Electric Vehicles in Thailand

[JBChiangRai]

1 hour ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

DLT is really slacking off this month. It is almost as if they are embarrassed to share the low EV registration numbers.

Meanwhile, let's learn something new.

 

There are temperature sensors in the socket.

 

Heat is a real issue.  With some of the ultra fast charging around the corner, some are looking at liquid cooling.

 

I wonder how long it will be before someone realises there’s a lot of copper in those fast DC chargers and starts cutting them off.

[Andrew Dwyer]

13 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Back to EVs in Thailand, I just saw my first BYD Seal U on the road. Looked pretty nice, it was all black and very shiny.

Does anyone know the spec or how much they cost? BYD's Thai website is pretty poor, it only has the Atto 3 on there.

https://www.byd.com/en-th

Not much more on the European site, only gives range and battery size, but some pretty pictures.

https://www.byd.com/eu/car/seal-u

Edited June 5 by Andrew Dwyer

[ExpatOilWorker]

19 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

There are temperature sensors in the socket.

 

Heat is a real issue.  With some of the ultra fast charging around the corner, some are looking at liquid cooling.

 

I wonder how long it will be before someone realises there’s a lot of copper in those fast DC chargers and starts cutting them off.

They already read your post....

 

[Andrew Dwyer]

More info about the Seal U DM-I than the Seal U ( confusing isn’t it ) anyway ….. anyone for a PHEV ?

 

https://autolifethailand.tv/byd-seal-u-dm-i-hybrid-ev-bev-coming-thailand-motor-show-2024/

[mistral53]

January to April 2024, compared to same period last year, overall sales are down 23.9%, one player is bucking the trend...... 😇

[ExpatOilWorker]

3 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

January to April 2024, compared to same period last year, overall sales are down 23.9%, one player is bucking the trend...... 😇

That is pretty bad new......for BYD.

They booked nearly 8,000 registrations in January 2024, but after that it was pretty abysmal. 

Anyhow, it is old news, we are waiting for May's numbers. 

[vinny41]

11 minutes ago, mistral53 said:

January to April 2024, compared to same period last year, overall sales are down 23.9%, one player is bucking the trend...... 😇

These are not sales numbers they are registration numbers and it includes Sales figures from December 2023

The registrations numbers for BYD for February 2024, March 2024 and April 2024 total combined figure is 3,097 

[Pib]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

Back to EVs in Thailand, I just saw my first BYD Seal U on the road. Looked pretty nice, it was all black and very shiny.

Does anyone know the spec or how much they cost? BYD's Thai website is pretty poor, it only has the Atto 3 on there.

https://www.byd.com/en-th

 

You sure you didn't see a 2024 "black" Atto 3?   For 2024 they dropped the red color and replaced it with black.   I've seen several black Atto 3's on the roads.

 

Don't use above website...it hasn't been update for years.  Use below which is the website of the sole/official distributor of BYD vehicles in Thailand....it's where the BYD dealerships get all of their BYD cars.  And I didn't think the BYD Seal U had been released yet in Thailand....it's not shown as an available model at below website.

https://www.reverautomotive.com/en/rever-care

[josephbloggs]

17 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

You sure you didn't see a 2024 "black" Atto 3?   For 2024 they dropped the red color and replaced it with black.   I've seen several black Atto 3's on the roads.

 

No, it was definitely a Seal U. Red plates. Maybe it's an advance model for dealers, not sure, but definitely was a Seal U. I was going to take a photo but we were driving in opposite directions and by the time I got my phone he'd already gone past. 

 

Quote

Don't use above website...it hasn't been update for years.  Use below which is the website of the sole/official distributor of BYD vehicles in Thailand....it's where the BYD dealerships get all of their BYD cars.  And I didn't think the BYD Seal U had been released yet in Thailand....it's not shown as an available model at below website.

https://www.reverautomotive.com/en/rever-care

Ah thank you, this is helpful. Looks like it's not released so it must be either an advance for the dealers or perhaps a grey import?

It was on Thonglor so I'm going for hi-so Thai wanting one first so importing it through the grey market. But just a guess.

Edited June 5 by josephbloggs

[ExpatOilWorker]

35 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

No, it was definitely a Seal U. Red plates. Maybe it's an advance model for dealers, not sure, but definitely was a Seal U. I was going to take a photo but we were driving in opposite directions and by the time I got my phone he'd already gone past. 

 

Ah thank you, this is helpful. Looks like it's not released so it must be either an advance for the dealers or perhaps a grey import?

It was on Thonglor so I'm going for hi-so Thai wanting one first so importing it through the grey market. But just a guess.

Most definitely it was a BYD Seal U-fo.

