PTT has 12 EV charging "hubs" as of today/3 May 2025.   You can see the locations around Thailand by going into the PTT EV Station Pluz app, selecting the map icon, and then enter "hub" in the search bar.    

 

PTT is adding charging stations at a fast clip.   Seems any "new" PTT station of medium to large size comes with chargers...and old PTT stations are installing chargers at a fair clip also.   

 

When a person gets an EV registering with the PTT EV Station Pluz app is probably the first charging app they should register with as PTT has many DC chargers around the country....just like they have many petrol stations.   

 

The only downside to the PTT EV Station Pluz app is it only allows payment via debit/credit card (card payment can be problematic at times if your card is rejected) versus also allowing a QR Code/PromptPay payment option.  Having a Wallet capability with QR Code/PromptPay top-up option is also missing from the PTT app.    The PTT app should definitely expand payment options vs only having a card payment option.

For those of you that are registered with/use the Elexa charging app I found out yesterday when stopping at an Elexa charger to do a few minutes test charge that now "before the charging begins" Elexa does a check of the credit/debit cards you have in your payment profile by doing a small charge/deduction which is immediately followed by refund of that small amount.  If that fails you "can not" begin a charging session.....and the payment via QR Code/PromptPay is gone.  Summary: you can not begin the charging session, whereas, before the payment process didn't come into pay until the end of the charging session.

 

I have two of my foreign/US Visa credit cards loaded in my Elexa payment profile...these had been successfully added probably 6 months ago.  And I use to have my Bangkok Bank Mastercard "debit" card loaded but removed/deleted it from my Elexa profile several months ago after a fraudulent transaction for a few hundred baht from a Spotify transaction occurred (Bangkok Bank did refund that fraudelent charge) and I got a new debit card.  I did not reload that in Elexa as I don't want to load any cards whenever an app has payment by QR Code/Payment or a Wallet function....less chance of the card info getting into the wild (i.e., the system it's loaded in getting hacked).   Since Elexa had a QR Code/PromptPay payment option I didn't reload my new debit card.

 

Anyway, when trying to start a charge when Elexa tried the test of the credit card before allowing the charging to begin, both cards failed the Elexa test...Elexa said the transaction was declined and one of my banks did immediately send me notice of they declining this foreign transaction. 

 

 So, I tried re-adding my Bangkok Bank debit card....the Elexa process to add the card appears to fo fine, to include transaction verification via OTP, and Elexa gives a popup message of success in adding the card to my payment profile and says it can take up to one minute for the card to appear in the profile but unfortunately it never appears in the payment profile....it's like the process actually failed although Elexa says it was succeessful.

 

I retried adding the debit card several time yesterday and this morning....around 6 times total.....same result every time.  I contact both Bangkok Bank and Elexa customer service today...English speaking reps...and it showed Bangkok Bank had "approved" the Elexa test transactions to add the card, but apparently that is when Elexa determines it's a "debit" card and apparently will no longer add a debit card to your Elexa payment profile....it only wants "credit" cards. 

 

The Elexa customer service rep said this policy change occurred in March and have apologized for any inconvenience this may cause.  I expect March timeframe is probably when the Elexa app updated to the new payment process.   The Bangkok Bank rep also told me other customers have been calling them with the same Elexa issue....that is, Elexa will no longer accept their Bangkok bank debit card.   I expect it's really "any bank's' debit card" based on the what the Elexa customer service rep told me about Elexa's policy change in March.   I sure appears this policy change kicks debit card usage to the curb. 

 

Oh, well, since Elexa now apparently only allows "credit" cards if your foreign card-issuing bank doesn't decline the transaction you are still good to go.  And I expect there will be no problem with a Thai bank credit card.  But if you had been using your Thai bank "debit" card or payment via QR Code/PromptPay to pay for an Elexa charging session at the "end" of the charging process, you might want to go check and see if your cards still works with Elexa.  As mentioned the Elexa Customer Service rep said the policy change occurred in March 2025.

 

 

47 minutes ago, Pib said:

For those of you that are registered with/use the Elexa charging app I found out yesterday when stopping at an Elexa charger to do a few minutes test charge that now "before the charging begins" Elexa does a check of the credit/debit cards you have in your payment profile by doing a small charge/deduction which is immediately followed by refund of that small amount.  If that fails you "can not" begin a charging session.....and the payment via QR Code/PromptPay is gone.  Summary: you can not begin the charging session, whereas, before the payment process didn't come into pay until the end of the charging session.

 

I have two of my foreign/US Visa credit cards loaded in my Elexa payment profile...these had been successfully added probably 6 months ago.  And I use to have my Bangkok Bank Mastercard "debit" card loaded but removed/deleted it from my Elexa profile several months ago after a fraudulent transaction for a few hundred baht from a Spotify transaction occurred (Bangkok Bank did refund that fraudelent charge) and I got a new debit card.  I did not reload that in Elexa as I don't want to load any cards whenever an app has payment by QR Code/Payment or a Wallet function....less chance of the card info getting into the wild (i.e., the system it's loaded in getting hacked).   Since Elexa had a QR Code/PromptPay payment option I didn't reload my new debit card.

 

Anyway, when trying to start a charge when Elexa tried the test of the credit card before allowing the charging to begin, both cards failed the Elexa test...Elexa said the transaction was declined and one of my banks did immediately send me notice of they declining this foreign transaction. 

 

 So, I tried re-adding my Bangkok Bank debit card....the Elexa process to add the card appears to fo fine, to include transaction verification via OTP, and Elexa gives a popup message of success in adding the card to my payment profile and says it can take up to one minute for the card to appear in the profile but unfortunately it never appears in the payment profile....it's like the process actually failed although Elexa says it was succeessful.

 

I retried adding the debit card several time yesterday and this morning....around 6 times total.....same result every time.  I contact both Bangkok Bank and Elexa customer service today...English speaking reps...and it showed Bangkok Bank had "approved" the Elexa test transactions to add the card, but apparently that is when Elexa determines it's a "debit" card and apparently will no longer add a debit card to your Elexa payment profile....it only wants "credit" cards. 

 

The Elexa customer service rep said this policy change occurred in March and have apologized for any inconvenience this may cause.  I expect March timeframe is probably when the Elexa app updated to the new payment process.   The Bangkok Bank rep also told me other customers have been calling them with the same Elexa issue....that is, Elexa will no longer accept their Bangkok bank debit card.   I expect it's really "any bank's' debit card" based on the what the Elexa customer service rep told me about Elexa's policy change in March.   I sure appears this policy change kicks debit card usage to the curb. 

 

Oh, well, since Elexa now apparently only allows "credit" cards if your foreign card-issuing bank doesn't decline the transaction you are still good to go.  And I expect there will be no problem with a Thai bank credit card.  But if you had been using your Thai bank "debit" card or payment via QR Code/PromptPay to pay for an Elexa charging session at the "end" of the charging process, you might want to go check and see if your cards still works with Elexa.  As mentioned the Elexa Customer Service rep said the policy change occurred in March 2025.

 

 

Thanks, that is a shame as I liked the “ choose your payment method after charging “ approach, meant I could use the QR code method and avoid a foreign credit card registration.

 

Probably means EleXA will lose my business, although tbh they were 3rd on the list after EV Station and PEA and i only used them once but it was nice to have them as backup.

56 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Thanks, that is a shame as I liked the “ choose your payment method after charging “ approach, meant I could use the QR code method and avoid a foreign credit card registration.

 

Probably means EleXA will lose my business, although tbh they were 3rd on the list after EV Station and PEA and i only used them once but it was nice to have them as backup.

I just hope PTT does not decide to stop accepting debit cards like Elexa apparently has. 

