31% of Thais eye battery electric vehicles as next car choice

[KhunLA]

24 minutes ago, BenStark said:

So do you confirm those fast chargers are available every 200 km, otherwise your quote is just another distortion of the reality.

Be done to death ... the CS infrastructure here is excellent. More than enough on the way to Phuket.

 

Why do you care, since not owning an EV.  Do you even live in TH, since all your references are about the failings of EV use in the UK.

 

Yes, entry level Neta has a smaller than most popular EV battery, something to consider if using over the road.  MGs will get 300+ kms without charging.

 

I usually top up at 260 kms, with a reserve of 100 kms, as that's 3-4 hrs on Thai roads, and wife, dog & myself welcome the break.

 

If you want to drive 10 hrs straight @ 120 kph, then again, the EV isn't for you.

 

If I go to Phuket, I need to top up once, and it's a welcome break.

 

If I go to Krung Thep to see my daughter, I don't even need to top up, but we do, just out of town, same as when driving and ICE, as it's a welcome break, and no need to bother once at Krung Thep.

Edited May 26, 2023 by KhunLA

[Skallywag]

Amazing to me how people always "need" a car.  How many road trips do you "need" to take every year?  For those trips, simply rent a car, go by bus, train, or van. 

The idea that now in the 21st century anyone with the money can still buy an ICE and pollute the air that others breathe is ludicrous/wrong.

If you have to commute to work, get an EV.   I suspect 90% of people could easily get by with an EV commuting.

Personal ICE transportation should not be a "right" , it should be on a needed basis.  If you are retired, no way you "need" to have a personal vehicle if you live in a city.  It is a convenience, for which there are always alternatives. 

Man up, quit being a slave to the Big Oil companies, and learn alternatives to getting from point A to point B is my motto

[h90]

4 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Civilized countries always end up importing food from the more backward countries.

Even Rome got a lot of it's food from Egypt.

 

As for those of us choosing to live in Thailand,

More to do with cheap housing and no welfare for single moms.

The Netherlands is a huge food exporter....sorry to hear that The Netherlands is so backward. I always thought that they are civilized

[h90]

1 minute ago, Skallywag said:

Amazing to me how people always "need" a car.  How many road trips do you "need" to take every year?  For those trips, simply rent a car, go by bus, train, or van. 

The idea that now in the 21st century anyone with the money can still buy an ICE and pollute the air that others breathe is ludicrous/wrong.

If you have to commute to work, get an EV.   I suspect 90% of people could easily get by with an EV commuting.

Personal ICE transportation should not be a "right" , it should be on a needed basis.  If you are retired, no way you "need" to have a personal vehicle if you live in a city.  It is a convenience, for which there are always alternatives. 

Man up, quit being a slave to the Big Oil companies, and learn alternatives to getting from point A to point B is my motto

Modern ICE that are not manipulated (which happens sometimes...removing the catalytic converter) are very clean.

[BenStark]

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Why do you care, since not owning an EV.  Do you even live in TH, since all your references are about the failings of EV use in the UK.

First of all, this is a discussion forum. If you don't know the meaning of that, look it up.

 

Secondly I didn't make a single reference to the UK, try to scale up your reading capabilities.

 

Don't need to reply, as I will not see your post distorting the reality anymore.

 

 

[h90]

6 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Be done to death ... the CS infrastructure here is excellent. More than enough on the way to Phuket.

 

Why do you care, since not owning an EV.  Do you even live in TH, since all your references are about the failings of EV use in the UK.

 

Yes, entry level Neta has a smaller than most popular EV battery, something to consider if using over the road.  MGs will get 300+ kms without charging.

 

I usually top up at 260 kms, with a reserve of 100 kms, as that's 3-4 hrs on Thai roads, and wife, dog & myself welcome the break.

 

If you want to drive 10 hrs straight @ 120 kph, then again, the EV isn't for you.

I am not against EVs but stopping all 260km.....There are a lot people who drive Phuket Bangkok only with a short pee brake. 260km is really not enough for long distance.
But most people would use it anyway just inside city and fly longer distances...for that it is more than enough. Driving 10+ hours is extreme boring if you could sit in the airplane 1 hour instead.

[KhunLA]

5 minutes ago, Skallywag said:

Amazing to me how people always "need" a car.  How many road trips do you "need" to take every year?  For those trips, simply rent a car, go by bus, train, or van. 

