On 4/22/2022 at 11:40 AM, GroveHillWanderer said:

Here's a map of charging points for Thailand. I'm not sure what you mean by "national network" but this looks pretty much nationwide to me.

 

Definately lacking in the NE.   Adds some frustration on my trips in the area.  I have time so the time factor which can be major isn't too much of an issue.  Does MG allow other manufacturers  use their chargers?

17 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Definately lacking in the NE.   Adds some frustration on my trips in the area.  I have time so the time factor which can be major isn't too much of an issue.  Does MG allow other manufacturers  use their chargers?

NO, only if owned a MG and got registered ... where are there not enough CS ?

 

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

NO, only if owned a MG and got registered ... where are there not enough CS ?

On trips to towns along the Mekhong.  Not a major issue  but wish I didn't need to make slight detours or make extra stops to top up.  Also  a couple times the CS was out of service and was lucky to get to the next CS.  Had to drive <20 kph for 2 hours for example. I stretched the 12 km left on the display to nearly 40.  In the end, it was a pleasurable experience and was amazed how much you see going this slow.

49 minutes ago, atpeace said:

Can you control your EV using Bluetooth and your phone? I struggle with  touch screens because they can make a perfectly good device unusable.  I now only buy treadmills that can be controlled on my phone because prior ones became useless after touch screen failures. 

Not being a clever dick, but isn't your phone a touch screen?

16 minutes ago, atpeace said:

On trips to towns along the Mekhong.  Not a major issue  but wish I didn't need to make slight detours or make extra stops to top up.  Also  a couple times the CS was out of service and was lucky to get to the next CS.  Had to drive <20 kph for 2 hours for example. I stretched the 12 km left on the display to nearly 40.  In the end, it was a pleasurable experience and was amazed how much you see going this slow.

Why I always suggest, keep a nice reserve, JIC, a CS oops.   Had that happen to us ... once ... 18%, next station just down the road though @ 12 % by the time we plugged in.

 

Less to be concerned about now, so many CS, but rare we get below 25% anyway, as that knocking on 4 hrs in the car, and that just ain't happening.

2 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

My aversion to touchscreens / digital displays is that a) they're not tactile in sense of a switch or knob and b) when one part of a touchscreen or display fails, that's the whole screen to be replaced. Off topic, but in the aviation world I would always still want to have back up analogue Navaids etc for if/when the GPS fails / power to screen fails etc.

 

There is a trend in industrial machinery including other fields like automotive controls where the push toward touchscreens is being reassessed and balanced with a return to tactile controls.

This shift is driven by the fact that in demanding environments tactile controls offer significant advantages in usability, safety, and reliability over pure touchscreen interfaces for many critical functions.

Cars will need buttons not just touchscreens to get a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

https://etsc.eu/cars-will-need-buttons-not-just-touchscreens-to-get-a-5-star-euro-ncap-safety-rating/

 

 

What does AI say about the futuristic touch screen sales pitch :-

 

Modern car dashboards evoke the futuristic bridge of the Star Ship Enterprise (especially the sleek, touch-panel heavy Next Generation era) and is definitely something people talk about.

While it's not a universal feeling, the comparison is often made, and for some men (and people of all genders) who grew up watching science fiction like Star Trek, those large touchscreens can absolutely tap into that sense of "future is now" and controlling an advanced piece of technology.

 

However, the reality of those screens often clashes with the fantasy:

 

The "Cool" Factor vs. Distraction: For many, the initial Star Trek excitement fades quickly when they realize they have to navigate multiple menus just to adjust the climate control or turn on the seat warmer. In the show, the touch panels worked instantly and intuitively; in real life, they can be highly distracting and require taking your eyes off the road, which has led to safety concerns and even some automakers reconsidering the total removal of physical buttons.

 

3 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Not being a clever dick, but isn't your phone a touch screen?

Yes, but is a device I will always have regardless. If it breaks I would get another.  It would be an issue if both broke at the same time but I can live that risk 🙂 

 

I have terrible luck with buttons of all types.  Maybe I enjoy pressing them excessively.  I now try to buy devices that have a Bluetooth interface if a button needs to be pressed.  Coffee maker, inverter, treadmill, etc. Now I just smile when they don't function and proceed with the phone. No more button anxiety...