 

Since PTT only has a card payment option (no QR code or wallet method) if they stop accepting debit cards and use of foreign "credit" cards for online payment can often result in the payment being declined then loss of PTT charging would be bad since they have the most chargers especially along major roads at many of their PTT dino fuel stations.

The WLTP's 320 kms rated range for the MG  ZS EV is a fallacy.  First leg from PKK to BKK yesterday, and the dog didn't even make 142 kms / 2  hr, before barking & whining .... 'LET ME OUT, I got to P, drop a land mind'

 

320 kms .... don't believe it 

 

 

320 kms my A$$ ... well, the dogs A$$

 

Fine, little bitch ... plug in, walk dog ... what the hell, a nice Chicken Massaman sounds good.

 

 

46.3 kWh (usable battery) ÷ 13.2kWh per 100 kms = 350 kms

 

Massaman done, now time for Hazelnut coffee, as temp down now, and about to drink.  94% already, and I think I finished coffee @ 97%.

 

 

We always exceed the WLTP's 320 range at highway speeds, 90 kph, when possible.  With CC set @ 90 kph, and AC set @ 22-24C.

 

Usually get 360 kms per full charge around town, at speeds closer to the WLTP testing average speed of 47 kph.  Mixed speeds around town, 30-60-90 kph.

 

Since I rarely eat anything that early in the morning, within the hour, needed to stop again 🙄 at any PTT, for an emergency stop.

 

Oh look, a charger here, plug in again, why not. 75% back to 90% before I returned to the car.  

 

Actually worked out good, as didn't need charge again, till dinner time, and halfway back home to PKK.

They're popping up everywhere.  Actually surprised, 4 cables at surfside hotel, Hadthong Hotel, Ao Prachuap, Muang, PKK.   

 

 

Another hotel on Hwy 4, PKK, has a charging station also, and I think another.  Kind of a lot for small town.

 

Lotus's also having the Altervim CS.  Have a munch at Pizza Co, KFC, or just ice cream @ Swensen's.  MK also there, if with the clan.

 

PKK Town is basically only 1/2 sq km, got a few here, not counting what doesn't show up on Gmap.

 

 

Here's a 78 kms stretch, North & South of town, again, probably doesn't include all of them ...

 

21 hours ago, KhunLA said:

They're popping up everywhere.  Actually surprised, 4 cables at surfside hotel, Hadthong Hotel, Ao Prachuap, Muang, PKK.   

 

 

Another hotel on Hwy 4, PKK, has a charging station also, and I think another.  Kind of a lot for small town.

 

 

What caught my eye above above chargers was their name of "EV Charge" and instructions billboard in the middle giving instructions and the required app to use which when going to Google Play it's listed as "EV Charge by Sun Power."   

 

I download the app to see if it allowed a person to see a charger location map, methods of payment allowed, etc., but a person can not see any useful info without first registering which I didn't do.   I don't want to registered...give personal info....etc., unless I feel it's an app I can put to use.   Looking at the limited info for payment shown on the Google Play website appears the EV Charge app only allows payment via "credit card"....no debit cards, no QR payment, etc.  And I wouldn't be surprised if only Thai credit cards would be accepted.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sunpower.evcharge

 

And when looking at the Sun Power Thailand website it shows they build and/or operate AC/DC chargers and they have partners such as PEA, EA Everywhere, etc.  And of course anyone who wanted to install some commercial chargers like at hotels, condos, fuel stations, etc., EV Charge Sun Power does that also. 

https://www.evcharge-gsb.com/

 

If anyone does register with the app please give some crossfeed on the payment option(s) and charger numbers, locations, etc.    Thanks.

Today I was visiting a Foodland grocery store in western Bangkok and noticed they now had three EV charging parking slots with 40KW and 30KW "DC" charging stations.  I took a look at them and they were named "Power Envision."   When looking at the instructions poster to see what "app" was used it just indicated use LINE.   I then looked for a "Power Envision" app on Google Play....none existed.

 

I then opened my LINE app and looked under Official Accounts for Power Envision and there was an official account for them.  I added Power Envision as a friend and found out the app to use Power Envision chargers was integrated right into the Power Envision Official Chat Account on LINE.   

 

And it was super simple to use and understand....has multiple payment options to include PromptPay/QR code, uses a wallet approach, has instructions in Thai and English, Map/locations of chargers, etc.  I was really impressed in how easy a charging app could be made so simple and to use although I haven't tried a real world test yet.   

 

But I did think to myself if it actually turns out to be super easy to use....no registration required since it just integrates as Official Friend in your LINE acct...and the payment is truly super easy.....then this is the way I hope other charging companies go instead of having standalone apps which sometimes are "not" user friendly to register with and/or do not offer a payment option that you have access too.

 

However, Power Envision only had about 30 locations across Thailand with about half of them being in Bangkok.  But as I mentioned the way the app integrates into your LINE acct (and you could delete them whenever you want just like any other Official and Human Friend) is really slick.  

 

Snapshot of Power Envision shown in the Official Accounts area of LINE

 

 

 

 

Snapshot of a Power Envision 40KW DC charger.  They also had a 30KW DC charger.

 

 

 

The instructions which is basically states log onto your LINE app and add Power Envision 

as an Official Account fried.  Then in your chat area you will see the Power Envision app (super

easy to use), instructions, etc.

 

 

 

On 5/9/2025 at 8:53 PM, Pib said:

For those of you that are registered with/use the Elexa charging app I found out yesterday when stopping at an Elexa charger to do a few minutes test charge that now "before the charging begins" Elexa does a check of the credit/debit cards you have in your payment profile by doing a small charge/deduction which is immediately followed by refund of that small amount.  If that fails you "can not" begin a charging session.....and the payment via QR Code/PromptPay is gone.  Summary: you can not begin the charging session, whereas, before the payment process didn't come into pay until the end of the charging session.

 

I have two of my foreign/US Visa credit cards loaded in my Elexa payment profile...these had been successfully added probably 6 months ago.  And I use to have my Bangkok Bank Mastercard "debit" card loaded but removed/deleted it from my Elexa profile several months ago after a fraudulent transaction for a few hundred baht from a Spotify transaction occurred (Bangkok Bank did refund that fraudelent charge) and I got a new debit card.  I did not reload that in Elexa as I don't want to load any cards whenever an app has payment by QR Code/Payment or a Wallet function....less chance of the card info getting into the wild (i.e., the system it's loaded in getting hacked).   Since Elexa had a QR Code/PromptPay payment option I didn't reload my new debit card.

 

Anyway, when trying to start a charge when Elexa tried the test of the credit card before allowing the charging to begin, both cards failed the Elexa test...Elexa said the transaction was declined and one of my banks did immediately send me notice of they declining this foreign transaction. 

 

 So, I tried re-adding my Bangkok Bank debit card....the Elexa process to add the card appears to fo fine, to include transaction verification via OTP, and Elexa gives a popup message of success in adding the card to my payment profile and says it can take up to one minute for the card to appear in the profile but unfortunately it never appears in the payment profile....it's like the process actually failed although Elexa says it was succeessful.

 

I retried adding the debit card several time yesterday and this morning....around 6 times total.....same result every time.  I contact both Bangkok Bank and Elexa customer service today...English speaking reps...and it showed Bangkok Bank had "approved" the Elexa test transactions to add the card, but apparently that is when Elexa determines it's a "debit" card and apparently will no longer add a debit card to your Elexa payment profile....it only wants "credit" cards. 

 

The Elexa customer service rep said this policy change occurred in March and have apologized for any inconvenience this may cause.  I expect March timeframe is probably when the Elexa app updated to the new payment process.   The Bangkok Bank rep also told me other customers have been calling them with the same Elexa issue....that is, Elexa will no longer accept their Bangkok bank debit card.   I expect it's really "any bank's' debit card" based on the what the Elexa customer service rep told me about Elexa's policy change in March.   I sure appears this policy change kicks debit card usage to the curb. 

