Electric Vehicles (EV) Thread

[pharvey]

I think they’re similarly priced so should provide good competition between the two and considerably cheaper than a BMW or Mercedes etc.

Which similar BMWs or Mercs?

[Dannie Boy]

I think they’re similarly priced so should provide good competition between the two and considerably cheaper than a BMW or Mercedes etc.

Which similar BMWs or Mercs?

iX3, EQE?

[pharvey]

Which similar BMWs or Mercs?

iX3, EQE?
[/quote]

Not really let's be fair - neither truly compare. I'm a great fan of Mercedes, but the EQE has always been overpriced and Merc not committed to EV's at the time (or quite frankly even Hybrids - surprisingly considering the technology they have).

Anywho, what's the price of the S07?

[Dannie Boy]

https://www.motorexpo.co.th/news/4591#: ... XPO%202023

[pharvey]

https://www.motorexpo.co.th/news/4591#: ... XPO%202023

A big reduction on UK/European prices and it seems it is the same spec (one only).

[STEVE G]

A Mercedes EQE is stupid money in Thailand so no comparison at all:

Mercedes-Benz EQE price in the Thailand starts at ฿3,970,000 for the base variant and goes all the way up to ฿5,950,000 for the top-spec variant Mercedes-Benz EQE 53 4MATIC+.

https://www.zigwheels.co.th/en/new-cars ... /eqe/price

You can see why German car companies are struggling in Asia!

[caller]

A damning report into China's so-called investment of manufacturing EV cars in Thailand:

Most materials and equipment used in BYD’s 10-billion-baht factory project in Thailand were imported from China, with little to no use of Thai-made products.

Opposition MP Suphanat Minchaiynunt from the People’s Party said everything from machinery, wall panels, and flooring to toilet fixtures and electrical systems came from China. Some items, he noted, did not meet Thai safety standards such as TIS.

The investment agreement between BYD and the Board of Investment (BOI) contains no requirement to use local materials. It also provides generous incentives, including a 0% corporate income tax and full exemptions on import duties for factory construction.

Suphanat said the investment brings minimal benefits to Thailand. There is no supply chain development, no technology transfer, and no improvement in workforce skills — only low-wage job creation.

He added that the biggest Thai beneficiary is the industrial estate operator that sold BYD more than 600 rai of land. The land, bought at around 4 million baht per rai, has now doubled in value due to rising demand.

He questioned whether Thailand is now so uncompetitive that it must rely on heavy concessions to attract investors, and called for greater focus on innovation and human capital.

https://www.facebook.com/ThaiEnquirer

[pharvey]

You can see why German car companies are struggling in Asia!

Tariffs and not an equal playing field are why German/European Car companies kept away (aside from Hybrids) IMHO. A typical example being China restricting ALL "Rare Earth Metals" essential in not only EV production but also ICE vehicles, which has now hit pretty much all the major suppliers in the West (well, outside China).

That said, I haven't seen a Merc EV or Hybrid on a par with others.... Though in my current medical state, I might just be heading for a "Fold Up EV" in the future - I wonder if AMG or Brabus do a version!

[pharvey]

A damning report into China's so-called investment of manufacturing EV cars in Thailand:

China want to control far more than EVs and manufacturing.... Unfortunately we are allowing them to do it both in the UK and the West (I can actually agree with Trump's attitude (at times), but not tactics) - South East Asia and Africa are bending over just as quickly as Starmer.

[STEVE G]

^To be honest, I agree with you but if I buy a TV or lawn mower in Thailand, it's made in China so I don't see any difference with buying a car, it’s just another consumer product.
Thailand doesn't manufacture a domestic EV anyway so it's not like there's a choice.

[caller]

^To be honest, I agree with you but if I buy a TV or lawn mower in Thailand, it's made in China so I don't see any difference with buying a car, it’s just another consumer product.
Thailand doesn't manufacture a domestic EV anyway so it's not like there's a choice.

Surely, the big question is, based on the factors mentioned in this report, is what's in it for Thailand? What gain is there? All the gain is for BYD and China. It makes little sense.

[STEVE G]

^So I shouldn't buy a car until Thailand produces its own?

[caller]

^So I shouldn't buy a car until Thailand produces its own?

Buy what you like!

But I think your point is missing the point. The question is how on Earth has Thailand got into a situation where it enables a foreign business to relocate here without any discernible benfit to the host Country? Apart from a small profit to the land owner - who is....?

I'm sure we all know how. And hopefully that situation will now change.

[dundrillin]

Had not heard of the Deepal S07, but it will apparently be available in the UK very shortly starting at +/- £40K (would be interesting to know how much different that is from Thai pricing). Certainly looks good obviously targeted at the "Tesla Model Y" market here. As mentioned, charging does seem a little slow (though I've no experience) - 35min to get from 30-80%.

It also appears that there's a smaller S05 version coming. It seems both models are "engineered in Britain, designed in Italy and built in China" - a new one for me!

it was 1,100.000 (25,000 pounds) with the usual perks thrown in.

[pharvey]

^ Thanks. Quite the difference!!