Questions: is a Heads Up Display (HUD) really beneficial (and worth the money) especially when the EV still has a dash display along with a center console display where the same info is displayed? Would you pay extra to ensure your new car had a HUD?

I've never had a car that came with HUD. Seems a HUD just duplicates some info already displayed on the dash/console display. Yes, I know a HUD displays some info in your "direct line of sight" versus needing to glance down at the dash display or over at the center console display.

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Questions: is a Heads Up Display (HUD) really beneficial (and worth the money) especially when the EV still has a dash display along with a center console display where the same info is displayed? Would you pay extra to ensure your new car had a HUD?

I've never had a car that came with HUD. Seems a HUD just duplicates some info already displayed on the dash/console display. Yes, I know a HUD displays some info in your "direct line of sight" versus needing to glance down at the dash display or over at the center console display.

My current car is the first with a HUD but tbh i could do without it quite easily, after 28 months and 45k driven i still looking through it and find myself glancing down at the speedo for speed readings like i forgot it was there.

45 years driving without a HUD has made it difficult for me to change, or maybe am just a slow learner ? ( rhetorical question, i am 😀) .

People talk about having navigation symbols on the HUD as being great, maybe that would encourage me to look at it more??

It wouldn’t be a major factor for me when choosing a new car.

Bt130K price cut on Atto 3 (space grey, aka., light blue)

https://autolifethailand.tv/official-price-byd-atto-3-space-grey-motor-show-2026/

On 3/27/2026 at 1:06 PM, Pib said:

Regarding the latest-and-greatest model/version being sold in Thailand when I was at the Motor Show yesterday I asked a Zeekr and a BYD rep (both could speak pretty fair English) when the latest version (MY2026) of the Zeekr 7X and BYD Sealion 7, respectively, would arrive Thailand. They looked at me like I was asking them to divulge Top Secret company info, gave me a Deer In The Headlights look, etc.

Before asking that question I figured I wouldn't get any definitive answer since their job is to sell "current" models and sell them ASAP....they know telling a potential customer the next model is expected to arrive Thailand say 4 months from now (just for discussion purposes) would almost always result in "no sell today....no commission now, the customer waiting 4 months to buy, etc." Yea, I didn't really expect any definitive answer...and that's exactly what I got.

And on a lighter note the number of "pretties" standing next to new vehicles this year at the Motor Show is far less than what the Motor Expo had in December. ☹️

launch details and pricing are top secret details and that information wouldn't be provided to front line staff until the very last minute

If brand X was releasing brand new model with a billy bargain price and a super long range battery would front line staff tell their friends and family to wait for new model to arrive

and would any of those front line staff,friends and family post such information online

There are currently brand new car models at the current motor show where specs are available

a price range has been suggested but what hasn't been released yet is the actual price Chery Q being one example and there are other models

On 3/27/2026 at 1:06 PM, Pib said:

Regarding the latest-and-greatest model/version being sold in Thailand when I was at the Motor Show yesterday I asked a Zeekr and a BYD rep (both could speak pretty fair English) when the latest version (MY2026) of the Zeekr 7X and BYD Sealion 7, respectively, would arrive Thailand. They looked at me like I was asking them to divulge Top Secret company info, gave me a Deer In The Headlights look, etc.

Before asking that question I figured I wouldn't get any definitive answer since their job is to sell "current" models and sell them ASAP....they know telling a potential customer the next model is expected to arrive Thailand say 4 months from now (just for discussion purposes) would almost always result in "no sell today....no commission now, the customer waiting 4 months to buy, etc." Yea, I didn't really expect any definitive answer...and that's exactly what I got.

And on a lighter note the number of "pretties" standing next to new vehicles this year at the Motor Show is far less than what the Motor Expo had in December. ☹️

4 hours ago, Pib said:

Questions: is a Heads Up Display (HUD) really beneficial (and worth the money) especially when the EV still has a dash display along with a center console display where the same info is displayed? Would you pay extra to ensure your new car had a HUD?