 

Oh, well, since Elexa now apparently only allows "credit" cards if your foreign card-issuing bank doesn't decline the transaction you are still good to go.  And I expect there will be no problem with a Thai bank credit card.  But if you had been using your Thai bank "debit" card or payment via QR Code/PromptPay to pay for an Elexa charging session at the "end" of the charging process, you might want to go check and see if your cards still works with Elexa.  As mentioned the Elexa Customer Service rep said the policy change occurred in March 2025.

 

 

 

Well, I think I just may have overcome the problem of not have a "credit card that Elexa will accept."   

 

As talked in my above 9 May post in mid March Elexa made a payment policy change in types of cards accepted for payment such as no longer accepting "Thai debit cards" or "foreign credit/debit cards."   They now only accept "Thai credit cards" n your Elexa card payment profile  based on discussions with Elexa Customer Service, Facebook posts, etc. 

 

While you may have successfully used a Thai or foreign debit card earlier and it was loaded in your Elexa profile, after around mid March that would no longer work.  In fact, now a person can not even start a charging session unless an acceptable "credit" card is loaded in your Elexa app payment profile....and remember just because you had a foreigner credit card loaded before mid March that does not mean it will still work with Elexa after mid March as Elexa now only accepts "Thai credit cards."  

 

About a week ago I tried re-adding my Bangkok Bank debit card to my Elexa profile just to see if "maybe" Elexa might accept it now as many people have complained to Elexa about their March policy change, but the card still wasn't accepted.  I sent another polite "gripe" to Elexa via their LINE customer surface account as they are pretty good in responding fast Mon-Friday and with good English.  Elexa did respond quickly again but once again confirmed Bangkok Bank debit cards are not accepted although they phased it as Elexa is "having an issue with Bangkok Bank debit cards."  But on Facebook I don't see anyone with "any debit card" having any luck.

 

This time in the Elexa customer service response they recommended I registered for a TrueMoney acct which comes with a "virtual TrueMoney credit card" as that will be accepted by Elexa.  Well, I didn't have a TrueMoney account and had reservations about a farang even being able to register for a TrueMoney account now and then even if I could register would TrueMoney really provide a "virtual credit card" for a farang or would credit cards only be allowed for Thais.  

 

Anyway, I went thru the process to registered for a TrueMoney account...only needed a copy of my passport main page and Thai drivers licenses (other docs other than a Thai drivers license also acceptable)....had some issues in getting a successful face scan match with my passport picture but got that resolved after a few days....finally got just the right "lighting" I guess to satisfy (i.e., pass the face scan) using TrueMoney app registration process 

 

After getting approved for a TrueMoney acct I added Bt200 to the TrueMoney wallet via mobile bank QR code transfer....and then I activated my TrueMoney virtual credit card and I was also able to activate a TrueMoney SME virtual credit card that provides 3% cash back.  Just takes a few seconds to activate the cards.  And you can turn the cards on of off for fraudulent transaction protection purposes....just takes a second to turn off or back on. 

 

The amount of credit line is totally based on your TrueMoney wallet balance as these cards are basically "prepaid credit cards"....whatever the balance is in your TrueMoney wallet is the card's credit line of the moment.  Ex: if you have a Bt500 wallet balance then you have a credit card limit of Bt500, wallet balance of Bt5,000 then a credit card limit of Bt5,000, etc.  Got more studying to do to see what the upper limit is as I'm total newbie to TrueMoney.

 

This afternoon I tried adding my TrueMoney virtual credit card to the Elexa app and was successful on first try.  I also added the card to two other charging apps....ReverSharger and PTT.    The Elexa card add process actually debited a few baht from the card and then immediately refunded that amount.  ReverShcarger and PTT didn't debit/credit any amounts....the card was simply accepted.

 

Now I just need to do a complete real world test at a charging station to see I can now "start" and pay for an Elexa charging session....and I'll do the same with ReverSharger and PTT although I have multiple acceptable payment methods already setup with ReverSharger and PTT.   It's just Elexa that was giving me grief in being able to setup a payment option. 

 

I also think from talking to the Elexa Customer Service and looking at some Facebook posts that at the end of an Elexa charging session (which a person can now only start if having an acceptable credit card in your Elexa profile) that you will be offered the choice of paying via that credit card or QR code/PromptPay.....but no credit card on file prevents a person from ever reaching the final payment stage (or even starting a charging session).    Time will tell when I do my Elexa real world test over the next week or so.....it may not be until next weekend when visiting the mother-in-law as there is a Elexa charger close to her home.

 

Yeap, keeping my fingers crossed the TrueMoney virtual Mastercard credit card will fix my Elexa payment issue and also offers me more ways to pay when using other charging apps besides just Elexa.  In fact, it could turn out that I start using the TrueMoney virtual credit card in all my charging apps as the default payment method....time and testing will tell....fingers crossed.

 

 

 

Here's a post from the Facebook Elexa EV Society page announcing the payment policy change

effective 17 March.  "Must have a "credit" card loaded in your Elexa payment profile before you can even begin charging.  If you do have an acceptable card load then you can start a charging session and then at the end pay via that credit card "or" QR code/PromptPay.   

 

And I just love how the post says this policy change is to make payments smoothly and quickly.  LOL.  In some way it benefits/protects Elexa vs making it easier for the customer. 

 

https://www.facebook.com/ElexaEVSociety/

 

Translation of below image basically says effective 17 March a "credit" card is required to charge using Elexa.

 

 

 

 

And the reason I've making a real effort to regain Elexa charging capability is because there are many of them around Thailand on main roads.  Many PT fuel stations (not to be confused with PTT stations) have an Elexa charging station.    I just see a lot of Elexa chargers in my drives here and there. 

 

As an example, there is a new PT station (fancy one) still under construction about half way between Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom City on Phet Kasem Road (#4)....it's located at a junction where a major new road that connects Phet Kasem to Motorway M81.  Now this new PT "station/mall" isn't fully completed but has already partially opened. 

 

At this PT location is a row of Elexa 150KW DC fast chargers for "six" vehicles.   When the wife and I drove around this PT location today around 3pm that 6 vehicle Elexa location had 4 of 6 parking slots filled....EVs charging.   

 

 

Snapshot from Elexa app...Elexa charger locations around Thailand

 

 

 

 

Below is from the  EV Assn of Thailand (EVAT) website showing the number of EV commercial chargers in Thailand as of 30 June 2025. 

 

Now, it does not show "all" charging companies/networks in Thailand (more are popping up all the time), but just the networks that want to report charging station stats to EVAT.  More charging networks exist in Thailand but the great majority of the commercial charging networks are shown on the chart.  Can give a person a good idea which charging networks they might want to register with based on number of charging locations, number of chargers like DC Fast Chargers, etc.

 

 

https://evat.or.th/ev-information/current-status/index

 

 

Below is a zoom-in snapshot of the Top 7 networks...maybe the networks most EV owners should consider registering with for long road trip purposes....for those trips that you know you will need to recharge to get back home. 

 

22 hours ago, Pib said:

And the reason I've making a real effort to regain Elexa charging capability is because there are many of them around Thailand on main roads.  Many PT fuel stations (not to be confused with PTT stations) have an Elexa charging station.    I just see a lot of Elexa chargers in my drives here and there. 

 

As an example, there is a new PT station (fancy one) still under construction about half way between Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom City on Phet Kasem Road (#4)....it's located at a junction where a major new road that connects Phet Kasem to Motorway M81.  Now this new PT "station/mall" isn't fully completed but has already partially opened. 

 

At this PT location is a row of Elexa 150KW DC fast chargers for "six" vehicles.   When the wife and I drove around this PT location today around 3pm that 6 vehicle Elexa location had 4 of 6 parking slots filled....EVs charging.   

