The Personal Journey to Electric Vehicles: A Guide for Everyday Drivers

[CharlieH]

 

 

 

Transitioning from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle (EV) is more than just a nod toward a greener future; it's an exciting lifestyle upgrade for many drivers. Yet, the switch can initially seem daunting. Here are five helpful tips from experts for those considering making the transition to an EV for personal use.

 

Educate Yourself and Your Family

 

One of the first steps in adopting an EV is understanding what these vehicles can offer and dispelling common myths. Start by exploring the range capabilities of modern EVs. Take the CUPRA Born, for example; with its 77kWh battery, it can cover up to 342 miles (WLTP)* on a single charge, depending on factors like temperature, air conditioning use, driving style, and tire pressure. Consider how often you genuinely drive beyond such distances without a break. Additionally, explore the cost benefits; switching to an electric vehicle often means reduced maintenance costs and lower spending on fuel.

 

Explore Hybrid Options for a Smooth Transition

 

 

For those not quite ready to go fully electric, hybrid vehicles present an excellent interim step, like the Toyota Yaris. Hybrids combine the benefits of a traditional combustion engine with an electric battery, offering increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. They can be appealing for drivers looking to experience the advantages of electric driving without completely parting from the familiarity of a gasoline engine. Hybrids often provide a more familiar driving experience while still contributing positively to the environment.

 

Experience the Electric Advantage Firsthand

 

Just like trying a new dish or visiting a new place, driving an EV can be an enlightening experience. Arrange a test drive with a trusted dealership to get a feel for the vehicle's performance and features. This hands-on experience is often the most convincing step in choosing an EV. You’ll find that misconceptions about charging infrastructure fade away once you’re behind the wheel.

 

Embrace Technology for a Better Drive

 

Modern EVs like the CUPRA Born come packed with technology designed to enhance your driving experience and efficiency. Car apps can help you schedule charges during off-peak hours, reducing your electricity costs. The advanced safety features—notably front assist, blind-spot detection, 360-degree cameras, and parking sensors—also contribute to lower insurance premiums by preventing accidents.

 

Take it Step by Step

 

Switching to an EV can feel like a big leap, but it doesn't have to happen overnight. Some families might find it beneficial to start with a hybrid and gradually transition to a fully electric vehicle as they grow accustomed to the new driving experience. Moreover, options like leasing can offer flexibility, allowing you to explore different models before making a purchase.

 

Visualize a Greener Future

 

While the journey to going electric might involve some changes, the rewards are plentiful both for the environment and your lifestyle. Electric vehicles are not only the future, but they're also commendable choices today. The CUPRA Born, for example, has received a five-star rating from What Car? magazine, showcasing its credentials as an exceptional all-rounder. With lower running costs and minimal environmental impact, driving an EV is a win-win for you and the planet.

 

Explore more about the benefits of switching to an EV or a hybrid like Toyota and see how Cuppra can guide you on this exciting journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

 

*Note: The CUPRA Born is a battery electric vehicle. Figures shown are for comparability purposes only; compare electric range figures for battery electric vehicles tested using the same technical procedures. Real-life results may vary depending on various factors, including post-registration accessories, weather, and driving styles. Battery electric vehicles need mains electricity for charging, and all figures are based on a fully charged battery.

 

 

[BritManToo]

I'm currently trying to buy one, Neta V (430kbht) or MG4 (600kbht) are the likely choices.

Mainly because my house is solar powered and it would be nice not to pay for fuel anymore.

 

Called into the Neta showroom with a pal for a test drive, but forgot my DL (left it at home in my pickup) so no go, will call in again next week. Not much English spoken and they only had the more expensive Smart (460kbht) in stock. 

[KannikaP]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

Called into the Neta showroom with a pal for a test drive, but forgot my DL (left it at home in my pickup) so no go,

I would not have mentioned that personally.

[Rimmer]

We were not ready to make the leap to full electric and all charging rigmarole of it, also range concern so we bought a Toyota HEV Yaris Cross SUV at the end of last year which charges its self up as you drive along and as you brake.