Edited June 5 by ExpatOilWorker

[vinny41]

On 6/4/2024 at 6:38 AM, ExpatOilWorker said:

Moved a bit closer to "Confirmed".

https://autolifethailand.tv/insurance-bev-2567/

 

However, because the amount of electric cars in Thailand is still in the beginning stages of growth and is still a new technology. As a result, repair costs and replacement parts costs when damage occurs to the vehicle are still 20-30% higher than normal cars on average. Therefore, although the price trend for electric vehicle insurance premiums in 2024 may gradually decrease, they may still be higher than insurance premiums. General cars in the same price range

Thailand:General insurers form group to study EV insurance

Mr Wasit said, “Because most EV cars are new cars, insurance companies have not yet seen the claim rates. So I understand that there is still enough profit. But now, there are clear signs that the loss ratio of EVs in the market has increased significantly, reaching the level of 90-100%, which is close to a loss.” The costs of repairs and spare parts for EVs are 50-60% higher than for combustion vehicles.

https://www.asiainsurancereview.com/News/View-NewsLetter-Article/id/88427/Type/eDaily

Commission rates of 18% if you use an agent or broker seems rather high

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

40 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

Thailand:General insurers form group to study EV insurance

Mr Wasit said, “Because most EV cars are new cars, insurance companies have not yet seen the claim rates. So I understand that there is still enough profit. But now, there are clear signs that the loss ratio of EVs in the market has increased significantly, reaching the level of 90-100%, which is close to a loss.” The costs of repairs and spare parts for EVs are 50-60% higher than for combustion vehicles.

https://www.asiainsurancereview.com/News/View-NewsLetter-Article/id/88427/Type/eDaily

Commission rates of 18% if you use an agent or broker seems rather high

 

The insurance myth is hereby confirmed. 

Insurance companies realized they were under-bidding each other, so once the free first year insurance expires, expect to pay a premium.

 

[vinny41]

1 hour ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

The insurance myth is hereby confirmed. 

Insurance companies realized they were under-bidding each other, so once the free first year insurance expires, expect to pay a premium.

 

I must admit I wasn't aware 2nd year insurance for a Tesla Model 3 was so expensive at 58,500 baht with a capital amount of 1,550,000 baht

sad story here of Tesla model 3 driver that crashed into a number of concrete poles to avoid a Burmese motorbike that moved into the lane he was travelling in

Burmese motorcyclist no driving license 

Repair costs B1,8 million insurance capital amount B1,550,000 shortfall of B250,000

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2389905174463399/permalink/7592494694204395

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

1 hour ago, vinny41 said:

I must admit I wasn't aware 2nd year insurance for a Tesla Model 3 was so expensive at 58,500 baht with a capital amount of 1,550,000 baht

sad story here of Tesla model 3 driver that crashed into a number of concrete poles to avoid a Burmese motorbike that moved into the lane he was travelling in

Burmese motorcyclist no driving license 

Repair costs B1,8 million insurance capital amount B1,550,000 shortfall of B250,000

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2389905174463399/permalink/7592494694204395

 

Very nice write up and he doesn't blame the poor Burmese family.

Rough say foe EVs. Here is what is left of a Volvo XC40.

 

[vinny41]

2 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

The insurance myth is hereby confirmed. 

Insurance companies realized they were under-bidding each other, so once the free first year insurance expires, expect to pay a premium.

 

New EV insurance criteria breaks because the software doesn't take responsibility.

'Exemption from responsibility for software errors'  because car insurance aims to prevent errors and cover accidents caused by humans only. But if an error causes an accident from the vehicle's own software system, such as the auto-pilot system, the insurance company will not be responsible for this part.

OIC clearly stated on page 28.

For example:

The car's auto-pilot system was turned on to drive for us, but the system made a mistake and caused it to turn and hit the side of the road, causing an accident. In this way, the insurance company will 'Not covered' 

https://techsauce.co/news/revealing-4-new-conditions-for-ev-car-insurance

[ExpatOilWorker]

DLT is still withholding May's registration numbers?

Numbers are probably so low, both for EVs and ICEs, that it is indicative the new government is facing a financial crisis.

BOT had a talk with the banks on how to reduce loan rejection rates.

While lower domestic cars sales is bad news, the Chinese auto export tsunami is about to demolish Thailand's auto export markets.

 

Edited June 7 by ExpatOilWorker

[josephbloggs]

12 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Very nice write up and he doesn't blame the poor Burmese family.

Rough say foe EVs. Here is what is left of a Volvo XC40.

 

Wow, that's quite a smash. Why didn't it burst in to flames? Isn't that's what's supposed to happen?

[ExpatOilWorker]

14 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Wow, that's quite a smash. Why didn't it burst in to flames? Isn't that's what's supposed to happen?