 

 

Snapshot from Elexa app...Elexa charger locations around Thailand

 

 

 

 

 

When the wife and I drove around this PT location today around 3pm that 6 vehicle Elexa location had 4 of 6 parking slots filled....EVs charging.   

 

i drove past a garage today, 6 cars filling up with fuel, took them a couple of minutes then they're on their way. life's so interesting sometimes...

1 minute ago, it is what it is said:

 

i drove past a garage today, 6 cars filling up with fuel, took them a couple of minutes then they're on their way. life's so interesting sometimes...

Yeap....filling-up with dino fuel is pretty fast but a lot more expensive than electrons going into a battery for the same amount of kilometers.

1 hour ago, it is what it is said:

 

When the wife and I drove around this PT location today around 3pm that 6 vehicle Elexa location had 4 of 6 parking slots filled....EVs charging.   

 

i drove past a garage today, 6 cars filling up with fuel, took them a couple of minutes then they're on their way. life's so interesting sometimes...

Yea, I used to make a special trip to the dino petrol station every week.   Waste 10 ish minutes of my life X 52 weeks = 520 ish minites or 8 hr & 40 mins a year, along with the travel time to the station.   Petrol costing about 4X as much as charging at home, IF, I even had to pay.  

 

But we charge with excess Solar, so save about 50k THB a year, if one drives about 20k local kms.

 

And it only takes less than 1 minute a week, X 52, so < 1 hr a year.  Life is interesting sometimes...

10 hours ago, it is what it is said:

 

When the wife and I drove around this PT location today around 3pm that 6 vehicle Elexa location had 4 of 6 parking slots filled....EVs charging.   

 

i drove past a garage today, 6 cars filling up with fuel, took them a couple of minutes then they're on their way. life's so interesting sometimes...

 

since april i have driven about 5000 km and have only charged my BEV sealion 7 at home. plug in takes 1 minute, plug out takes 1 minute ... simply easy peasy and about 4 times cheaper than my old ICE .... 

 

i regularly do round trips of about 450 km without charging, then just plug in at home again and it’s enough for an other week or so of driving around ... agian easy peasy ...

 

in the past, with my ICE, i had to refuel at a gas station during road trips, after that find a parking spot, use the toilet, and get a coffee! today, with my BEV on a road trip, i charge the car, use the toilet, get a coffee, and 15 minutes later i’m on my way again. most drivers, like me, lose no extra time when charging their car ...

 

there are still some EV opponents who desperately try to find convincing arguments to talk down E-mobility. BEV are not perfect and not suitable for everyone ... and that’s perfectly fine for us BEV owner ... wishing everyone a safe drive!

On 8/9/2025 at 9:02 PM, Pib said:

 

This afternoon I tried adding my TrueMoney virtual credit card to the Elexa app and was successful on first try.  I also added the card to two other charging apps....ReverSharger and PTT.    The Elexa card add process actually debited a few baht from the card and then immediately refunded that amount.  ReverShcarger and PTT didn't debit/credit any amounts....the card was simply accepted.

 

Now I just need to do a complete real world test at a charging station to see I can now "start" and pay for an Elexa charging session....and I'll do the same with ReverSharger and PTT although I have multiple acceptable payment methods already setup with ReverSharger and PTT.   It's just Elexa that was giving me grief in being able to setup a payment option. 

 

I also think from talking to the Elexa Customer Service and looking at some Facebook posts that at the end of an Elexa charging session (which a person can now only start if having an acceptable credit card in your Elexa profile) that you will be offered the choice of paying via that credit card or QR code/PromptPay.....but no credit card on file prevents a person from ever reaching the final payment stage (or even starting a charging session).    Time will tell when I do my Elexa real world test over the next week or so.....it may not be until next weekend when visiting the mother-in-law as there is a Elexa charger close to her home.

 

Yeap, keeping my fingers crossed the TrueMoney virtual Mastercard credit card will fix my Elexa payment issue and also offers me more ways to pay when using other charging apps besides just Elexa.  In fact, it could turn out that I start using the TrueMoney virtual credit card in all my charging apps as the default payment method....time and testing will tell....fingers crossed.

 

 

 

This morning I did a real world Elexa charging session (at a PT station) no problem by using the TrueMoney virtual Mastercard credit card that came with the TrueMoney account I opened a few days ago.  With the TrueMoney credit card in my Elexa payment profile the charging session started and then at the end of the charging session I was offered payment via the TrueMoney credit card, QR Code, or Max Me Wallet.  Max Me is a card issued/used by PT service stations.   I selected payment via the TrueMoney card and the payment processed within seconds by deducting the funds from my TrueMoney wallet.   

 

I'm now back in business in being able to use the Elexa charging network.   I should have opened a TrueMoney account years ago but really didn't have no need until now.  And in fact I going to make another post soon where I used another charging network I never used before  and I paid via the TureMoney virtual credit card.  I'm a rookie to TrueMoney but I quickly finding out it can be used to pay for "many" things.   Yeap, back in business in being able use Elexa.  

 

 

Snapshot of Elexa Payment Screen

 

On 8/6/2025 at 7:56 PM, Pib said:

Today I was visiting a Foodland grocery store in western Bangkok and noticed they now had three EV charging parking slots with 40KW and 30KW "DC" charging stations.  I took a look at them and they were named "Power Envision."   When looking at the instructions poster to see what "app" was used it just indicated use LINE.   I then looked for a "Power Envision" app on Google Play....none existed.

 

I then opened my LINE app and looked under Official Accounts for Power Envision and there was an official account for them.  I added Power Envision as a friend and found out the app to use Power Envision chargers was integrated right into the Power Envision Official Chat Account on LINE.   

 

And it was super simple to use and understand....has multiple payment options to include PromptPay/QR code, uses a wallet approach, has instructions in Thai and English, Map/locations of chargers, etc.  I was really impressed in how easy a charging app could be made so simple and to use although I haven't tried a real world test yet.   

 

But I did think to myself if it actually turns out to be super easy to use....no registration required since it just integrates as Official Friend in your LINE acct...and the payment is truly super easy.....then this is the way I hope other charging companies go instead of having standalone apps which sometimes are "not" user friendly to register with and/or do not offer a payment option that you have access too.

 

However, Power Envision only had about 30 locations across Thailand with about half of them being in Bangkok.  But as I mentioned the way the app integrates into your LINE acct (and you could delete them whenever you want just like any other Official and Human Friend) is really slick.  

 

Snapshot of Power Envision shown in the Official Accounts area of LINE

 

 

 

 

Snapshot of a Power Envision 40KW DC charger.  They also had a 30KW DC charger.

 

 

 

The instructions which is basically states log onto your LINE app and add Power Envision 

as an Official Account fried.  Then in your chat area you will see the Power Envision app (super

easy to use), instructions, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

Right after completing and paying for the Elexa charging session I decided to give the "Power Envision" charging network a try at a nearby Foodland here in Bangkok..  As talked in my above earlier post Power Envision uses an app function in its LINE official account; no separate app from the Google or Apple app stores needed...no need to download an install any app as the Power Envision has an easy and simple charging app built right into their official LINE account..  "Super easy to use and pay."   

 

Power Envision uses a wallet type approach to pay for a charging session.  I started off my putting Bt50 (minimum amount allowed) in the wallet and funded it using my TrueMoney account....Power Envision just pulled the money from my TrueMoney wallet. To fund the Power Envision wallet you can use a Credit/Debit card, TrueMoney, PromptPay/QR code,  LINE Pay, or AliPay....see Snapshot 2 below for wallet funding options....I used TrueMoney.  

 

Below are some Power Envision app snapshot from my charging session....I've add comments to the snapshots to further explain use of Power Envision.