I've never had a car that came with HUD. Seems a HUD just duplicates some info already displayed on the dash/console display. Yes, I know a HUD displays some info in your "direct line of sight" versus needing to glance down at the dash display or over at the center console display.

HUD is a nice to have, especially if it shows navigation.

But it’s way down the list. Ventilated seats is probably top of my list along with built-in Spotify and memory seats.

5 hours ago, Pib said:

Congrats!!!! I'm sure you will greatly enjoy the EV.

Does the frig stay on all the time....that is, keep stuff cold for days and days if desired.....or does it only work when the car is running.....or do you set how many hours the frig will run....or ?????

I think it stays on all the time

Did an AI search asking, "Does the Aion V refrigerator stay on all the time?" One answer was it can be set to run all the time and the other answer was it could be set to run up to 24 hours after turning off the car.

Personally I wouldn't want to leave the frig running 24/7 but during trips when I would want to put something in the frig I would set it to run at least a few hours after turning off the car when stopping for a short rest, bathroom break, in case at the end of the trip I forgot to immediately remove stuff from the frig, etc. But hey, playing with "frig operation/settings and host of other car settings" will be part of getting to know your new Aion V....enjoy.

does aion V refrigerator stay on all the time

No, the Aion V refrigerator does not stay on all the time by default, but it can be programmed to stay on for extended periods even after the vehicle is powered off.

YouTube +1

Key Features of the

Aion V Refrigerator

• Programmable Duration: You can set the refrigerator to remain active for up to 24 hours after turning off the car.

• Dual Functionality: The unit acts as both a cooler and a heater, with a temperature range typically from -15°C to 50°C (-5°F to 122°F).

• Energy Consumption: When left on for a full day, it consumes approximately 0.5 kWh of the vehicle's battery.

• Control Interface: The refrigerator's settings, including temperature and duration, are managed through the car's 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.

• Usage Flexibility: For longer trips or camping, the vehicle's Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability can also be used to power external appliances, though the internal fridge is designed for seamless onboard use.
  

Latest Motor Show 2026 bookings talked in this car250.com release dtd 30 Mar 2026. But it does not include quite a few vehicle manufacturers who do not report booking numbers until the end of the Motor Show....the show ends 5 Apr.

So it's kinda like looking at a 2 week long multiteam tournament scoreboard where several matches/games have already occurred but the results of those already played games are not shown...instead, must wait to the tournament end to see all the previous game scores.

https://www.car250.com/motor-show-2026-thai-05.html

2 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

HUD is a nice to have, especially if it shows navigation.

But it’s way down the list. Ventilated seats is probably top of my list along with built-in Spotify and memory seats.

What does a memory seat actually do? Go back to it's original form when you get off it, or stays the same as it was when you had your fat bum on it for a few hours? Same question for a memory-foam mattress or pillow.

19 minutes ago, wil iam not said:

What does a memory seat actually do? Go back to it's original form when you get off it, or stays the same as it was when you had your fat bum on it for a few hours? Same question for a memory-foam mattress or pillow.

Let's Mr. wil iam have a setting just for his bum.....Mrs wil iam have a separate setting for her bum...etc. Just a push of a icon changes the seat settings possibly along with other driving preference settings to who ever has saved a seat setting preference. Comes in handy when a vehicle has multiple drivers.

AI Overview

Car memory seats are electronically adjustable driver's seats that allow users to store, save, and recall specific seat positions—including recline, height, lumbar support, and sometimes side mirrors and steering wheel settings. They are designed for vehicles with multiple drivers to quickly return the seat to a preferred configuration via buttons on the door or seat side.

45 minutes ago, Pib said:

Latest Motor Show 2026 bookings talked in this car250.com release dtd 30 Mar 2026. But it does not include quite a few vehicle manufacturers who do not report booking numbers until the end of the Motor Show....the show ends 5 Apr.