I find the BYD Seal easy to navigate, everything I use is on the main screen and I’m grateful wipers, lights, volume control, gear stick, cruise control, driving displays are all on buttons.

 

But I do miss the acres of wood we used to see in Jaguars, Triumphs and Rolls Royces.

I just ordered a new Seal AWD Performance in the light blue colour.  I chose light blue because you don’t really see that colour about although @macahoom has one.

 

There are only a few left and if I can change for 200,000 baht it makes sense.

 

I will sell my Seal AWD Performance now.

21 hours ago, atpeace said:

Can you control your EV using Bluetooth and your phone? I struggle with  touch screens because they can make a perfectly good device unusable.  I now only buy treadmills that can be controlled on my phone because prior ones became useless after touch screen failures. 

There is a BYD but I don't use it. The only thing I would find quite useful is the ability to turn on the a/c remotely to 'pre-cool' the car, because I don't think that much of the BYD Atto A/C cooling capability if it's been in the sun etc. Takes ages to get cool (at least to me). Of course there might be other features on the app I would find useful if I bothered to try using it.

 

I know some people like to be able to check on car charging process but I know roughly how long it takes to charge at different charging rates (e.g. at home on the wall charger basically 10% an hour). That said I guess it's useful to be able to see if there's been a charging problem so you can do something about it, rather than come back to a car that hasn't charged.

18 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I just ordered a new Seal AWD Performance in the light blue colour.  I chose light blue because you don’t really see that colour about although @macahoom has one.

 

There are only a few left and if I can change for 200,000 baht it makes sense.

 

I will sell my Seal AWD Performance now.

I thought you were going to buy an MG Cyberster? I saw one in the flesh yesterday in Pattaya.

18 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I just ordered a new Seal AWD Performance in the light blue colour.

And here's me thinking you were a Man City fan! 555

25 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

I thought you were going to buy an MG Cyberster? I saw one in the flesh yesterday in Pattaya.

 

The offer at 999k made me think.

 

I had a shortlist of 3 cars, the Cyberster was on it, there's a demonstrator available for just under 2.1M and a PHEV with a 100km EV range was also on it.  But the only sensible reason to change was this offer at 999k.  I can sit tight again for another 2 years.

8 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

The offer at 999k made me think.

 

I had a shortlist of 3 cars, the Cyberster was on it, there's a demonstrator available for just under 2.1M and a PHEV with a 100km EV range was also on it.  But the only sensible reason to change was this offer at 999k.  I can sit tight again for another 2 years.

Will your existing Seal be sold or an early Christmas present for one of the daughters ?

39 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

There is a BYD but I don't use it. The only thing I would find quite useful is the ability to turn on the a/c remotely to 'pre-cool' the car, because I don't think that much of the BYD Atto A/C cooling capability if it's been in the sun etc. Takes ages to get cool (at least to me). Of course there might be other features on the app I would find useful if I bothered to try using it.

 

I know some people like to be able to check on car charging process but I know roughly how long it takes to charge at different charging rates (e.g. at home on the wall charger basically 10% an hour). That said I guess it's useful to be able to see if there's been a charging problem so you can do something about it, rather than come back to a car that hasn't charged.

I use the BYD app to start the air conditioning regularly.

Occasionally use it to check on the charging status when at home or out and about and grabbing some food or drinks etc.

I usually mentally know where the charge status should be ( just short of 8% an hour at home ) but recently try to charge up to 80 or 90% only unless have a lengthy trip planned.

 

The vehicle position function might come in handy when I forget where i parked the car ( getting there ! ) or if the kids decide to learn to drive .

46 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Will your existing Seal be sold or an early Christmas present for one of the daughters ?

 

My eldest daughter would like it, but it's my youngest daughter's turn to get a new car next.  She doesn't want the elders MG4 so my Seal has to go.

3 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

My eldest daughter would like it, but it's my youngest daughter's turn to get a new car next.  She doesn't want the elders MG4 so my Seal has to go.

Sounds like a difficult position to be in !

 

Would you like to adopt me ??

Just now, Andrew Dwyer said:

Sounds like a difficult position to be in !

 

Would you like to adopt me ??

 

It is difficult when you have 2 daughters (actually they are cousins) and they are jealous of each other.