 

Snapshot 1....app screen while charging

 

 

 

 

Snapshot 2:  App screen for funding/payment....had to put at least Bt50 into the 

Power Envision wallet before you could begin charging.  I think one screen said

at the beginning a person needs to have at least Bt10 in the wallet before a charging

session can begin.  If you don't have at least Bt10 in the wallet then you need to go to 

the payment screen below and add some money.   As mentioned I added Bt50 for this 

test charge.   And i just let the charging session run to see if it would stop automatically 

after using up my wallet balance of Bt50...and what the app did was stop charging "just before" I used up 

the entire Bt50....it left a little under Bt3 in the wallet.  And another little popup info screen said the app

will stop charging once your wallet balance drops under Bt10....as mentioned in my case it stop at approx

Bt3 remaining.  

 

 

 

I used the 40KW DC Charger....they also had a 30KW DC charger at this Foodland location 

in western Bangkok.  Parking slots for 4 EVs to charge.   This charging station is surely focused at 

folks living in condo's building in the area.  Drop by Foodland to buy some groceries or eat

at their restaurant and charge your EV with either a 40KW or 30KW DC charger while you visit

Foodland.   Plus, I expect DC chargers in the 20-40KW power range are a lot cheaper to install/maintain

than a full size DC charger in the 50KW to 150KW ballpark. 

 

 

 

Yes, this was a super easy charging network to use with its LINE charging app function and with multiple payment options.  No need to download/install an app from the Google or Apple app stores.   Just add the LINE Power Envision official account to your Friends in LINE and you are ready to go...no registration required....just use one of several funding options to put some money in the Power Envision wallet and then begin charging.   Very, very simple to use. 

 

 

19 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

This morning I did a real world Elexa charging session (at a PT station) no problem by using the TrueMoney virtual Mastercard credit card that came with the TrueMoney account I opened a few days ago.  With the TrueMoney credit card in my Elexa payment profile the charging session started and then at the end of the charging session I was offered payment via the TrueMoney credit card, QR Code, or Max Me Wallet.  Max Me is a card issued/used by PT service stations.   I selected payment via the TrueMoney card and the payment processed within seconds by deducting the funds from my TrueMoney wallet.   

 

I'm now back in business in being able to use the Elexa charging network.   I should have opened a TrueMoney account years ago but really didn't have no need until now.  And in fact I going to make another post soon where I used another charging network I never used before  and I paid via the TureMoney virtual credit card.  I'm a rookie to TrueMoney but I quickly finding out it can be used to pay for "many" things.   Yeap, back in business in being able use Elexa.  

 

 

Snapshot of Elexa Payment Screen

 

Good news @Pib.

 

I had downloaded the TrueMoney App a while ago but never activated it.

On the strength of you discovering that EleXA can be used again i activated it this morning ( luckily i had no problems with the passport and dl scans after previous experience with another charging app some time ago ).

 

As i was 200 kms away and driving back today had hoped to test it myself but am waiting for the SMS to say my registration has been accepted and could be a few days with the holiday so will have to wait a while before testing.

 

Would be good to link as many charging apps to TrueMoney as possible with the exception of EV Station Pluz which is direct from my bank via debit card and my best option.

 

Just seen your Envision post, another to add to the list !

 

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Good news @Pib.

 

I had downloaded the TrueMoney App a while ago but never activated it.

On the strength of you discovering that EleXA can be used again i activated it this morning ( luckily i had no problems with the passport and dl scans after previous experience with another charging app some time ago ).

 

As i was 200 kms away and driving back today had hoped to test it myself but am waiting for the SMS to say my registration has been accepted and could be a few days with the holiday so will have to wait a while before testing.

 

Would be good to link as many charging apps to TrueMoney as possible with the exception of EV Station Pluz which is direct from my bank via debit card and my best option.

 

Just seen your Envision post, another to add to the list !

 

 

I did have problems with the TrueMoney FaceScan verification process....that is, matching a face scan to your passport picture.   I first started the process on a Monday.   Tried multiple scans and just couldn't pass the face scan match to passport picture.  I hear it's a common problem with us "hansum" guys.  😜 

 

Anyway, after trying multiple times the TrueMoney app would not allow any more face scan attempts....apparently I had been locked out from more face scan attempts due to too many failed attempts.

 

I called TrueMoney Customer Service...explained the problem...the rep said he would send me an email with instructions and I would get a response within 3 business days of providing the info.   The email arrived within a minute or so asking for a description of the problem, phone brand/model, operating system, and copy of main passport page. I emailed the requested info.   Come Wed afternoon still no response...I still couldn't use the app to attempt more face scans...I called TrueMoney...the rep said he will follow-up regarding status of my earlier request.  

 

Come Thursday still no response and app still will not allow any more face scan. 

 

Come Friday mid day still no response but before calling customer service again I checked to see if I was still locked out from attempting more face scans....and I was "not" locked out.  So, I attempted a verification face scan again...and this time I guess the room lightning was just right....a little darker than when I tried on Monday and I was able to pass the verification process.  The app now said my registration is under review and I will get a response "by SMS" within 8 business hours normally but no more than 3 business days.   

 

Come Saturday morning I got the approval SMS.  I logged on to the app, setup my PIN, and activated the TrueMoney SME virtual credit card and the regular TrueMoney virtual credit card.  In fact, when I was activating the cards which only requires you to enter your first and last name I didn't notice there were actually "two" cards I could activate....I was expecting only one.   I first activated the SME card and when the app screen refreshed I looked like the activation had not worked but what had actually happened was the activation had successfully occurred and now the screen being shown was for activation of my "other" credit card and this made me think the card activation had failed.  For the second card I entered by first and last name and I now have "two" virutal credit card numbers.    Yea, I was kinda lost and bumping into things while I was activating those two cards....all the initial and  various options in the TrueMoney app can initially be overwhelming/some what confusing....but after a little study it started making sense.

 

Yea, with today/11 Aug being a holiday for many and tomorrow/12 Aug being a national holiday (Mothers Day) you might not get final approval for a few days.   

 

I should have activated a TrueMoney account years and years ago the more I think about it as there are many apps/online stores/physical stores/etc., that accept TrueMoney as payment via direct debit from your TrueMoney ewallet or use of a TrueMoney virtual credit card.    Maybe Elexa did me a favor by changing their policy to only accepting "Thai credit cards" which pushed me to opening a TrueMoney acct.

 

I'm may just start using my TrueMoney acct/virtual credit card as the "default" payment method in all the charging apps that accept TrueMoney simply because I can turn off and on the TrueMoney card very quickly without needing to do facescan like if I was turning on my Thai bank debit card for online purchases because it's not uncommon to have to do multiple face scans to satisfy the Thai bank app....it's just picky sometimes when doing face scans.   And I also use one of my foreign credit cards as a payment option like in the PTT charging app but I also turn the card on and off for online purchases by using the app for my foreign bank.     Ever since that fraudulent transaction I figure the scammer probably hacked one of the charging networks because that's the only place I had my Thai debit card info loaded and I do not use my debit card for in store purchases. 

 

A few months ago my Thai bank debit card was used fraudulently for an online Spotify monthly payment of a little over Bt200....don't know how the scammer got my debit card info, but I figure (guess) it was from one of several charging apps where I had my Thai bank debit card loaded in the payment profile (i.e., info got hacked from the charging app network).  I have only used my Thai bank debit card info in these charging apps; haven't used it in any other online sites/purchases, and I never use the debit card for in-store purchases.   The Thai bank refund the fraudulent transaction within a week and I got a new debit card. 

 

I reloaded that new card info in the charging app payment profiles.  Ever since then I use mbanking to only turn on the debit card just before doing an online transaction (like paying for a charging session) and then right after completing the transaction I turn off the card.