Yeah, sad accident.

 

[marino28]

The motorshow is past, but the discounts are still here . Maybe even a bit better .

 

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

Did one of our members just order a new IONIQ 5?

 

[vinny41]

6 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

DLT is still withholding May's registration numbers?

Numbers are probably so low, both for EVs and ICEs, that it is indicative the new government is facing a financial crisis.

BOT had a talk with the banks on how to reduce loan rejection rates.

While lower domestic cars sales is bad news, the Chinese auto export tsunami is about to demolish Thailand's auto export markets.

 

“AUTO LOAN APPROVALS ARE CURRENTLY REDUCED TO AROUND 70% OF THE CAR'S VALUE. IN EVERY SEGMENT WHICH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CONSIDER FROM HIGH HOUSEHOLD DEBT AND REDUCING THE RISK OF BAD DEBT. THEREFORE, THE DOWN PAYMENT LIMIT IS GIVEN AT THE RATE OF 20-30%.”

Bank of Thailand” prepares to call automakers to discuss household debt problems affecting loan approval.

https://autolifethailand.tv/bank-of-thailand-dept-loan/

Auto Loan Rejections in Thailand Projected to Hit 40% as Household Debt Soars

https://www.chiangraitimes.com/finance/auto-loan-rejections-thailand/

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

End of the line for Suzuki in Thailand.

 

June 7, 2024 – Suzuki Motor Corporation announced its decision to cease production at the automobile manufacturing plant of its subsidiary in Thailand “ Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd. ” (hereinafter referred to as “ SMT “) within. At the end of the year 2025 (2025)

https://autolifethailand.tv/suzuki-suspen-factory-in-thailand-2025/

[vinny41]

@ExpatOilWorker

Suzuki announces the cessation of production operations at its automobile manufacturing plant in Thailand.

June 7, 2024 - Suzuki Motor Corporation announced its decision to cease production at the automobile manufacturing plant of its subsidiary in Thailand “Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co., Ltd.” (hereinafter referred to as “SMT”) by the end of the period. 2025. This decision is part of a review of Suzuki's global production structure.

https://www.suzuki.co.th/news/articles/news-182

 

Xiaomi SU7 looks like it's on fire!

But actually, it's just a "new skin" with LED lights all over its body

https://www.facebook.com/ShanghaiDaily1999/videos/713867630788887

Strange

[vinny41]

On 6/5/2024 at 11:21 AM, ExpatOilWorker said:

That is pretty bad new......for BYD.

They booked nearly 8,000 registrations in January 2024, but after that it was pretty abysmal. 

Anyhow, it is old news, we are waiting for May's numbers. 

R.Y.1 Private passenger car with no more than 7 people May 2024 BEV 5,274 registered

[ExpatOilWorker]

48 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

R.Y.1 Private passenger car with no more than 7 people May 2024 BEV 5,274 registered

Finally some meat 🍖 on the bone, although it sounds very low.

Any chance you can find the Ciaz numbers for May?

[vinny41]

4 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Finally some meat 🍖 on the bone, although it sounds very low.

Any chance you can find the Ciaz numbers for May?

I must admit I was expecting closer to the 10,000 mark based on the 17,000 reservations at the recent Motor show and assuming that the majority of vehicles were already in Thailand

Ciaz numbers not upload yet I think you will need to wait until Monday

[ExpatOilWorker]

9 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

Wow, that's quite a smash. Why didn't it burst in to flames? Isn't that's what's supposed to happen?

An E-bike joined team fire 🔥 today.

 

[JBChiangRai]

My late friend had a Honda Africa Twin that caught fire.

 

Mind you, he did ride it at 60kmHr into a parked 6 wheel truck.

 

 

[JBChiangRai]

1 hour ago, vinny41 said:

R.Y.1 Private passenger car with no more than 7 people May 2024 BEV 5,274 registered

 

To judge it, we need to see how it compares to ICE.  Without that comparative, we could simply be looking at customer confidence dented in making big decisions etc etc

[Pib]

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

To judge it, we need to see how it compares to ICE.  Without that comparative, we could simply be looking at customer confidence dented in making big decisions etc etc

RY1 Private Car for Not More Than 7 People total for May was 45,101 for all types of vehicles (i.e., petrol, diesel, BEV, CNG, etc).   5,274 of the 45,101 was BEV which  works out to 11.7% of total.

 

Compared to RY1 data for Apr total there was 38,022 of which 4007 were BEV which works out to 10.5%.

 

This is just RY1 data.  News reports usually throw in a few other categories which have low numbers but the news article all to often fail to say what other categories than RY1 they counted.

 

Sales/registrations are still sluggish...higher debt, tougher finance requirements, etc.