The idea that now in the 21st century anyone with the money can still buy an ICE and pollute the air that others breathe is ludicrous/wrong.

If you have to commute to work, get an EV.   I suspect 90% of people could easily get by with an EV commuting.

Personal ICE transportation should not be a "right" , it should be on a needed basis.  If you are retired, no way you "need" to have a personal vehicle if you live in a city.  It is a convenience, for which there are always alternatives. 

Man up, quit being a slave to the Big Oil companies, and learn alternatives to getting from point A to point B is my motto

A lot ... i get bored easily ????

 

But agree 100% with the rest of you post  ????

 

[ignis]

1 hour ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

That's definitely not the impression given by you saying, "he says it is the worst decision he every made to buy a EV car"?

 

Were you being deliberately disingenuous, or just accidentally?

I have never been a Salesman with a Company Car.... so can only go on what I have been told... 

 

There is a small list of cars he could have, The ban on hybrid cars in the UK [2030 ?] was a important decision to go BEV over the Hybrid models... So was the worst decision he ever made....  

 

He will be pension age within 5 years, normally the Company car is part of the leaving present also with many Companies he has been with them since he was 22..  

[KhunLA]

5 minutes ago, h90 said:

I am not against EVs but stopping all 260km.....There are a lot people who drive Phuket Bangkok only with a short pee brake. 260km is really not enough for long distance.
But most people would use it anyway just inside city and fly longer distances...for that it is more than enough. Driving 10+ hours is extreme boring if you could sit in the airplane 1 hour instead.

Those long drives are over.  I've actually done Udon Thani to Phuket, no overnight.  When the roads weren't so congested, and no speed cameras.

 

Then the 'legs' got shorter & shorter, 1 stop, 2 stops, 3 stops ????  Then it took a week or 3 to get there, playing tourist all the way, staying the weekend, then returning a different route.  

 

Now when out & about, where we top up is where we overnight, and explore that area, which ever comes first, hotel or CS.  No hurry to go anywhere.

 

In the past, like our car with us vs 3 plane fares, then renting.  Refuse to support the taxi mafia, and don't stay stationary when on Phuket.   Use to rent a scooter when there, for getting around, due to no parking, and remove the risk of an oops with the car out of home province.

 

Now a car is mandatory, as I wouldn't put a dog on a plane in TH.  Plus again, we want our car for convenience.   I never plan anything, so can't buy in advance, and simply go on a whim.  No airport near us anyway.

[KhunLA]

38 minutes ago, BenStark said:

First of all, this is a discussion forum. If you don't know the meaning of that, look it up.

 

Secondly I didn't make a single reference to the UK, try to scale up your reading capabilities.

 

Don't need to reply, as I will not see your post distorting the reality anymore.

 

 

And the topic is "BEVs in TH", not the UK, not the UK CS infrastructure, not the cost of electric in the UK.

 

Your very first post showed your lack of research, as imported BEV, can cost the same or less, than imported / same class of sedan Japanese ICEs.   With or without govt incentive.  That MG EP Plus, is a lot of bang for the baht.  As I pointed out.  

 

No years to get ROI as you stated.  Buy in is not more expensive.

 

From there, you went downhill, as pointed out by myself and another poster.

 

Obviously a BEV is not for you.  Fits perfect in our lifestyle.  Better than any ICE that I've owned, except for the ICE version as our ZS, which we also loved.   But since having more solar than we need at the house, a BEV was a no brainer.

Edited May 26, 2023 by KhunLA

[h90]

18 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Those long drives are over.  I've actually done Udon Thani to Phuket, no overnight.  When the roads weren't so congested, and no speed cameras.

 

Then the 'legs' got shorter & shorter, 1 stop, 2 stops, 3 stops ????  Then it took a week or 3 to get there, playing tourist all the way, staying the weekend, then returning a different route.  

 

Now when out & about, where we top up is where we overnight, and explore that area, which ever comes first, hotel or CS.  No hurry to go anywhere.

 

In the past, like our car with us vs 3 plane fares, then renting.  Refuse to support the taxi mafia, and don't stay stationary when on Phuket.   Use to rent a scooter when there, for getting around, due to no parking, and remove the risk of an oops with the car out of home province.

