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Thailand's EV Market Faces Consumer Protection Challenges

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11 hours ago, vinny41 said:

Have you looked at MG, BYD ,GWM some of their cars are Between B300-B400K

parts not an issue for them

Insurance not an issue and most offer Battery Warranty: 8 years  150,000-180,000 KM

compared to Neta V

 

I also advise on finding a brand that is active and will provide spare parts instead of Neta. Seems like a gamble.
 

when Chevrolet closed in Thailand the good news was that the diesel pickups are all quite similar and not a huge issue to get spare parts.
However with Neta, I don’t think it’s going to be easy to get spare parts given the uniqueness of the models, if Neta really goes under the water as it looks like it. 
 

Looking at one2car I saw a lot of MGs and BYD dolphins between 320-360k 

i think the MG ZS EV or MG 4 plus the dolphin are way better options, specially safety. The dolphin got a really good safety score, charges really fast with DC, and will get a bigger car with the option to upgrade the shocks for 8-16k baht. 
heck I even saw a 2020 Nissan leaf for 338k with 60k km. That’s not bad compared to a Neta, but the dolphin and mg still better than the Leaf in terms of tech and performance. The only good about the leaf is made in Japan. So great quality for long term. 
 

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  • GreasyFingers
    GreasyFingers

    This will be "fake news" to some EV owners on here

  • I have multiple EV for many years.   buying Ev is better now a days, but still the corporations are screwing customers.  From my experience, the advertised range is completely BS for almost every

  • GreasyFingers
    GreasyFingers

    Knew you could not help yourself.

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  • Popular Post
2 hours ago, Cardano said:

Your not helping anybody with your one-sided opinions, in fact the opposite is true. Most people will accept there's two sides to every debate and will accede to others points of view and accept them when facts are supportive. You on the other hand will not accept any person making criticising remarks against EV's, even with supporting facts. You'll even go to the far end of a f*rt posting manufactured figures to try and justify your decision to own an EV, and always protagonising about how the EV's you own or have owned can't be bettered.
Even here you cannot help yourself from stating "But BEV are better than any ICEV" that's again you're bigoted opinion that you cannot in all reality justify. 
If you really want to have a serious debate on this issue then it's not about cars per-se but rather motors and batteries vs a combustion engine.

There's the difference between me and other BEV owners vs you and other non owners of BEV or even hybrids.  We know both sides of the story AND the facts.  Post our thoughts, with facts, as I have many times. 

 

If you read past posts, 2022 EV threads, you'd notice a couple skeptic members who are now BEV fanboys.  Nice to know, I may have helped their enlightenment & conversion.  Are they for everyone, no.  In the future, maybe.  

 

You seem to ignore all the posters that state BEV fit perfectly in their lifestyle, and enjoy the performance and savings.   I haven't read one AN member stating BEV purchase was one of their worst decisions and they regretted it.

 

You're simply guessing, from reading BS, not back up with any info.  All facts & info is also location & market dependent.   BEV work perfectly in TH.  I understand, probably not in your basement behind your keyboard.

13 hours ago, vinny41 said:

Have you looked at MG, BYD ,GWM some of their cars are Between B300-B400K

parts not an issue for them

Insurance not an issue and most offer Battery Warranty: 8 years  150,000-180,000 KM

compared to Neta V

 

I have been looking and seem to find most around 400k (byd atto 3) with around 50-60k on it
I am buying the Neta V for my son as it will be his first car and he is very interested in the fact he can charge for free with solar and the car will only cost around 220k

For that price he (and myself) won't worry as much if he clips the gate post and hopefully it will be a good start for something better in a few years


I remember my first car a green Mini and don't think any panel was dent free by the time i sold it.

 

On 10/8/2025 at 10:46 AM, kwak250 said:

Something i have not thought about is driving over 100+ would shorten the range so much on an EV

 

For most EV Cars it’s true that going above 120 will greatly affect the EV range. But some models will have less effect for example the Tesla model 3 is really efficient even at 120kmh and starts to exponentially loose range at 130kmh

 

i get 300-250km range, from 80% Highway at 115-120kmh. I don’t bother to exceed 125kmh. 
 

The Atto 3 has a drag coefficient of 0.35-0.38 Cd  which makes it terrible for highway. 
the best in the league are the Tesla model 3 and BYD Seal with a drag coefficient of only 0.219 Cd,

 

Since you do Highway a lot, the Seal and Model3 are the best choice in Thailand. 

the MG4 Electric has a drag coefficient o 0.279 Cd, being in a middle ground between the highly aerodynamic sedans (0.219 Cd) and Atto 3. Even the dolphin has a drag coefficient of 0.301 Cd. 
 

my next EV will be something like a model y or sealion 7 in a few years. I’m tired of compact mini cars, can’t load shot in it, can’t drive comfortably at 120kmh without losing half the range. 

