Now here’s something rather novel. Instead of waiting for carmakers to slowly introduce electric vehicles, the Thai government – via the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) – is planning to develop its own EVs. But instead of creating a battery-powered car from scratch, it plans to use used cars as shells!
According to the Bangkok Post, Egat wants to modify used internal combustion engined cars to EVs, and is targeting commercial sales in 2020. There will be a trial period to determine the cost of modification.
Jiraporn Sirikum, assistant governor for research, innovation and business development, said the organisation is teaming up with the National Science and Technology Development Agency to modify three popular compact cars – the Toyota Vios, Honda Jazz and Nissan Almera – for the trial.
“The cost to modify used cars is expected to be around 300,000 baht (RM39,541) to install vital EV components, such as lithium-ion batteries and electric motors, compared with around 500,000 baht (RM65,901) before,” she said, adding that the price of batteries have declined globally.
Jiraporn said a modified EV would be much cheaper than buying a new EV. According to the report, Egat’s goal is to increase the number of EVs on Thai roads at a fast pace, instead of merely waiting for the launch of new EVs by the carmakers. The organisation will invite private garages to take part in the project.
The EVs from carmakers are slowly streaming in – Hyundai launched the Kona Electric in Thailand recently, joining the Ioniq Electric, while MG is preparing the eZS electric SUV. The Nissan Leaf has been on sale from December 2018. What do you think of this old car to electric car plan, though?
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Be extra cautious on modification with Lithium Ion batteries. It’s not s simply as plug and play Li-ion or Li-Po battery of Radio Control cars or drone!
used Proton Iriz convert into Iriz EV …
If only authorize center and safety certificate is issued for each installation, will be a good idea. But if any Tom Cat & Jerry is allowed to install & modify themselves, then it will be a time bomb on the road. But it’s a good initiative by the government. Now i see hope in my aging cars, drive to Thailand to install.
You also have to think of a way to transport back your car as unless there MY gov readily built charging station along North South highway
If done improperly, the Thais going to have thousands of ticking time bombs on the road. One wrong bump or misuse, Kaboom!
Manage it well, it will be Brilliant Idea!
The reason carmakers are slow in introducing EV in Thailand is because the demand for EV is still low.
Noted. The demand is still slow because the prices for EVs are expensive due to development costs. Its battery replacement cost is also very high… which means a headache for long term ownership. Might get a boost if battery prices come down.
Therefore refurbish and retrofit could be truly a great idea if it was to be handled by credible outfits.
Malaysia still fighting to plant the “Padi” at night or day.
To ensure the technology and innovation are growing locally, the government should open to the protection. Say no for AP holder, The AP holder is only interested to make a ton of money only.
Great idea! And does our government have any such great ideas…
Thinking out of the box… Bravos!
Do take safety measures from all aspects such as during a crash and all, and this will out shine the flying car we are launching in a couple yrs!! Wuahaha
This is what I am promoting in Malaysia now. My question now is, will JPJ accept our modified car ?
what Thailand needs is the first national car, we are going for third already…
They are way smarter than that. They know well that trying to reinvent the wheel does not make any business sense.
The only country in the world who refers to their local car brands as ‘National’ is Malaysia. Patriotism konon…
Smart? Hybrid EV no RV. And yeah if one dun have pariotism they are not worth to stay in that country
If can fly why still driving? They are way dumber
Good move! In malaysia, kereta can fly 2020..
Good conversions at reputed workshops are okay but still can lead to a lot of complaints and lawsuits. What more worrying is those conversion by bawah pokok workshops. Those are truly a disaster waiting to happen, and Thailand is well known to have very dubious modifications industry.
why spend close to 40k on old almera when u can sold it off and topup 40k to buy brand new B segment sedan?