 

Now a car is mandatory, as I wouldn't put a dog on a plane in TH.  Plus again, we want our car for convenience.   I never plan anything, so can't buy in advance, and simply go on a whim.  No airport near us anyway.

Similar to me....I remember driving in Germany.....leaving at 6 PM so I can go full speed (full speed at my old diesel was 160) all the night without brakes so I am in the morning there.......Would not do that anymore......

[James105]

20 hours ago, Skallywag said:

Amazing to me how people always "need" a car.  How many road trips do you "need" to take every year?  For those trips, simply rent a car, go by bus, train, or van. 

The idea that now in the 21st century anyone with the money can still buy an ICE and pollute the air that others breathe is ludicrous/wrong.

If you have to commute to work, get an EV.   I suspect 90% of people could easily get by with an EV commuting.

Personal ICE transportation should not be a "right" , it should be on a needed basis.  If you are retired, no way you "need" to have a personal vehicle if you live in a city.  It is a convenience, for which there are always alternatives. 

Man up, quit being a slave to the Big Oil companies, and learn alternatives to getting from point A to point B is my motto

Regardless of "need" a car provides a level of convenience that your alternative suggestions do not come close to in comparison, and yes, if someone "wants" a car and they can afford a car then they can have a car as that is how the world works, at least in free countries.

 

People will choose to buy electric cars when they offer the same convenience and value that their ICE cars currently provide and not before then.  I suspect this will be when car batteries are much, much smaller, can travel the same or more distance than ICE between charges and can be easily/quickly swapped with a pre-charged one that is bought from "petrol" stations without waiting however long for it to charge.   So probably in about 40-50 years.    During that period of time a better fuel source could come along that makes electric cars "evil" in comparison so people are rightly skeptical about jumping to the latest green thing.   

 

In the meantime I would suggest you "Man up" and learn to live with people going about their business as they choose to do.  

[Gweiloman]

On 5/26/2023 at 9:07 AM, BenStark said:

It's not MY review, it was written by a reputable media organisation.

So even more stops to recharge

 

Maybe you were not in the situation, where you had to re-accelerate form an ALMOST stand still?

 

For short distances I buy a bicycle. When I buy a car it's because I have to travel further than the 7/11 on the corner of my street.

 

You say that the review is inaccurate, and then you make up things like above yourself.

Maybe you should take some driving lessons.

It's not MY review, it was written by a reputable media organisation.

So even more stops to recharge

Of course it’s not your review. I never said it was. Given your limited knowledge of EVs, I doubt any car dealer would lend you an EV to review.

 

Maybe you were not in the situation, where you had to re-accelerate form an ALMOST stand still?

Torque in EVs are instantaneous. Don’t know what the reviewer was trying to say

 

For short distances I buy a bicycle. When I buy a car it's because I have to travel further than the 7/11 on the corner of my street.

That’s you. Not everyone is the same

 

You say that the review is inaccurate, and then you make up things like above yourself.

Maybe you should take some driving lessons.

It’s obvious you’ve never driven in CM Old Town. And I’m sure I’m almost certainly a better driver than you.

 

[GroveHillWanderer]

On 5/26/2023 at 11:59 AM, BenStark said:

So do you confirm those fast chargers are available every 200 km, otherwise your quote is just another distortion of the reality.

Yes, I can confirm that - as has @KhunLA, who actually owns an EV and has driven all over the country in it (including to Phuket).

 

The longest distance from Bangkok to Phuket without a fast charging station is approx 120 km.

 

Here's a Google Map showing fast chargers from around Hua Hin to Phuket. (There are plenty between BKK and HH, I just couldn't get it to show the chargers for the entire route all at once). 

 

Incidentally, it's my understanding that the Google Maps info is not quite comprehensive nor completely up to date so there may be even more than this.

 

Edited May 27, 2023 by GroveHillWanderer

[MrMojoRisin]

23 hours ago, h90 said:

Modern ICE that are not manipulated (which happens sometimes...removing the catalytic converter) are very clean.

Compared to what?

The truth is, there is nothing dirtier.

[KhunLA]

6 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

Incidentally, it's my understanding that the Google Maps info is not quite comprehensive nor completely up to date so there may be even more than this.

Gmaps is terrible, as lacks so many CS.   Really need to use your preferred vendor's app, a few I listed earlier, or PlugShare site, and Charge Loma app is very good.