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

The offer at 999k made me think.

Wasn't the Seal Performance originally THB 1.6 million when launched? 999K is an insane level of discounting. More grist to the mill for my view that - for the time being  - a second hand EV is well worth considering over anything new.

43 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Sounds like a difficult position to be in !

 

Would you like to adopt me ??

Naw....too much paperwork involved in adoption.  Instead, see if JB will hire you to clean-up around his house daily as I bet 1000 baht notes fall out of his pockets unnoticed daily.  🤪

My Neta V told me off today!

Stopped at a roadside moo ping stall, opened the door.

Car was still in drive with auto hold on.

Car went crazy, loud warning beeps, car shifts to park on it own.

 

That'll teach me.

17 minutes ago, Pib said:

Naw....too much paperwork involved in adoption.  Instead, see if JB will hire you to clean-up around his house daily as I bet 1000 baht notes fall out of his pockets unnoticed daily.  🤪

LOL.

 

You’re right, the adoption process is horrendous, you’re wrong about the thousand baht notes though!

2 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

The offer at 999k made me think.

 

 

Would make me think also but I don't need/want a 4 door sedan.

6 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

My eldest daughter would like it, but it's my youngest daughter's turn to get a new car next.  She doesn't want the elders MG4 so my Seal has to go.

Seen a few Seals on FB for sale these last few days, they are all a bit ambitious in what they are asking after the recent announcement.

I think the Seal at this discounted price will be sought after.

 

Let the guy know at the dealership you are looking to sell he might be able to send some potential buyers your way when his stock runs out.

38 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Seen a few Seals on FB for sale these last few days, they are all a bit ambitious in what they are asking after the recent announcement.

I think the Seal at this discounted price will be sought after.

 

Let the guy know at the dealership you are looking to sell he might be able to send some potential buyers your way when his stock runs out.

 

There aren't many cars available, the offer ends 31/10 or when they've gone and I expect they will have all gone in a week.

 

I'm asking 849k for mine, but I'm a bit flexible and can throw in a new ABB Wallbox with free fitting.  I just had a viewing but he's from the former colonies and needs finance.  I suspect that's going to be an issue.

 

Once this special deal is exhausted I expect a lot more interest.

6 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

There aren't many cars available, the offer ends 31/10 or when they've gone and I expect they will have all gone in a week.

 

I'm asking 849k for mine, but I'm a bit flexible and can throw in a new ABB Wallbox with free fitting.  I just had a viewing but he's from the former colonies and needs finance.  I suspect that's going to be an issue.

 

Once this special deal is exhausted I expect a lot more interest.

Yours is a good looking motor for sure so should get some attention.

 

Good luck.

10 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Yours is a good looking motor for sure so should get some attention.

 

Good luck.

 

I can also discount it if someone doesn't want my alloys.  I still have the originals.

8 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

Wasn't the Seal Performance originally THB 1.6 million when launched? 999K is an insane level of discounting. More grist to the mill for my view that - for the time being  - a second hand EV is well worth considering over anything new.

 

Yea...it sure was....below is how a couple of folks feel about it (google translated)....a couple of comments from a Youtube video talking the Seal sale.

 

 

Quote

@despwarter

3 days ago

I bought a top-of-the-line Seal for 1.6 million baht, and it was due in January 2024. But now the price of new cars is 600,000 baht cheaper. I'm angry, stressed, and feel stupid for buying it. BYD, reverb, and Pornprapa are my enemies.

 

@wanwong602

4 days ago

At the end of the year, there will be another discount. Take it easy, brothers and sisters.

 

 

8 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

Wasn't the Seal Performance originally THB 1.6 million when launched? 999K is an insane level of discounting. More grist to the mill for my view that - for the time being  - a second hand EV is well worth considering over anything new.

 

Same as - say- Ora Good Cat now 569,000 or whatever.  Makes one think that sales are tanking or there are new models coming.

 

I went to look at MG4 but I have range anxiety and I didn't even buy one. For me a trip to a big city would be 160km one way and it is hilly. Will I get back and still be able stay at the same hotel as usual.

The audio is in English or Thai...or at least it was for me.   Also talks the 2025 Seal model and its new specs.

 

 

3 reasons why the BYD SEAL has a huge price cut of almost 600,000 baht