 

We previously owned (at the same time) two Honda CRVs but owning two cars and paying huge petrol bills just doesn't make sense, so we traded them in and paid the difference on a New Toyota Yaris. what a light and day difference:

The Hondas gave us only 7.62 km per liter of fuel the Yaris gives us 27 to 30 km per liter.

The Yaris is a tad smaller and therefore much easier to park.

The Yaris has a much tighter turning circle than the Honda.

Both Hondas were incredibly noisy on any road surface from new, Honda 'said situation normal'.

The Yaris is super quite and when running on electric virtually no noise at all

The Yaris is way quicker off the mark than either of the Hondas and overtaking much quicker.

Yaris comes with all kinds of built in safety feature alarms also reversing camera, dash cams and electric seat adjustment and a great multimedia display.

 

We love it, wife loves it and as they say happy wife happy life

 

[CallumWK]

8 minutes ago, Rimmer said:

we bought a Toyota HEV Yaris Cross SUV at the end of last year which charges its self up as you drive along and as you brake.

 

If only a pickup in the same concept would be available, I would be interested

[JBChiangRai]

1 minute ago, CallumWK said:

 

If only a pickup in the same concept would be available, I would be interested

 

I believe BYD are launching a plugin hybrid pickup this year.

[CallumWK]

4 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

I believe BYD are launching a plugin hybrid pickup this year.

 

Not interested in a plug-n, and definitely not a Chinese toy

[KhunLA]

25 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

I believe BYD are launching a plugin hybrid pickup this year.

Yep, the "BYD Shark 6 PHEV Previewed in Thailand ... Set to arrive later in Q2 2025", or so I read.

 

MG Maxus (BEV) will be arriving also, I believe, though suspect a bit pricey, as looking very cushy.

 

Riddara RD6 (BEV) is available to order now, though no dealer network, but since a Geely Radar will be opening a factory here, just a matter of time before network shows up.  Nice price also, starts at ฿899k.  

 

Really tempted myself (RD6), but don't need 2 BEVs, and wife ain't giving up the MG ZS.

[CallumWK]

2 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

 

Yep, the 'BYD Shark 6 PHEV Previewed in Thailand ... Set to arrive later in Q2 2025", or so I read.

 

MG Maxus (BEV) will be arriving also, I believe, though suspect a bit pricey, as looking very cushy.

 

Riddara RD6 (BEV) is available to order now, though no dealer network, but since a Geely Radar will be opening a factory here, just a matter of time before network shows up.  Nice price also, starts at ฿899k.  

 

Really tempted myself (RD6), but don't need 2 BEVs, and wife ain't giving up the MG ZS.

 

Maybe you CCP boys should read my post again before suggesting unrelated Chinese toys.

I said the same concept and the Yaris is not a plugin hybrid

[KhunLA]

17 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Maybe you CCP boys should read my post again before suggesting unrelated Chinese toys.

I said the same concept and the Yaris is not a plugin hybrid

I type slow ...

... fixed it for you ❤️

 

Toyota won't have an E pick up till end of 2025, at the earliest, and that will be made in TH.    Hope you aren't anti TH as you are anti CN, although like most cars & trucks sold in SEA, will probably have parts (especially the battery) from CN.

 

Oh well, better luck next year 😎

So, what vehicle with parts from CN are you driving now ?

 

[bkk6060]

They are Woke Liberal,  do what we tell you to do cars.  I drove a BYD had some loud whining noise probably some AI electrified rat running around in circles.  Oh oh wait, I got to go plug it in.  Haha how stupid.

I hate them, give me a gas guzzler any day.

[JBChiangRai]

19 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Maybe you CCP boys should read my post again before suggesting unrelated Chinese toys.

I said the same concept and the Yaris is not a plugin hybrid

 

5 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

They are Woke Liberal,  do what we tell you to do cars.  I drove a BYD had some loud whining noise probably some AI electrified rat running around in circles.  Oh oh wait, I got to go plug it in.  Haha how stupid.

I hate them, give me a gas guzzler any day.