 

If have an MG, or an account with them, makes things easy, for us anyway.  If having an EV, then you should have multiple accounts with vendors, and use their apps.

 

We prefer MG, PEA Volta, PTT EV Station PluZ, in that order

Also have a couple other.

 

There is NO shortage of charging stations.  Weekends may take planning, some times, though we've yet to encounter any problems, a plus for having the MG.  You can also reserve a time slot on most vendor apps ... plan if traveling on the weekends with everyone else. 

 

One reason I try to avoid the road congestion on weekends, but if a working stiff or wife, or school dictates weekend travel, then may need to plan.   Though if only having the weekend, are you really going that far.

 

Reading Qs are starting to happen, so you may want to reserve a time slot.

 

Common sense ... don't run your battery down, to where you can't get to the next CS or 3.  No different than ICE, though admittedly, more filling options, usually.

 

I like 100 kms reserve, overly cautious, but also means we've been on the road for 3+ hrs already. and that break is welcomed.

 

Be lucky if I make 3hr of straight driving with the wife & dog needing to piss or hungry ????

[Skallywag]

4 hours ago, James105 said:

"Man up" and learn to live with people going about their business as they choose to do.

People are fine, it is the fossil fuel burning polluting automobiles they drive that is the problem.  Also, I mentioned "retired" which means you no longer do "business" in your life.  Shopping, banking, entertainment can all be had without driving a personal car if you live in a city here

4 hours ago, James105 said:

If someone "wants" a car and they can afford a car then they can have a car as that is how the world works, at least in free countries.

Where in this world of "free countries" does it say you can cause harm to other peoples respiratory health because you want and can afford driving an ICE vehicle?  This is where the big disconnect is in society.  Governments all say they want to provide for your health and safety, yet let anyone drive a car, which provides neither

 

 

[jacko45k]

17 hours ago, MrMojoRisin said:

Compared to what?

The truth is, there is nothing dirtier.

Nonsense......

January air in Chiangmai.....

[quake]

On 5/26/2023 at 12:24 PM, Skallywag said:

Amazing to me how people always "need" a car.  How many road trips do you "need" to take every year?  For those trips, simply rent a car, go by bus, train, or van. 

Van, oh dear me.

Hell no. 

[zzaa09]

36 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Nonsense......

January air in Chiangmai.....

Come back in April when it's worse....

[sirineou]

I have to say, Here in Khon Kaen I see them (BYDs, GWMs, etc) on the road every day and given our driving habits (99% around town,) We have been thinking about it more and more. Our ICE vehicle is only two years old ,and we kind of like it and are comfortable with, but in the next couple of years when we are ready to replace it..........

Edited May 28, 2023 by sirineou
typo, Apparently Hobbits were driving our cat LOL

[zzaa09]

The Big Green Lie.

Still revolving.

[bkk6060]

By 2050 I bet gas cars will be illegal.  Good thing I will be dead by then I hate EV.

[roo860]

1 minute ago, bkk6060 said:

By 2050 I bet gas cars will be illegal.  Good thing I will be dead by then I hate EV.

I'll be glad you'll be dead by then! 

Only joking ????

[sirineou]

9 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

By 2050 I bet gas cars will be illegal.  Good thing I will be dead by then I hate EV.

Not sure if EV likes you either

 

Edited May 28, 2023 by sirineou

[Gweiloman]

53 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

By 2050 I bet gas cars will be illegal.  Good thing I will be dead by then I hate EV.

What is it that you hate about EVs? Is it the smooth and instant torque? Or the lack of engine noise that allows you to hear the music playing? Or the cheap running and maintenance costs? Or not having to ever change engine oil? Or easy overtaking without having to drop down gears? Or the lack of exhaust fumes being emitted from the non existent tailpipe?.

[Andrew Dwyer]

I was all set to replace my ICE with an EV , had researched the models extensively and decided on the Atto 3 as my only car. Planned to get a secondary electric meter fit ( TOU ) for cheap nighttime charging.

But i travel frequently, mainly around a 500 km round trip but recently, on a whim, went on a 2000 km road trip down south and found the flexibility of refuelling an ICE preferable.

Of course my frequent trips and the odd longer journey could be achieved with an EV but it takes planning and patience especially if travelling to “ off the beaten track “ destinations and I am lazy/not ready for this level of commitment.

