Electric Vehicles (EV) Thread

[STEVE G]

^That may be the case to a degree but as a potential buyer in Thailand, the deals at the moment are very good.
To be honest, just about everything that you buy now is manufactured in China so I don't really see why a car is any different from a TV set, a mobile phone, or a pair of trousers.

[Dannie Boy]

^That may be the case to a degree but as a potential buyer in Thailand, the deals at the moment are very good.
To be honest, just about everything that you buy now is manufactured in China so I don't really see why a car is any different from a TV set, a mobile phone, or a pair of trousers.

Plus SAIC (MG) manufacture in Thailand and I’m fairly certain I’ve read that BYD are following suit?

[caller]

Yes, but Japanese companies manufacture parts in Thailand. That is the difference.

[PeteC]

Volvo gives up plan to sell only EVs by 2030

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3ejye39434o

Car company Volvo has announced it has abandoned its target to produce only fully electric cars by 2030, saying it now expects it will also be selling some hybrid vehicles by that date.

The car maker blamed changing market conditions for its decision to give up a target it had announced only three years ago.

It comes as the industry faces a slowdown in demand in some major markets for electric vehicles (EVs) and uncertainty due to the imposition of trade tariffs on EVs made in China.

Volvo, which has traditionally flaunted its environmental credentials, joins other major car makers General Motors and Ford, which have also rowed back on their EV ambitions.

Volvo now expects at least 90% of its output to be made up of both electric cars and plug-in hybrids by 2030.

The Swedish company may also sell a small number of so-called mild hybrids, which are more conventional vehicles with limited electrical assistance.

"We are resolute in our belief that our future is electric," said Jim Rowan, chief executive of Volvo, in a statement.

"However, it is clear that the transition to electrification will not be linear, and customers and markets are moving at different speeds."

The company also said the business climate for EVs had changed, due to factors such as a slow rollout of charging infrastructure and the withdrawal of consumer incentives.

A slowdown in demand for EVs has been felt particularly in Europe in part due to the end of subsidies for purchases in countries like Germany.

Registrations of EVs across the European Union dropped by nearly 11% in July, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.

Volvo is majority-owned by Chinese car giant Geely and because it uses factories in China, it will also be affected by tariffs on imports of Chinese-made EVs in Europe and North America.

Last week, Canada announced it was imposing a 100% tariff on imports of China-made electric vehicles, after similar announcements by the US and the EU.

Western countries have accused China of subsidising its EV industry, giving its car makers an unfair advantage.

China has rejected those allegations and criticised the tariffs as "discriminatory".

Ford has also been scaling back on its EV ambitions. Just last month, the US car giant announced it was scrapping plans for a large, three-row, all-electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and postponing the launch of its next electric pick-up truck.

Its rival General Motors has also been cutting EV production goals in the last year.

[pharvey]

Volvo gives up plan to sell only EVs by 2030

Not surprised in the least TBH PeteC. The world is being flooded with Chinese EV's (well Chinese products) pushing numerous companies to the brink.

I've said many times, cheap Chinese EV's suit Thailand (for now), but there will be a price to pay as there always is when China are involved. In Europe and the US and more, EVs are far from cheap, many drivers require a longer range (rather than just popping down to the local store/pub/club). Yes, battery development is progressing but many components/materials dependent on Chinese supply (and Environmentally destructive mining).

EVs will suit many in Thailand (Hi-so's and Expats) - Solar, Off Road Parking and city-wide Stations and extremely cheap Chinese imports. Not quite the same in Europe or the US (I debate Aus) and not quite the same for the masses owning ICE Pickups etc.

Personally, I loved test driving the odd EV, but will always stick to my view in that Hybrids are the way forward at least far further than the ludicrous target of 2030. My now "Dinosaur Diesel AMG" will go on for years - why should I change it with zero financial or quite frankly zero environmental benefit? I'll actually cause more harm by scrapping it and buying an EV!!