21 hours ago, brfsa2 said:

 

I have solar panels fitted on my house for about 3 years, it's a 5kW setup, producing 3-4kw during the day.

So, I used to charge my BYD using the 2kW charger or the 7kW mostly, and occasional 80kW fast charge at the PTT near by.

because I need to use about 40-50% daily, It has to be the 7kW charger.

If you want to save money the most, charge at low speed during the day.

 

BTW, I changed shock on the BYD atto3, not the Neta. I think the Neta has a decent stiff shock setup, the BYD was terrible soft and bouncy.

The Tein upgrade plus the Michelin PS5 225/50 makes the car handle pretty close to the BMW330e, it's like day and night change!

The atto3 looks much better than the Neta V and far more torque 
Trying to find a cheap one without 170k on it.
Seems Ev vehicles have high mileage after only 2-3 years ,probably because they get used far more if not paying fuel prices?

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On 10/7/2025 at 7:56 PM, kwak250 said:

I am looking at buying a used BYD seal but is the estimated range really 50-60% ?

Also the BYD battery being 6-900,000 baht sounds crazy but should last at least 10 years 

the main concern is nobody really knows how long they will last although my wife is going to get either a Tesla or the Blade only because i told her i will not being driving the Good Cat or Neta 

Tesla is the only EV to get IMO. Many reasons not to buy Chinese brands - including design, build and longevity - Tesla will be here in 5-10 years. 

 

But IMO the best 'green' option right now is not an EV - it is a Hybrid from Toyota or Honda. Toyota have been selling the Prius since late 1990s - same for Honda with the Insight - they know how to do it right and cost effectively. 

37 minutes ago, kwak250 said:

I have been looking and seem to find most around 400k (byd atto 3) with around 50-60k on it
I am buying the Neta V for my son as it will be his first car and he is very interested in the fact he can charge for free with solar and the car will only cost around 220k

For that price he (and myself) won't worry as much if he clips the gate post and hopefully it will be a good start for something better in a few years


I remember my first car a green Mini and don't think any panel was dent free by the time i sold it.

 

Having looked again Byd Atto3 are around 500k not 400k
Neta V seems the best choice especially as my wife is getting a Byd Seal and don't fancy him flying around in that as i know what i was (still am ) like at his age.


Can they both use the same charger ? 

1 hour ago, kwak250 said:

I have been looking and seem to find most around 400k (byd atto 3) with around 50-60k on it
I am buying the Neta V for my son as it will be his first car and he is very interested in the fact he can charge for free with solar and the car will only cost around 220k

For that price he (and myself) won't worry as much if he clips the gate post and hopefully it will be a good start for something better in a few years


I remember my first car a green Mini and don't think any panel was dent free by the time i sold it.

 

Brand New Neta V II can be found here for B279,000

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437576785036424

and here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/715858070501668

47 minutes ago, kwak250 said:

Having looked again Byd Atto3 are around 500k not 400k
Neta V seems the best choice especially as my wife is getting a Byd Seal and don't fancy him flying around in that as i know what i was (still am ) like at his age.


Can they both use the same charger ? 

I haven't seen any Atto3 at the 400K mark you will find some Byd dolphin's between B300K-B400K

1 hour ago, vinny41 said:

I haven't seen any Atto3 at the 400K mark you will find some Byd dolphin's between B300K-B400K

Yes that's what I am seeing.

31 minutes ago, kwak250 said:

Now thats cheap

I think the stock is nearly finished as the factory in Thailand  hasn't  produced any vehicles since June

3 hours ago, kwak250 said:

Yes that's what I am seeing.

 

Anyone drove both dolphin and atto3? 

What's frazy is That the Dolphin seems to have more internal free space, feels more comfortable because the Atto 3 is so leg cramped. 

Besides the dolphin is slightly faster and has longer range. 

 

6 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Tesla is the only EV to get IMO

I also agree , however Tesla is quite a bit more expensive and repair are very  expensive. Also the fact every control is touch is not for everyone. 

6 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

But IMO the best 'green' option right now is not an EV - it is a Hybrid from Toyota or Honda.

The new hybrid are reality good too, even the Nissan kicks is really solid and owners love it. I know a few friends that love it... 

 

The seal seems like unfinished product to me, the handling wasn't so much better than Atto 3. 

 

However the sealion are really nice, handling is really good too. 