 

If I switch to using TrueMoney where ever allowed I can deleted my other bank cards from those charging apps which should prevent any hackers from getting the bank card info again.  I'll just keep enough money (a low balance) in my TrueMoney ewallet to cover charging costs, keep the TrueMoney card turn off until needing to use...plus it's very easy and fast to top-up your TrueMoney ewallet. 

 

34 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

I did have problems with the TrueMoney FaceScan verification process....that is, matching a face scan to your passport picture.   I first started the process on a Monday.   Tried multiple scans and just couldn't pass the face scan match to passport picture.  I hear it's a common problem with us "hansum" guys.  😜 

 

Anyway, after trying multiple times the TrueMoney app would not allow any more face scan attempts....apparently I had been locked out from more face scan attempts due to too many failed attempts.

 

I called TrueMoney Customer Service...explained the problem...the rep said he would send me an email with instructions and I would get a response within 3 business days of providing the info.   The email arrived within a minute or so asking for a description of the problem, phone brand/model, operating system, and copy of main passport page. I emailed the requested info.   Come Wed afternoon still no response...I still couldn't use the app to attempt more face scans...I called TrueMoney...the rep said he will follow-up regarding status of my earlier request.  

 

Come Thursday still no response and app still will not allow any more face scan. 

 

Come Friday mid day still no response but before calling customer service again I checked to see if I was still locked out from attempting more face scans....and I was "not" locked out.  So, I attempted a verification face scan again...and this time I guess the room lightning was just right....a little darker than when I tried on Monday and I was able to pass the verification process.  The app now said my registration is under review and I will get a response "by SMS" within 8 business hours normally but no more than 3 business days.   

 

Come Saturday morning I got the approval SMS.  I logged on to the app, setup my PIN, and activated the TrueMoney SME virtual credit card and the regular TrueMoney virtual credit card.  In fact, when I was activating the cards which only requires you to enter your first and last name I didn't notice there were actually "two" cards I could activate....I was expecting only one.   I first activated the SME card and when the app screen refreshed I looked like the activation had not worked but what had actually happened was the activation had successfully occurred and now the screen being shown was for activation of my "other" credit card and this made me think the card activation had failed.  For the second card I entered by first and last name and I now have "two" virutal credit card numbers.    Yea, I was kinda lost and bumping into things while I was activating those two cards....all the initial and  various options in the TrueMoney app can initially be overwhelming/some what confusing....but after a little study it started making sense.

 

Yea, with today/11 Aug being a holiday for many and tomorrow/12 Aug being a national holiday (Mothers Day) you might not get final approval for a few days.   

 

I should have activated a TrueMoney account years and years ago the more I think about it as there are many apps/online stores/physical stores/etc., that accept TrueMoney as payment via direct debit from your TrueMoney ewallet or use of a TrueMoney virtual credit card.    Maybe Elexa did me a favor by changing their policy to only accepting "Thai credit cards" which pushed me to opening a TrueMoney acct.

 

I'm may just start using my TrueMoney acct/virtual credit card as the "default" payment method in all the charging apps that accept TrueMoney simply because I can turn off and on the TrueMoney card very quickly without needing to do facescan like if I was turning on my Thai bank debit card for online purchases because it's not uncommon to have to do multiple face scans to satisfy the Thai bank app....it's just picky sometimes when doing face scans.   And I also use one of my foreign credit cards as a payment option like in the PTT charging app but I also turn the card on and off for online purchases by using the app for my foreign bank.     Ever since that fraudulent transaction I figure the scammer probably hacked one of the charging networks because that's the only place I had my Thai debit card info loaded and I do not use my debit card for in store purchases. 

 

A few months ago my Thai bank debit card was used fraudulently for an online Spotify monthly payment of a little over Bt200....don't know how the scammer got my debit card info, but I figure (guess) it was from one of several charging apps where I had my Thai bank debit card loaded in the payment profile (i.e., info got hacked from the charging app network).  I have only used my Thai bank debit card info in these charging apps; haven't used it in any other online sites/purchases, and I never use the debit card for in-store purchases.   The Thai bank refund the fraudulent transaction within a week and I got a new debit card. 

 

I reloaded that new card info in the charging app payment profiles.  Ever since then I use mbanking to only turn on the debit card just before doing an online transaction (like paying for a charging session) and then right after completing the transaction I turn off the card.

 

If I switch to using TrueMoney where ever allowed I can deleted my other bank cards from those charging apps which should prevent any hackers from getting the bank card info again.  I'll just keep enough money (a low balance) in my TrueMoney ewallet to cover charging costs, keep the TrueMoney card turn off until needing to use...plus it's very easy and fast to top-up your TrueMoney ewallet. 

 

Thanks, yes I too want to avoid any overseas credit card registration on these apps and the TrueMoney App seems like a perfect solution.

 

What is SME ( a google search tells me small and medium enterprises ? ) and why are there two credit cards, any particular instructions in which should be used for which transaction ?

1 hour ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

Thanks, yes I too want to avoid any overseas credit card registration on these apps and the TrueMoney App seems like a perfect solution.

 

What is SME ( a google search tells me small and medium enterprises ? ) and why are there two credit cards, any particular instructions in which should be used for which transaction ?

Yes, that's what SME stands for.   I didn't do my TrueMoney activation till Saturday afternoon after finishing a 300Km out and about trip and after completing the activation (to include the 2 cards) I only spent about 10 minutes googling info on the two different cards before going to bed....just enough to find out both have no annual fee but the SME card provides 3% cash back if buying X-amount.  Then on Sunday the wife and I were out and about all day on another site seeing trip...too tired (and lazy) to research the issue on Sunday.  And today/Monday was a full activity day also.  
 

Summary: I haven't researched enough yet to give a good answer.  I do plan to load the SME card in the Elexa app so I can do a test of it....make sure it works also.   Yea, I got more homework to do regarding the two virtual cards I got....one named  "TrueMoney SME Card" and one named "TrueMoney Mastercard Virtual Card."   Both have the Mastercard logo.

 

https://www.truemoney.com/truemoney-sme-card/

 

https://www.truemoney.com/truemoney-mastercard/

 

 

 

And according to Google AI regarding the difference between the two cards

AI Overview

 

The TrueMoney SME Card and the TrueMoney Mastercard Virtual Card are both virtual cards available through the TrueMoney app, but the SME card is specifically designed for digital marketers and social ad buyers, offering unique cashback and fee benefits, while the standard virtual card is a more general-purpose payment option. 

 

Here's a breakdown of the differences:

TrueMoney SME Card:

• Target Audience: Digital marketers, social ad buyers, and MSME entrepreneurs.
• Key Features:
  • Cashback: 3% cashback on online ad spending (capped at THB 300/month with a minimum spend of THB 1,000/transaction).
  • Fee Waivers: No foreign exchange fees for ad spending in other currencies.
  • Control: Option to turn the card on or off.
  • Global Usability: Accepted by online merchants both in Thailand and internationally.
  • No Fees: Free card issuance, no annual or monthly fees.
• Purpose: Specifically tailored to optimize online advertising spending. 
   

TrueMoney Mastercard Virtual Card (General Use):

• Target Audience: General users of the TrueMoney app.
• Key Features:
  • General Payment: Used for online and offline purchases where Mastercard is accepted.
  • Virtual Card: Not a physical card, but a digital card for online transactions.
  • Convenience: Easy to create and manage within the TrueMoney app.
• Purpose: A convenient way to make online payments for various needs beyond just advertising. 
   

In essence, the SME card is a specialized tool for businesses focused on online advertising, while the general virtual card is a more versatile payment option for users of the TrueMoney app. 

 

 

Got the TrueMoney App verification just now, quite quick especially on a holiday and yesterday I found a thread on here about some foreigners having problems trying to connect !.