So it's kinda like looking at a 2 week long multiteam tournament scoreboard where several matches/games have already occurred but the results of those already played games are not shown...instead, must wait to the tournament end to see all the previous game scores.

https://www.car250.com/motor-show-2026-thai-05.html

Below 30 Mar 2026 autolifethailand.com release has a more detailed bookings update. Keep in mind quite a few manufacturers do not report their bookings until the Motor Show end (non-reporting manufacturers noted at bottom between the arrows).

https://autolifethailand.tv/motor-show-47th-2026-booking-half-7days/

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Let's Mr. wil iam have a setting just for his bum.....Mrs wil iam have a separate setting for her bum...etc. Just a push of a icon changes the seat settings possibly along with other driving preference settings to who ever has saved a seat setting preference. Comes in handy when a vehicle has multiple drivers.

AI Overview

Car memory seats are electronically adjustable driver's seats that allow users to store, save, and recall specific seat positions—including recline, height, lumbar support, and sometimes side mirrors and steering wheel settings. They are designed for vehicles with multiple drivers to quickly return the seat to a preferred configuration via buttons on the door or seat side.

That is completely wrong. For years car seats have had pre=set positions etc with memories for several drivers. That is completely different from memory foam, and I cannot get an answer from AI as to whether the seat, or mattress, stays where it was when you first sat on it, or does it remember your personal weight and position, and revert to that. Who knows?

6 hours ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

My current car is the first with a HUD but tbh i could do without it quite easily, after 28 months and 45k driven i still looking through it and find myself glancing down at the speedo for speed readings like i forgot it was there.

45 years driving without a HUD has made it difficult for me to change, or maybe am just a slow learner ? ( rhetorical question, i am 😀) .

People talk about having navigation symbols on the HUD as being great, maybe that would encourage me to look at it more??

It wouldn’t be a major factor for me when choosing a new car.

I am from the exact opposite camp - no new car without a HUD for this old geezer anymore. It's almost 25 years since I got my first car with a HUD, and while it was very basic back then, I realized how much safer driving is with this gadget. Fast forward and finally the Chinese brought it to the masses. Don't you appreciate it when you can see in the HUD you are getting a call from the wife and not your GF?

I almost constantly engage ACC/LCC, and being able to see confirmation that it is really engaged and stays engaged is crucial.

As for navigation in the HUD - probably quite helpful in the low-lands, in BKK it's as useful as tits on a bull, as guessing is just about as useful.......will we ever get NOA in countries outside of China? that would be my salvation, just let the car take the right off-ramp or on-ramp without my wife and I get into a debate (she almost always right).

I'm thinking of buying a BYD Dolphin as the current promotion looks pretty good. 509,000 bt for the standard model. BYD are offering a Zhida charger with installation "worth 25,000bt". But that is only if you take delivery before 30 April. I'll be out of Thailand mid April to mid May & don't want to receive car until I get back. I've noticed much cheaper chargers on Lazada. What's special about that Zhida model compared to the cheaper ones?

Free installation? Otherwise not much.

15 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

Free installation? Otherwise not much.

If buying a charger off Lazada, & having a local electrician install, are there any things to watch out for that might invalidate warranty?

8 minutes ago, The Fall Guy said:

If buying a charger off Lazada, & having a local electrician install, are there any things to watch out for that might invalidate warranty?

Yes. Main circuit breaker from the Consumer Unit and appropriate grade cable. MOVs (Metal Oxide Varisters) preferable fused as well for lightning strikes. Good solid earth.

An RCD (Resident Current Device).

19 minutes ago, The Fall Guy said:

If buying a charger off Lazada, & having a local electrician install, are there any things to watch out for that might invalidate warranty?

Assuming you’re talking single phase. I recommend buying one with a 32 amp plug on it, making it portable and a DIY job to replace if it fails or you move and want to take it with you.

You then ask your electrician to put a 32 amp socket where you want it located.

27 minutes ago, The Fall Guy said:

If buying a charger off Lazada, & having a local electrician install, are there any things to watch out for that might invalidate warranty?