 

There is a motorshow next month, maybe we'll see new models from Toyota, Honda; Nissan. 

 

7 hours ago, kwak250 said:

Can they both use the same charger ? 

Of course. Type 2 charger.

But... you should check your house power capacity and cabling is appropriate for a 32A point.

 

The 7 kW charger is nice to have, but it needs dedicated 10sqmm cable to either main or even a new 15/45A meter as i have seen them doing as a cheaper route but not great at all if you have plans for solar panels. 

I upgraded mine to 35 and 100A meter.  

 

Having a new meter Just for charger can potentially allow to charge at 7kw or even 11kw, that's a nice to have.

PTT is charging to much for fast charging!!!

8 hours ago, brfsa2 said:

Of course. Type 2 charger.

But... you should check your house power capacity and cabling is appropriate for a 32A point.

 

The 7 kW charger is nice to have, but it needs dedicated 10sqmm cable to either main or even a new 15/45A meter as i have seen them doing as a cheaper route but not great at all if you have plans for solar panels. 

I upgraded mine to 35 and 100A meter.  

 

Having a new meter Just for charger can potentially allow to charge at 7kw or even 11kw, that's a nice to have.

PTT is charging to much for fast charging!!!

 

good info, thanks ...

just to add: an 11kw charger needs 3-phase power and runs at only 16a ... :smile:

On 10/7/2025 at 11:52 AM, snoop1130 said:

Thailand's EV market faces significant consumer protection issues.

   Why, they must have known what they bought, and where it was made.

7 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

good info, thanks ...

just to add: an 11kw charger needs 3-phase power and runs at only 16a ... :smile:

We do not have 3 phase but just last week they ran a 3 phase cable right next to our gate and down the road so could change but i expect it would be crazy money
We are having a 30A/100A meter installed with a 32a breaker if i remember correctly .

would this be ok for 7kw charger?

24 minutes ago, kwak250 said:

We do not have 3 phase but just last week they ran a 3 phase cable right next to our gate and down the road so could change but i expect it would be crazy money
We are having a 30A/100A meter installed with a 32a breaker if i remember correctly .

would this be ok for 7kw charger?

You will get a quick answer to your question if you post in this thread

 

I am no expert, but it is clear to me that driving an EV through floodwaters is not a good thing in the long run for the battery and electronics.  Given that most cars in Thailand do this every year during the rainy season, I would be very reluctant to buy a cheap used EV here. I also think that car dealers/makers would not be willing to repair or relace water damaged batteries - whatever consumer laws are in place.

On 10/8/2025 at 12:51 PM, brfsa2 said:

I have done 76,000 km on my Atto 3 already, on the 3rd set of michelin tires, mostly highway, well, ok, 50% is my case only, others are better. sorry for the fuzz. 

I get 240-280km range in highway at 100-120km/h, the range drops dramatically the moment you go over 100km/h.

 

Just look, I took a trip here to the beach the other day,. see photo with "TRIP A 266km" that used 90% (left home at 100%, if you take my word for it) That was kind absurd considering the 30 minutes stop with Air con turned on.

 

Screenshot 2025-10-08 at 08.19.06.png

Third set of tyres in 76,000 km?

Seems excessive.

10 hours ago, motdaeng said:

 

good info, thanks ...

just to add: an 11kw charger needs 3-phase power and runs at only 16a ... :smile:

Correct it needs 3 phase, 3 wires at 16A each. It is not expensive to get it changed by MEA.  But finding a  good reliable 11kw 3P charger is the hard thing. You can also get 22kW in 3P. 

 

 

2 hours ago, kwak250 said:

We are having a 30A/100A meter installed with a 32a breaker if i remember correctly .

would this be ok for 7kw charger

You mean your main can do 100A or just the MEA meter? 

So, the 7.0KW charger will use 29-32A. That means the charger breaker must be at least 40A and use a 10sqmm copper wire and you're going to need to add a ground copper rod right next to it for ground improvements. The group rod is only 800 baht for a good solid one. It's also good for extra safety. I did myself at my house. 

 

In summary what you should have:

MEA meter 30/100A -> 35sqmm copper wire to house main -> main: 100A -> 10sqmm wire to EV charger breaker (40A) + Ground rod (2.4m)  -> 7kw charger.

 

Go for 3 phase only if you constantly need to hit 80A or more. 

I hit 70A at night, i just selling my house Now, so my next house will be 3P. Since I'll be having at least 2 EVs in the garage. 

59 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Third set of tyres in 76,000 km?

Seems excessive.

Not if you can sell the old tires, 

First set 6000 km because they were junk but sold it for 1000 each. 