Anyway, activated the credit card ( non SME for now ) just need to add some money to the wallet to give it a go.

The app needs a little patience to find the correct way but have added some stuff to favourites so hopefully it will become second nature with use.

I added the True Money Mastercard virtual credit card to my Elexa, PTT, and Reversharger app payment profiles.   As mentioned in earlier post the other day I did a real world charging & payment test using the TrueMoney card with Elexa.

 

Today/Tuesday/12 Aug I did another real world charge and payment test at another Elexa charger....worked fine.   AND I then went to some nearby PTT and ReverSharger chargers and successfully charged and paid using the TrueMoney card loaded in my payment profile.

 

When using the Elexa charger once again it went thru a "One Time Password (OTP)" verification process even with the card already accepated/loaded in your Elexa payment profile.  So, it appears Elexa might do this every time.   Not a big deal other than adding about 30 seconds to finalizing the payment process.   

 

Now PTT and ReverSharger did not do the OTP thingie....they just charged the TrueMoney card that was loaded in my payment profile.

 

And today I also tried to add that TrueMoney SME Card to my Elexa payment profile....tried twice....Elexa would not accept it.  I did not try PTT or ReverSharger.   Elexa went thru the OTP verification thingie but the SME card would never appear in my Elexa profile afterwards.....acting just like it did with my Thai bank "debit" card.  I "think" (no sure at all) that the TrueMoney SME Card is limited to online payment of "ads" on Google, Meta, Tittok, etc....or what they call "shooting ads" now days where you shoot ads into online advertising sites to sell some product/service.  And I think the TrueMoney SME Card is pretty brand new and launched in early May 2025 according to a news article I stumble across.

 

And a general comment about using TrueMoney to pay for things by scanning your TrueMoney acct QR code. Today while charging I went into a 7-11 to buy some ice cream....paid with my TrueMoney no problem.  When at another charging location which had a Jiffy store I bought some ice cream again but when trying to pay with TrueMoney the cashier just said "No" in English....I assumed Jiffy didn't take TrueMoney.  But after getting home and googling "does Jiffy accept TrueMoney" the answers come back with a Yes they do.   So, I'll try to buy something in another Jiffy sometime in the near future  and see if that Jiffy accepts TrueMoney....maybe the Jiffy store I tried at today was just having temporary payment machine problems and normally they do accept TrueMoney, but the cashier's answer sure implied to my they simply don't accept payment via TrueMoney.

Just an additional comment about the TrueMoney Virtual Mastercard Credit Card.   Below snapshot from the Elexa app is the first screen in the pre-charge process.  It has a notice for those without a "credit card" that they should consider applying for a TrueMoney Mastercard.   And they really mean without a "Thai" credit card based on my online chats with Elexa customer service.  

 

Now I expect many foreigners know that applying for a Thai credit card without a work permit is pretty much tinkling into the wind in Thailand although foreigners can get a plastic "secured" credit card at most any Thai bank because it's issued against a "locked" amount/deposit in the bank...that locked deposit is used to guarantee payment of the card..creates no risk for the card-issuing bank---basically it's a "prepaid" credit card.   

 

And I think most people would thing a TrueMoney "plastic" credit card is going to be issued if approved, but no, it's just a virtual card within your TrueMoney account.

 

What the notice below really means is apply for a TrueMoney account and that account will automatically come with a "TrueMoney Mastercard "virtual" credit card" and that virtual credit card works with Elexa.   The virtual card is secured based on the balance in your TrueMoney e-wallet.    You do not get a TrueMoney "plastic credit card"; it's just a "virtual" credit card that is issued for TrueMoney thru TMBThanachart Bank.    But hey, it works for online purchases like paying for charging sessions with Elexa, PTT, ReverSharger, etc....etc....etc....and other online products/services.

 

So, if you tried to buy certain things online or use certain EV charging apps but couldn't because only a "Thai credit card was accepted"  then a TrueMoney acct with virtual Mastercard credit card may solve your problem.

 

@Pib, thanks for your research into this, it has certainly revived my list of charging apps.

 

I added True Money virtual card to 5 charging apps yesterday eliminating the need to keep my U.K. CC registered on some and enabling a couple i wasn’t using.

 

My list:

 

EV Station Pluz remains my favourite for the shear number of chargers and amenities at PTT pumps. Plus it debits directly from my bank account.

Dampened only by the booking process ( i find this can work for or against you and now have added EV Station Pluz app to the car’s screen it might be better ).

 

PEA Volta: i use the wallet to fund this but now topped up via True Money Virtual Card means i am now self reliant.

 

EleXA: used them a couple of times before and was dismayed when the new rules disabled it for me. True Money puts me back in business.

 

ReverSharger: was available to me before initially with my U.K. CC registration and after with a wallet but adding True Money Card has just simplified the payment process.

 

EA Anywhere: never used this charger despite there being numerous but now just simplified the payment process with TM card.

 

Altervim: tried to use this one once a long way from home and failed resulting in a frozen U.K. CC ( the fault of an over zealous U.K. bank ) have avoided since then but now added TM card so will test again.

 

Have more than enough options as my normal charging requirements are covered with the home charger linked to a TOU meter and the occasional top up charge when needed from my frequent visits to the mil.

There are of course other charging options which i will revisit to see if they are True Money friendly, Envision and EVolt etc.

 

So might seem like overkill but twice a year do a couple of road trips so to quote Baden-Powell “ Be Prepared “

( not to be confused with his other famous quote “ send a couple of boys to my tent and call me in 3 hours “).

The other day when going thru a KFC driver-thru (getting my box of chicken) only about a kilometer from my home I noticed a new DC charger called "Spark EV"...this KFC is located at a Bangchak station...and this particular station used to be an Esso station until Bangchak bought Esso stations across Thailand and renamed them Bangchak stations.   And over the last month I had also noticed a few more Spark EV chargers in my travels as they are typically a bright orange with a lightning bolt on them---and all new looking.

 

The charger at the Bangchak KFC location was not operational yet but it looked like it was all but complete....like a Christmas gift just waiting to be opened on Christmas morning....maybe just waiting to finalize electrical lines hookup.  But seeing that new charger tweaked my curiosity to relook the Spark EV website and app as around a year ago was the last time I researched Spark EV a little regarding charging locations, registration requirements, etc. 

 

Before I had installed the app, played with it off and on for a week or so, and then uninstalled it because at that time Spark EV had few locations....only around a dozen or so predominately in the greater Bangkok area if I remember right....but Spark EV had plans to expand to "250" selected Bangchak stations across Thailand. 

 

Spark EV Thailand website:  https://sparkev.co/

 

 

OK, I re-installed the app yesterday, saw they now had around 65 locations at Bangchak stations and all chargers were were DC chargers....no 22/11/7Kw AC chargers.....and almost everyone of the DC chargers was a 180KW charger.  From quickly reviewing the charging locations I only found one location were the DC charger was not a 180Kw charger; instead, that one location had 120Kw chargers.  And that 120KW location was a 6-car charging location....that is, three 120Kw chargers each with two charging guns.    And in Hua Hin Bangchak had a 8-car charging location with 180Kw chargers.   See below Snapshots 1 and 2 with comments for more info. 

 

This morning I did register with Spark EV and it was a piece of cake.  The app uses your Thai mobile number, sends you a OTP via SMS and you are in.  You then enter your first and last name, your email address and some other optional info like the make/model of your EV, etc.   You are now done...registered....easy-peasy.  The app uses a "wallet" approach to pay for a charging session.  The minimum amount you can add to the wallet is Bt300 and Snapshot 3 shows the 6 methods to fund the wallet....6 ways to fund such as credit/debit card, TrueMoney wallet, PromptPay, etc. 