So, my compromise: bought a hybrid for the longer trips and will go for BYD Dolphin for local stuff, charging at home.

 

As said already on this thread:

EV’s are not for everyone !

We all have different lifestyles, different priorities and different views. Some have solar installed and for them an EV is a no brainer, for others a TOU ( Time of Use ) meter can be fit at home to provide cheap overnight charging and those living in apartment/condo/parking on the street or dedicated parking space have to consider seriously if an EV will work for them.

 

For me to go EV only i would need some changes:

Longer ranges ( which are slowly but surely coming, check out BYD Seal 700km )

Faster charging 

More charging points (please don’t post the map again !! )

 

Singling out the Neta V is a little unfair imho, the Neta V is a budget vehicle and the cheapest in its class but a MG EP or BYD Dolphin can be obtained for less than 800k and competes admirably with ICE cars at a similar size or level of comfort.

 

Like them or loathe them EV’s are here, MG have 3, BYD have 2 ,Neta has 1 and Good Cat has various models in its range, even touching on the more expensive models, Tesla, Volvo, BMW, Porsche etc with local favourites Honda and Toyota arriving soon !, plenty of choice for every level of income/wealth.

Edited May 28, 2023 by Andrew Dwyer
felt I hadn’t written enough ????

[billd766]

On 5/26/2023 at 12:24 PM, Skallywag said:

Amazing to me how people always "need" a car.  How many road trips do you "need" to take every year?  For those trips, simply rent a car, go by bus, train, or van. 

The idea that now in the 21st century anyone with the money can still buy an ICE and pollute the air that others breathe is ludicrous/wrong.

If you have to commute to work, get an EV.   I suspect 90% of people could easily get by with an EV commuting.

Personal ICE transportation should not be a "right" , it should be on a needed basis.  If you are retired, no way you "need" to have a personal vehicle if you live in a city.  It is a convenience, for which there are always alternatives. 

Man up, quit being a slave to the Big Oil companies, and learn alternatives to getting from point A to point B is my motto

Welcome to the person living in a big city.

 

Here in rural Kamphaeng Phet the nearest baht bus is 6 km away (they don't come down this way) with a further 60 km drive if you want to go anywhere other than Bangkok. Car hire is in KPP city 65 km away, The nearest railway line is 130 km away in Nakhon Sawan and is good if you want to travel north or south. The nearest airport is also at NS or at Mae Sot 180 km away, Do you walk to the corner shop to buy food or travel 6 km to the market/shops/bank etc.

 

Remove your head from where it is and look at reality in the rest of Thailand.

[Klonko]

8 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

By 2050 I bet gas cars will be illegal.  Good thing I will be dead by then I hate EV.

No reason to make ICE cars illegal. Lower total costs of ownership of BEV will make ICE dinosaurs. Especially in sunny Thailand. In 2050, you may have to get the fuel from the pharmacy like in the early days of ICE cars.

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, billd766 said:

Welcome to the person living in a big city.

 

Here in rural Kamphaeng Phet the nearest baht bus is 6 km away (they don't come down this way) with a further 60 km drive if you want to go anywhere other than Bangkok. Car hire is in KPP city 65 km away, The nearest railway line is 130 km away in Nakhon Sawan and is good if you want to travel north or south. The nearest airport is also at NS or at Mae Sot 180 km away, Do you walk to the corner shop to buy food or travel 6 km to the market/shops/bank etc.

 

Remove your head from where it is and look at reality in the rest of Thailand.

Wow ... you have baht buses ?  

 

We have MB taxis & MB w/side cart taxis, in town, though they hang out at the market & train station, and rare to see roaming.

 

Also ... More than a few kms from our house, and nothing here.

 

Do I need a car ... no

Don't even need the MB or ebike/pedal bike.  

Just convenience.  All EVs so not contributing to local air pollution, and can understand poster distain for it, especially diesel, as feel that fuel should have been banned decades ago.

 

People need transport, some not a luxury to have.  Unless living in metro area, or TH version of 15 minute city, which there are many of, but if not, then transport is a must.

 

This house, not so much, but last 2 house builds, transport was a must, unless kid 'learning', and that's a stretch,  at local 'go nowhere in life' school, and us eating the bare minimum to survive, from the local market, a stretch, for lack of better word ... ????

 

Or waiting and hoping the pick up vendors drive by.