Second set gone at 55,555km. Also sold it for 1000 Baht each. 

i buy tires from 2024 for a lot cheaper. You can get 2024 MC7 or Potenza for less than 4000 baht each. Whereas they gonna cost 6000-7000 Baht at the tire shops

 

IMG_2080.png

IMG_2081.png

IMG_2082.png

BYD shared the new official prices for a battery replacement: https://www.bydchonburi.com/blog/byd-blade-battery-price-saving 

found it from a user in Facebook with a dead 60kWh battery after 190,000km, to replace it: 406,000 Baht.

https://www.facebook.com/Car250/posts/pfbid0NfTNvH1poMap6KhUch66p9Dfci36HkaSkb8hP3L1yLTWKEtcTkFCUNwxWTUiXmzVl

 

565712648_24726191207040070_8787469542956666966_n.jpg.abb7965779b9e525b067e9ceba78e475.jpg

 

Only MG offers lifetime battery warranty.

561739626_10214004095253067_4940060588987468691_n.jpg.b75992555f428777032e5e486d3c5133.jpg

On 10/7/2025 at 6:39 PM, GreasyFingers said:
On 10/7/2025 at 6:16 PM, KhunLA said:

Why ?

 

The news itself is quite vague and lacks any real info.  Would assume the same assurances from auto makes should applies to ICEV also.   Just a common sense thing, the govt's consumer protection agency should have already taken care of.   But .... TIT ... and not known for consumer protection as most 3rd world countries are not. 

 

Again, blip has little real info, what if anything is missing or needs to be done.  Why when buying any product, research and know their track record.   Just some of that uncommon common sense most shoppers don't have.  That's pretty, nice turning signal.  How many cup holders ... we'll take it.

 

We had almost 6 months to research our choice of BEV before delivery, though auto maker has been around for long time, with BEV experience.  Researched for months even before ordering.   

 

Happy with our choice and would probably make the same choice, though model has been replaced,  with same specs, and a tweak on styling.  Actually like the uniqueness of our better.

Expand  

Knew you could not help yourself.

 

He's not wrong though - different manufactures operate under different standards....    the arguments made in the article are very general...   

BYD may have very different warranty terms than MG or KIA for example - so any generalisations would automatically be flawed.

On 10/10/2025 at 6:26 PM, emptypockets said:

Third set of tyres in 76,000 km?

Seems excessive.

 

Given the torque - it makes sense that tyre wear is greater on EV's than an ICE... 

 

When 4 wheels are driving you to 100kmh in anywhere between 3 and 6 seconds, tyre wear will of course be greater - much of that also depends on 'how' the car is driven.

On 10/10/2025 at 6:06 PM, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I am no expert, but it is clear to me that driving an EV through floodwaters is not a good thing in the long run for the battery and electronics.  Given that most cars in Thailand do this every year during the rainy season, I would be very reluctant to buy a cheap used EV here. I also think that car dealers/makers would not be willing to repair or relace water damaged batteries - whatever consumer laws are in place.

 

Why ???...     Driving a car in the rain at 100kmh, there will be high pressure / speed water spray everywhere.

 

The batteries are sealed - driving an EV through water is no different than driving an ICE and all depends on the specific vehicle 'wading depth'...  when comparing like for like there is no greater risk for the EV.

What idiot is going to spend 310k - 450k on an 8 yr old car, to replace the battery.

 

Our MG ZS has modular repair available,  (6 modules) but I don't think I'd spend more than 200k, if that to fix.   No ... our year/model is not life time warranty, but 8 yrs.

 

If our battery crapped out, I'd have the bad module removed, run a bypass, and use the battery as an ESS on a solar system.

 

Have no idea, where, how AI bases this info on:

 

image.png.1e252115885892f730d113e1ab832852.png

On 10/9/2025 at 6:13 PM, kwak250 said:
On 10/9/2025 at 4:46 PM, vinny41 said:

Brand New Neta V II can be found here for B279,000

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437576785036424

and here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/715858070501668

Now thats cheap

 

Do not get a Neta !!! - Neta’s parent, Hozon New Energy Automobile, has entered bankruptcy restructuring in China.

 

Dealers in Thailand have filed complaint for non-delivery, leaving thousands of customers at a loss having made down-payments.

 

 

 

 

11 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Given the torque - it makes sense that tyre wear is greater on EV's than an ICE... 

 

When 4 wheels are driving you to 100kmh in anywhere between 3 and 6 seconds, tyre wear will of course be greater - much of that also depends on 'how' the car is driven.

That would happen with any vehicle being driven like that. The excess weight of an EV is also a factor.

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