driven than the BEV)?

 

Real life experience question for reev future owners, is do i need to fill gasoline if i have always have battery left? 

 

[CLW]

2 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Is it hybrid?  I can't have charging at home, so don't want a 100% EV.

To my knowledge, plug in hybrids are limited to luxury sedans and SUVs. 

What's your budget? If you want a mild hybrid with electric motor as gimmick, I'd go for Honda or Toyota models. 

[Andrew Dwyer]

Talking about Nissan ?

It appears they aren’t giving up without a fight and have announced the Nissan Micra ( March over here ) EV.

Initially launched in Europe but with a right hand version destined for the UK i wonder if we will see it on Thai roads ??

 

https://autolifethailand.tv/all-new-nissan-micra-march-ev-bev/

 

 

 

[Captain Flack]

A reported troll post trying to deflect the topic and all replies have been removed @ThreeCardMonte

[brewsterbudgen]

2 hours ago, CLW said:

To my knowledge, plug in hybrids are limited to luxury sedans and SUVs. 

What's your budget? If you want a mild hybrid with electric motor as gimmick, I'd go for Honda or Toyota models. 

Under a million for sure - 600-800 ideally.

[josephbloggs]

7 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

A useful summary from ChatGPT:

 

ChatGPT said:

Choosing between the MG3 Hybrid+ and the Nissan Kicks e-POWER in Thailand depends on your priorities, such as performance, fuel efficiency, features, and budget. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

---

🚗 MG3 Hybrid+

Pros:

• Powerful Performance: Combines a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 hp, offering brisk acceleration. Thai Auto News

• Fuel Efficiency: Achieves an average of 26.3 km/L, making it economical for daily commutes. Thai Auto News

• Modern Features: Equipped with digital driver and center displays, ADAS package, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a rotary gear selector. Thai Auto News

• Affordable Pricing: Priced between ฿579,000 and ฿619,000, offering value for money. Thai Auto News

Cons:

• Brand Perception: MG is relatively new in the Thai market, which might affect resale value and long-term reliability perceptions.

• Interior Space: Being a hatchback, it offers less cargo space compared to crossovers.

---

🚙 Nissan Kicks e-POWER

Pros:

• Electric Driving Experience: The e-POWER system uses a petrol engine to charge the battery, providing an electric motor-driven experience without the need for external charging.

• Advanced Safety Features: Comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, and more. WapCar+1WapCar+1

• Spacious Interior: Offers ample legroom and a generous boot space of 423 liters. Engear.tv

• Warranty: Provides a 10-year/200,000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty on the electric system. WapCar+2Nissan+2WapCar+2

Cons:

• Design: The exterior and interior design may feel dated compared to newer models. Engear.tv

• Performance: With 134 hp, it may feel underpowered during highway overtaking or steep inclines. Japanese Used Car Blog | BE FORWARD

• Price: Higher starting price compared to the MG3 Hybrid+, ranging from ฿889,000 to ฿1,049,000. Thai Auto News+1Motor1.com+1

---

📊 Comparison Table

Feature	MG3 Hybrid+	Nissan Kicks e-POWER
Price (THB)	579,000 – 619,000	889,000 – 1,049,000
Power Output	194 hp	134 hp
Fuel Efficiency	26.3 km/L	Up to 22 km/L
Drive Type	Hybrid (parallel)	Series hybrid (electric motor)
Cargo Space	Smaller (hatchback)	423 liters
Safety Features	ADAS package	Comprehensive ADAS suite
Warranty	Standard	10-year battery, 5-year system

 

---

🏁 Final Verdict

• Choose the MG3 Hybrid+ if you prioritize performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It's ideal for city driving and offers modern features at a competitive price.

• Opt for the Nissan Kicks e-POWER if you value a spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a unique electric driving experience without the need for external charging.

I don't understand the concept behind the Kicks. Pouring petrol in to combust and power batteries. Why not just put electrcity in?

I get the refueling, but if that is an issue why not just buy a petrol car or a PHEV? I don't get what problem the Kicks is supposed to solve.

[LosLobo]

11 hours ago, mistral53 said:

Quite interesting that in the C-segment SUV, electric cars are totally dominating sales in Thailand for the first few months of 2025.

 

Toyota Yaris Cross HEV dominates B-SUV / Crossover Class

[KhunLA]

4 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

I don't understand the concept behind the Kicks. Pouring petrol in to combust and power batteries. Why not just put electrcity in?

I get the refueling, but if that is an issue why not just buy a petrol car or a PHEV? I don't get what problem the Kicks is supposed to solve.

Added performance (0-100 / ~8 secs) and better fuel economy (26 kpL)

 

HEV wouldn't be my choice, but if you can't charge at home, it's an option.  I'm not a fan of 2 systems or any hybrid, as more stuff to go wrong.

[Bandersnatch]

I have always said that Teslas are overpriced in Thailand. 

 

In this example from the Tesla store, they have knocked half a million off the price of a prefacelift Model Y AWD Performance, but it’s still half a million more that the brand new BYD Sealion 7 AWD Performance.

 

[brewsterbudgen]

13 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

I don't understand the concept behind the Kicks. Pouring petrol in to combust and power batteries. Why not just put electrcity in?

I get the refueling, but if that is an issue why not just buy a petrol car or a PHEV? I don't get what problem the Kicks is supposed to solve.

Good question.  Looking forward to the answers.  Is the Kicks e-power concept any different to other hybrids (I don't know what a PHEV is)?

 

(Written before I saw @KhunLA's reply)

[KhunLA]

3 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Good question.  Looking forward to the answers.  Is the Kicks e-power concept any different to other hybrids (I don't know what a PHEV is)?

 

(Written before I saw @KhunLA's reply)

PHEV is a plug in hybrid, with much larger battery than the HEV hybrid.   To the point, that the PHEV battery will provide more than enough energy for most local driving.  No need to use the ICE part at all.

 

Hybrids simply use electric motors for better performance and since less moving parts, requiring less maintenance, almost none, for the electric motor part.  Still need the regular maintenance due to the wear & tear of petrol on all parts of the ICE it comes in contact with.   

 

Unless you are really racking up the out of town highway kms, very impatient, or time is money, then I just don't understand, having both power system in one vehicle.

 

As stated, more stuff to go wrong, aside from paying for both system.  Usually noticeably more expensive for PHEV versions.