Chinese toys? AI electrified rats?

 

It's a little difficult to educate bigots. 
 

Remind me, what happened to the dinosaurs, the video cassette, recorders, and Kodak?

[richard_smith237]

3 hours ago, KannikaP said:

3 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Called into the Neta showroom with a pal for a test drive, but forgot my DL (left it at home in my pickup) so no go,

I would not have mentioned that personally.

 

We had a problem with our EV - minor issue with the 12v battery not recharging - a small 'control unit' that directs charge to the 12v battery to charge up...  (it was simply swapped out - a plug and play chip set I think).... 

The dealership gave us a NETA to borrow...  while waiting for the spare part 2 days... 

 

... I thought the NETA was a lethal thing, a tin-can, frightening on the expressway above 80kmh...   after a day we called up and said its too dangerous, like sitting in a coke-can, we'll return it - its better not to have anything !!!   they prepared us a larger car - but the following day ours was fixed to no issues.

 

All I can say for the NETA is that you can't 'fall off it' like you can a motorcycle, so its safer and also has more storage !!!... 

But, for the price - its a cheap - shopping run vehicle, though I wouldn't want to travel far in it.

[ElwoodP]

Anti Chinese rants and replies removed.

Lets keep this discussion polite and civil please.

[KannikaP]

59 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

We had a problem with our EV - minor issue with the 12v battery not recharging - a small 'control unit' that directs charge to the 12v battery to charge up...  (it was simply swapped out - a plug and play chip set I think).... 

The dealership gave us a NETA to borrow...  while waiting for the spare part 2 days... 

 

... I thought the NETA was a lethal thing, a tin-can, frightening on the expressway above 80kmh...   after a day we called up and said its too dangerous, like sitting in a coke-can, we'll return it - its better not to have anything !!!   they prepared us a larger car - but the following day ours was fixed to no issues.

 

All I can say for the NETA is that you can't 'fall off it' like you can a motorcycle, so its safer and also has more storage !!!... 

But, for the price - its a cheap - shopping run vehicle, though I wouldn't want to travel far in it.

I was referring to your forgetting your DL when going for a test drive, not the fact that it was a Neta

[KhunLA]

17 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

I was referring to your forgetting your DL when going for a test drive, not the fact that it was a Neta

That was @BritManToo, and would go for the MG4 over the Neta.  A bit more, but well worth the extra, and, lifetime battery warranty.   That's pretty hard to beat.

[BritManToo]

11 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

That was @BritManToo, and would go for the MG4 over the Neta.  A bit more, but well worth the extra, and, lifetime battery warranty.   That's pretty hard to beat.

MG4 costs 50% more, and my furthest journey is Makro, approx 12Km away from home.

Also they have some 18 month old demo NETA V for 300kbht (20,000Km) which is a total bargain.

 

Not driven either yet, I have only sat in the Neta V and it was fine, plenty of room for me to drive.

Didn't seem to be cheap or a tin can, but I guess it might shake and rattle when I drive one.

[KannikaP]

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

That was @BritManToo, and would go for the MG4 over the Neta.  A bit more, but well worth the extra, and, lifetime battery warranty.   That's pretty hard to beat.

Completely off topic from my post regarding his forgetting his DL.

[KhunLA]

1 minute ago, BritManToo said:

MG4 costs 50% more, and my furthest journey is Makro, approx 12Km away from home.

Also they have some 18 month old NETA V for 300kbht (20,000Km) which is a total bargain.

 

Not driven either yet, I have only sat in the Neta V and it was fine, plenty of room for me to drive.

Didn't seem to be cheap or a tin can, but I guess it might shake and rattle when I drive one.

Yea, know the price is a factor, especially since we could crap out tomorrow

 

And it is just a knock around town cars.  They do look nice, as we see a lot of them when O&A.