For me, modern technology in the likes of 1.3ltr (and lower) Combustion Engines or Hybrids will be the way forward. But even looking at the whole (lack of/cost of) infrastructure for EVs in "Developed Countries", how do you expect this "EV Revolution" to continue?

Pretty sure the major car manufacturers are coming around to the same way of thinking - Western Governments are also hammering Chinese imports to which China will retaliate. We in the West need to develop and produce batteries, chips et al where we are not reliant on "Exotic Metals" etc. from Chinese mining - which is far from "Environmentally Friendly"

DAMN, I promised myself not to jump upon my "Soapbox".... Sorry

[STEVE G]

The Norwegians just seem to be getting on with it:

Norway's electric car sales set new world record

Electric car sales in Norway took a 94% share of the market in August — a new world record
https://www.voanews.com/a/norway-s-elec ... 68036.html

[pharvey]

The Norwegians just seem to be getting on with it:

Norway's electric car sales set new world record

Electric car sales in Norway took a 94% share of the market in August — a new world record
https://www.voanews.com/a/norway-s-elec ... 68036.html

For some very simple reasons and the basis for the "discussion" as to why sales are down in (the vast majority of) Europe, the US and others...

* Norway has many tax incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), including:

* No purchase or import tax: EVs have been exempt from purchase or import tax since 1990.

* No VAT: EVs have been exempt from 25% VAT on purchase since 2001.

* No annual road tax: EVs have been exempt from annual road tax since 1996.

* Reduced company car tax: EV owners can receive a discount on company car tax depending on the year of manufacture.

* 50% rule: Counties and municipalities are prevented from charging more than 50% of the price of fossil fuel cars on ferries, public parking, and toll roads.

* Free parking: Many places offer free parking for EVs.

* EVSE grant: An EVSE grant is available for up to 20% of the cost of EVSE purchase and installation, as well as the cost of professional consultation.

* Norway has also invested in charging infrastructure to support the transition to more sustainable vehicles.

[KhunLA]

The Norwegians just seem to be getting on with it:

Norway's electric car sales set new world record

Electric car sales in Norway took a 94% share of the market in August — a new world record
https://www.voanews.com/a/norway-s-elec ... 68036.html

For some very simple reasons and the basis for the "discussion" as to why sales are down in (the vast majority of) Europe, the US and others...

* Norway has many tax incentives for electric vehicles (EVs), including:

* No purchase or import tax: EVs have been exempt from purchase or import tax since 1990.

* No VAT: EVs have been exempt from 25% VAT on purchase since 2001.

* No annual road tax: EVs have been exempt from annual road tax since 1996.

* Reduced company car tax: EV owners can receive a discount on company car tax depending on the year of manufacture.

* 50% rule: Counties and municipalities are prevented from charging more than 50% of the price of fossil fuel cars on ferries, public parking, and toll roads.

* Free parking: Many places offer free parking for EVs.

* EVSE grant: An EVSE grant is available for up to 20% of the cost of EVSE purchase and installation, as well as the cost of professional consultation.

* Norway has also invested in charging infrastructure to support the transition to more sustainable vehicles.

Yes, it's amazing what can happen, when big oil & govt doesn't restrict growth, and allow the best products for the best price to be available the consumer.

[STEVE G]

^Yes, mankind advances by finding solutions, the problems are usually obvious enough.

[pharvey]

There is also of course the minor point that Norway hardly has a Car Market to protect.

[STEVE G]

There is also of course the minor point that Norway hardly has a Car Market to protect.

[pharvey]

^ Damn that Methane pollution!

[STEVE G]

I was having a look at the latest version of the BYD Atto 3 in MV yesterday and was very impressed.
When you look at the finish quality and prices I can understand why western car companies are getting scared:

[Dannie Boy]

But in the UK as an example, the list price of the Atto 3 ranges between just under £38k to nearly £40k, so not significantly cheaper than comparable models.

[STEVE G]

^They're an absolute bargain in Thailand.
If I was living here permanently, I would have been at the dealership today buying one!