Buy one that doesn't require an earth pin, then you can use it in any house, in any socket, with any extension lead.

This one works without earth

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.ZW0Rwf

This one requires an earth

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.ZW0RHb

6 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Buy one that doesn't require an earth pin, then you can use it in any house, in any socket.

This one works without earth

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.ZW0Rwf

This one requires an earth

https://s.lazada.co.th/s.ZW0RHb

I have one that is switchable, requires an earth or doesn’t require an earth.

30/100 meter, single phase. Probably not be moving :)

On 3/27/2026 at 3:08 PM, KhunLA said:

On 3/27/2026 at 2:49 PM, Tramboy said:

Yes is similar to a Deepal and probably has most of the same software.

If Mazda supports it in the same way they do their ICE cars, then you can both take away the uncertainties around buying from a new brand. This would include warranty support and parts availability.

There are emerging horror stories out there we should all be aware of. NETA comes to mind in Thailand but there are others.

NETA TH is far from a horror story, especially those that pick one up for <400k even <300k during that little speed bump.

TH govt/excise dept, is making sure the honor their commitments. Google this for more info ... "thailand government ensures neta thailand meets commitments"

Any 300k, 400k or 500k baht BEV held for just it's warranty period, will probably have paid for itself in petrol savings. Especially if racking up the kms. We see a lot of Neta Vs on the highways when O&A.

I guess it's all good unless you are this owner.

Who needs a warranty that will be honoured for the period advertised or access to spare parts anyway? I just slapped myself for getting caught up in piffling little details no one else cares about.

51 minutes ago, Tramboy said:

I guess it's all good unless you are this owner.

Who needs a warranty that will be honoured for the period advertised or access to spare parts anyway? I just slapped myself for getting caught up in piffling little details no one else cares about.

Any good body shop could fix that, and surely there's junkyards around with Netas in them. Thais are quite crafty at times.

If they have insurance, then it's the insurance company's problem, fix or write off.

48 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Any good body shop could fix that, and surely there's junkyards around with Netas in them. Thais are quite crafty at times.

If they have insurance, then it's the insurance company's problem, fix or write off.

Yes but who wants to take a chance that you might be involved in an accident where spare parts are essential but can't be obtained.

Or that an insurance company will provide insurance to the poor sod you sell to? If it's sellable.

There's just myriad problems that don't exist when a car is bought from a financially healthy company with a long future.

59 minutes ago, Tramboy said:

Yes but who wants to take a chance that you might be involved in an accident where spare parts are essential but can't be obtained.

Or that an insurance company will provide insurance to the poor sod you sell to? If it's sellable.

There's just myriad problems that don't exist when a car is bought from a financially healthy company with a long future.

Only paid 220kbht for my 2y old Neta V, and I have gov min insurance (600bht).

We've already been driving it for 8 months, 7,000Km (saving 23kbht in fuel).

If it gets smashed, hopefully the battery will survive (value 100kbht), and I'll use that to power my home.

Purchase pricewise, it was a 2yo Neta or a 10yo Nissan March.

7 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Only paid 220kbht for my 2y old Neta V, and I have gov min insurance (600bht).

We've already been driving it for 8 months, 7,000Km (saving 23kbht in fuel).

If it gets smashed, hopefully the battery will survive (value 100kbht), and I'll use that to power my home.

Purchase pricewise, it was a 2yo Neta or a 10yo Nissan March

Objectively, the risk/reward equation changes dramatically when a company goes bankrupt.

I wish you only the best and sincerely hope you have a long run.

If it all goes to plan for you, you'll more than get your money's worth - all the while saving at the bowser.

9 hours ago, Tramboy said:

Yes but who wants to take a chance that you might be involved in an accident where spare parts are essential but can't be obtained.

Or that an insurance company will provide insurance to the poor sod you sell to? If it's sellable.

There's just myriad problems that don't exist when a car is bought from a financially healthy company with a long future.