 

 

[KhunLA]

6 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Completely off topic from my post regarding his forgetting his DL.

shh 

[Bandersnatch]

My personal journey to electric vehicles began in 2019 when MG launched the ZS EV. I put down a deposit and MG sent the company that they had chosen to install the free wall charger to do a site survey at my house. The company wanted me to have 2 PEA meters, one for the house and another for the EV. I had a single small PEA meter for backup, but 99% of the time I was running the house from Solar. They refused to install a charger and it was agreed (once I had included the MD of MG Thailand into the conversation) that I could have a Plug-In Hybrid instead and charge it just from Solar.

 

 

 

 

In 2023 BYD introduced the BYD Seal and I purchased an AWD Performance. In the picture below it looks like the Seal is plugged into the charger, but in fact it's plugged into the house using bi-directional charging. My home solar system had 36kWh of battery storage and the BYD had added 85kWh more, I gave my meter back to PEA at the end of 2023.

 

In-between the 2 EVs you will see our electric motorbike.

 

 

When the MG HS PHEV turned 4 years old I started to look for a full EV to replace it. We purchased a BYD M6 Extended Range which added another 72kWh to our back-up battery. 

 

As a second car it was chosen for practicality and price ฿899k

 

 

 

 

 

[steve187]

4 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

Chinese toys? AI electrified rats?

 

It's a little difficult to educate bigots. 
 

Remind me, what happened to the dinosaurs, the video cassette, recorders, and Kodak?

I think you are correct if Japan don't get their finger out they will become obsolete, like they did to the UK car manufactures, whatever your views are on Chinese manufactures, they are well ahead of any competition in the EV market 

[Andycoops]

I am a everyday driver and won't be transitioning to hybrid, electric or whatever unless is made compulsory.

[JBChiangRai]

I am an everyday driver and won't be buying anything with an internal combustion ever engine again unless it is made compulsory.

 

I speak from experience @Andycoops

[mfd101]

19 hours ago, Rimmer said:

We were not ready to make the leap to full electric and all charging rigmarole of it, also range concern so we bought a Toyota HEV Yaris Cross SUV at the end of last year which charges its self up as you drive along and as you brake.

 

I'm thinking of buying a Toyota RAV 4 HEV SUV later in the year, but the RAV 4 doesn't appear on the Thailand Toyota website so it may not be available here in Thailand?

[Srikcir]

19 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

Not interested in a plug-n, and definitely not a Chinese toy

As of July 2023, the Tesla Model made in China at the company's Shanghai factory  is in the top spot in new car sales worldwide.

[JBChiangRai]

Speaking as an EV and plugin HEV owner, I would tend to avoid HEV's.  Whilst I think the HEV's offered by Toyota and Honda are fine cars, I think the hybrid system adds a layer of complexity, expense and above all else, risk for a limited reward.

 

HEV's are about 130 times more likely to catch fire than an EV and about 10 times more likely to catch fire than an ICE without the hybrid system. There are many sources of statistics, they all broadly agree, this is just one. https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/are-electric-vehicles-more-likely-to-catch-on-fire/

 

The battery is charged/discharged several times on every short town journey which I suspect could lead to premature failure and they can be very expensive to fix.  Some HEV's will not operate at all with a failed battery, Mercedes Benz Bluetec Hybrid for example and the repair bill exceeds the value of the car at about $20,000. parts and $31,000 total https://thehonestmechaniccolorado.com/mercedes-e300-hybrid-problems/

 

IMHO, HEV's offer the worst of both worlds and little more than a marketing gimmick, mostly used by Japanese manufacturers who have been caught with their pants down in the EV revolution. German manufacturers initially offered HEV's but quickly transitioned to Plug-in HEV and full EV's.

[CallumWK]

1 minute ago, Srikcir said:

As of July 2023, the Tesla Model made in China at the company's Shanghai factory  is in the top spot in new car sales worldwide.

 

No they are not worldwide, in fact outside China their sales declined

[Thingamabob]

EVs, and oil driven cars,  will soon be superseded by vehicles using other fuels including ethanol, hydrogen and, quite possibly, water. The amount of money currently being invested in battery driven cars is short-sighted, to put it mildly.

[metisdead]

A baiting troll post and a reply has been removed.