 

With my Spark EV wallet now having Bt300 in it I jumped into my EV and went to a Bangchak station to do a real world test.  Go to the station and no EVs are charging...cool.  Unfortunately, turns out the charging station was offline/inop and I couldn't charge.  Went to another Bangchak station a few kilometers away and once again the charging station is offline/inop.  When looking at the app again regarding these two charging locations the app "does not" say they are offline/inop but just indicate 0 of 2 charging guns are available on each charger which can imply to a person when driving to the location that the chargers are operation but just happen to be in use right now with EVs charging....and the app does not show "charging" like other charging networks apps show.    The Spark app really falls short in clearly identifying those chargers that are "offline/inop"....can make a person think the chargers are just in use right now and hopefully by the time you arrive a charging slot will be available.  

 

There was another Bangkok station about 5Km away that showed 1 of 2 charging slots available.  But before deciding on whether to go or not I call Spark Customer Service first...a chance to check out their customer service....see if I can get a human on the phone.  I called, was able to select English and within a minute I'm talking to a human in English.  Cool.  I explained my problem/frustration with the two charging locations and the rep apologized...confirmed the chargers were "offline" but also confirmed the next station I was thinking of going to was indeed operational.   So, I was able to confirm Spark supposedly has a 24/7 customer service and English speaking also.  I decided to go to the third Bangkok locations.  Note: I noticed tonight/at the time of this post one of those two locations does now appear to be operational and the other one does not show/imply it's operational like it did this morning....maybe my phone call this morning expressing my frustration with how the app displayed offline/inop chargers caused a change in how they display offline/inop chargers (yea, dream on Pib).

 

I arrive the 3rd location and an Ora Good Cat had just pulled in to take one charging slot and there was a non-EV/a petrol car (a Honda Jazz) occupying the other slot....just some A-hole who had parked in a EV charging slot and then probably went into a nearby coffee shop or 7-11.  After waiting a few minutes and even walking to the Honda to see if anyone was in it (nope) I decided to leave.  Boy, I'm not having much luck in finding a Spark charger I can use.  But I don't give up easily....plus to get back home I would go by another Bangchak station that showed a charger available...both slots available.  So off I go again which is also taking me back towards home.

 

I get to the 4th location and BINGO!!!!....the charger is operational....both EV slots available...and I'm able to start the charging process easily.  I charge for around Bt75 worth of electrons...the payment is taken from my Spark wallet which started with Bt300...and takes the wallet down to around Bt225.  

 

When getting home and looking at/exploring the app some more I noticed right on the app main page it's advertising a Bt300 "coupon" credit for "new" users.   I enter the coupon code and BINGO!!! I'm given a Bt300 credit in a separate wallet called a "coupon" wallet....I just need to use that Bt300 credit within 60 days and I use it by selecting payment from my coupon wallet vs regular wallet when paying for the charging session.  I then notice "another" coupon credit offer of Bt50 starting today/13 Aug where a person just needs to complete a marketing questionnaire and within 5 business days a Bt50 credit would be added to your coupon wallet.  I completed that questionnaire which was about 10 simple questions asking what I thought of the Spark EV network.  Hopefully that Bt50 credit will indeed arrive my coupon wallet within 5 business days and then I will have Bt350 in my Spark coupon wallet....and Bt225 remaining in my regular wallet that I funded via PromptPay.   I'll definitely use up that Bt350 coupon credit to fund charges over the next two months....completely offsets my initial Bt300 funding with a Bt50 profit.   

 

But most importantly I now have another charging network to use when on long road trips....basically a charging network currently at 65 Bangchak stations and supposedly expanding to 250 Bangchak stations accross Thailand.   See snapshots below for more info.  Cheers.

 

 

Snapshot 1: Spark current 65 charging locations across Thailand....according

to the Spark website they plan to grow to 250 locations.  Pretty good

coverage in the greater Bangkok area, going to southern Thailand,

and main roads going up north and towards parts of Isan like the Korat

plain.  All at Bangchak stations (some of which were formerly

Esso stations).  If you decide to install the app the locations with

a "BCP" code is a Bangchak station and those coded "BSRC" are

also now Bangchak station but were formerly Esso stations.

 

 

 

 

Snapshot 2: Spark EV grand plans to expand to 250 locations

at Bangchak stations.

 

 

 

 

Snapshot 3: Spark wallet funding options.  6 ways to fund wallet 

such as credit/debit card (appears to use OTP verification process),

TrueMoney wallet, PromptPay, etc.   I used PromptPay to fund my wallet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Correction/note: where I mentioned above Spark EV plans to expand to 250 locations across Thailand from re-reading Spark's announcement it says 250 "charging stations" at Bangchak stations.  So, since some Bangchak fuel stations have more than one Spark charger (a few stations have 2, 4, 6 or 8 chargers) that means less than 250 Bangchak fuel station will have Spark chargers.

 

I expect (guess) if Spark and Bangchak follow thru with their goal of having 250 Spark charger stations at various Bangchak stations then the total number of Bangchak fuel stations with chargers will be closer to 175-200 of their fuel stations, but that's still a healthy amount especially if most of them are on/close to major roads which people travel on during long trips.

Update on my real world testing of the Spark EV charging network. 

 

Two days ago after initially signing up with Spark (a Wednesday) I made a long winded post after my initial test and how the 1st charger location I went to turned out to be offline (i.e., inop).    I then went to another nearby  Spark charger location where it was also offline.  The Spark app did "not" show these two chargers as offline...that's why I went to them.  After a call to Spark Customer Service they recommended I go to another nearby Spark charger location which they confirmed is was definitely online but when I got to it there was one EV charging and the other parking slot was occupied by a petrol car who must have thought it would be a fine parking space while going to the coffee shop.   

 

OK, that's "three" Spark charger locations (all at Bangchak fuel stations) I visited without being able to charge.   On the way back home I tried a fourth Spark charger also at Bangchak station and I'm finally successful in being able to charge as no EVs was using it...the charging session went smoothly. 

 

Later in the day I noticed the Spark app changed how it was displaying those first two locations I went to....one location was giving a weird indication it was not working and the other location was indicating it was back online.   

 

The next morning (Thursday) that first location was no longer even displayed on the Spark app....not showing on the Spark map or in its text list...it's like it never existed.  And the other charger was still showing online.  Later in the day I went to the charger still showing it was online and successfully charged.

 

Now today (Friday) that charger that disappeared off the Spark app was showing again in the app and showing online.   While on another grocery run to Foodland I stopped and successfully charged for a few minutes.  Went to Foodland and then on the way back home stopped at the Spark charger that had reappeared on the app and also successfully charged for few minutes. 

 

Payment for all of the these short & sweet charging tests automatically came out of my Spark "coupon" wallet where Spark had given me a Bt300 credit as a new customer.   The money I had initially put in my regular Spark wallet was not touched.  So, the Spark EV automatically charges your coupon wallet first (if it has some coupon credit in it) ...if no money in the coupon wallet then it charges your regular Spark wallet which you put money in.

 

So, my initial day (Wednesday) trying to use Spark chargers took tries at 4 different charging locations because of the charger offline and/or no EV slots.  All locations pretty close to me here in the greater Bangkok area.    But the test charge on Thursday went without issue as did the two test charges today/Friday.   

 

I like the Spark chargers (all 180KW chargers) with their BIG, bright screens (easily viewable even in the brightest sunlight) and the app-charger combo is pretty responsive.  This coming Sunday I'll probably do another test charge at another Bangchak location when visiting the mother in law in Nakhon Pathom province  as I burn-off the Bt300 credit which is good for 60 days.  And just maybe in a planned trip to Hua Hin in a few weeks I'll recharge at the big Bangchak Spark charging station which has 8 (eight) EV charging slots with 180KW chargers.

 

Yeap, day 1 testing was a hair puller, day 2 no problem, and day 3 also no problem.