Been here 25 yrs, had one oops, and it was my fault. Any body shop could have fixed it, but since having insurance, MG did the repair. I find the roads in TH, much safer than USA.

Same 25 yrs in USA, 6 people have hit me, all their fault.

300k baht car, get 3-5 yrs out of it, and a good ROI. No oops, and EV will last 10 yrs, at least. If we drive all local kms, we save 50k a year, as we charge with excess solar.

Same as @BritManToo , if unrepairable, or not worth it, then battery gets hooked up to our solar. Mere 300k, definitely makes it worth the small risk, it's pocket change.

Additional 30,000 baht discount on Byd Atto3 extended for people that qualify

• For customers who already own a non-electric vehicle, simply present a copy of the vehicle registration certificate showing the owner or a family member as the registered owner to receive an additional 30,000 baht discount (" Special Discount" ) on the purchase of a participating electric vehicle. This document must be presented on the day of vehicle reservation. 

• Limited to 1 entitlement per reservation/purchase of participating electric vehicles only.

Net selling price after deduction of special discounts. 739,900 baht

https://www.reverautomotive.com/news/byd-atto3-special-campaign

23 hours ago, The Fall Guy said:

If buying a charger off Lazada, & having a local electrician install, are there any things to watch out for that might invalidate warranty?

I would recommend this checklist for your local electrician, tell him this:

• Copper Ground rod 2.4M (ideally high quality ones) 600-900 baht

• Copper Ground rod clamp (40-60 baht)

• Copper Ground wires: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• Main Ground wires from main to Charger RCBO: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• RCBO 40A (Nano, etc.)

• Secondary Ground wires from RCBO to Charger: Usually included in the charger box 1-2 meters max, should be 6 sq.mm. or higher)

• Cables: only use BCC, Thai Yazaki or Ranzz

If the charger will be far from the main, you should upgrade to 10 sqmm copper wires for the best voltage and low sag.

53 minutes ago, brfsa2 said:

I would recommend this checklist for your local electrician, tell him this:

• Copper Ground rod 2.4M (ideally high quality ones) 600-900 baht

• Copper Ground rod clamp (40-60 baht)

• Copper Ground wires: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• Main Ground wires from main to Charger RCBO: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• RCBO 40A (Nano, etc.)

• Secondary Ground wires from RCBO to Charger: Usually included in the charger box 1-2 meters max, should be 6 sq.mm. or higher)

• Cables: only use BCC, Thai Yazaki or Ranzz

If the charger will be far from the main, you should upgrade to 10 sqmm copper wires for the best voltage and low sag.

53 minutes ago, brfsa2 said:

I would recommend this checklist for your local electrician, tell him this:

• Copper Ground rod 2.4M (ideally high quality ones) 600-900 baht

• Copper Ground rod clamp (40-60 baht)

• Copper Ground wires: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• Main Ground wires from main to Charger RCBO: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• RCBO 40A (Nano, etc.)

• Secondary Ground wires from RCBO to Charger: Usually included in the charger box 1-2 meters max, should be 6 sq.mm. or higher)

• Cables: only use BCC, Thai Yazaki or Ranzz

If the charger will be far from the main, you should upgrade to 10 sqmm copper wires for the best voltage and low sag.

54 minutes ago, brfsa2 said:

I would recommend this checklist for your local electrician, tell him this:

• Copper Ground rod 2.4M (ideally high quality ones) 600-900 baht

• Copper Ground rod clamp (40-60 baht)

• Copper Ground wires: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• Main Ground wires from main to Charger RCBO: 6 sq.mm. (Must be 6 or higher)

• RCBO 40A (Nano, etc.)

• Secondary Ground wires from RCBO to Charger: Usually included in the charger box 1-2 meters max, should be 6 sq.mm. or higher)

• Cables: only use BCC, Thai Yazaki or Ranzz

If the charger will be far from the main, you should upgrade to 10 sqmm copper wires for the best voltage and low sag.

House already has ground rod.

Why do ev chargers vary so much in price?