มีคำคมภาษาอังกฤษที่คิดว่าน่าจะเหมาะกับสถานการณ์ในตอนนี้ “การเดินทางนับพันไมล์มีจุดเริ่มจากก้าวแรกก้าวเดียวเสมอ” (The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step) ที่นับว่าเป็นก้าวแรกและก้าวที่สำคัญสู่ยุคใหม่ของยานพาหนะที่จะข้ามผ่านการใช้พลังงานจากฟอสซิล เริ่มจากคนใช้รถเพิ่มขึ้น มีจุดชาร์จมากขึ้นเป็นเงา หรือรถใครเก่าต้องซ่อมหมดประกันศูนย์ เราต่างรู้กันดีว่าช่างไทยเก่งไม่แพ้ชาติใดในโลกอยู่แล้ว อีกไม่นานความสามารถในการซ่อมรถยนต์ไฟฟ้าก็น่าจะไม่ไกลเกินฝีมือช่างไทย
ทุกอย่างจะค่อยๆ เปลี่ยนสู่ “โลกใหม่” ปฐมบทของยานพาหนะที่ปล่อยมลภาวะเป็นศูนย์จะเพิ่มขึ้น จุดชาร์จอาจจจะมากถึงขนาดที่ มีอยู่ในทุกร้านสะดวกซื้อใกล้ตัวคุณ ส่วนเรื่องของการซ่อมบำรุงหลังรถ ในอนาคตอันใกล้จะต้องมีอู่นอกที่ซ่อมรถเหล่านี้ได้ผุดขึ้นตามจำนวนรถ EV ที่แล่นบนท้องถนนอย่างแน่นอน
As fuel prices continue to skyrocket unpredictably, electric vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a practical choice for commuting. The government's robust financial backing, including grants for electric vehicle manufacturers and a range of tax incentives, is playing a pivotal role. This considerable support is pushing electric vehicles even closer to becoming a commonplace innovation on our local streets.
However, there are skeptics who argue against Thailand’s readiness for this groundbreaking innovation. Concerns span from the scarcity of charging stations found only at specific locations within the city to the necessity for meticulous travel planning. Even spontaneous trips demand thoughtful deliberation. The aspect of maintenance, encompassing both users and repair professionals, introduces an additional layer of complexity.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” an English proverb aptly mirrors the current scenario which represents the pivotal initial stride into a new automotive era that transcends fossil fuels. With the growing number of EV users, the prominence of charging stations increases, and the demand for specialized servicing for older vehicles becomes more evident. Recognizing the global reputation of Thai mechanics, it won’t be long before their expertise in electric vehicle repair stands shoulder to shoulder with their international counterparts.
We’re gradually transitioning to the new world. The dawn of zero-emission vehicles will increase. Charging points might become abundant, even available at every convenience store near you. As for post-road repair, in the near future, there will undoubtedly be independent repair shops that can tend to these vehicles, aligning with the growing number of EVs cruising the streets.
Talking about maintenance is like hitting a speed bump that makes everyone hesitate. There’s that concern about the undisclosed expenses lurking behind warranty claims that assure you won’t have to pay for fuel anymore.
Join us as we embark on a journey into the world of EV maintenance costs. How does it set itself apart from conventional automobiles? Does the presence of intricate electronic components inflate the expenses, or does the absence of a traditional combustion engine actually make it a more wallet-friendly option? Buckle up as we delve into the intricacies of EV upkeep and reveal the financial implications of this electrifying automotive evolution.
Are EV maintenance costs truly more affordable? With the absence of an internal combustion engine, what aspects of an electric vehicle (EV) require maintenance? As with traditional fuel-powered cars, EVs still encompass the fundamental driving components that we are familiar with, such as tires, brakes, suspension, air conditioning, and so on. However, the distinctive factor lies in the absence of a lubrication system. This extends not only to the engine but also to the transmission system (gears), which usually incurs expenses for the vehicle owner every 10,000 to 50,000 kilometers. This cost will be a thing of the past for EV owners.
Without an engine, there’s no need to worry about engine oil. The power delivery system involves controlling the electric motor’s rotation, without intricate components to tend to like in traditional engine vehicles, which have complex gear systems and clutches. For electric cars, all you need to do is press the accelerator, and the electric current flows from the battery to the motor, making the wheels spin.
This means that the main components that significantly affect your vehicle's maintenance expenses will vanish—namely, the engine and the gearbox.
It’s not just about cutting out the lubrication systems in the engine or gearbox, because even the engine itself has systems and components prone to wear and tear from usage. This can also become an ongoing cost for the vehicle owner, not to mention other various factors including the ignition system, spark plugs, cooling system, sensors, wiring, and various valves that could malfunction as the car crosses the 100,000-kilometer mark.
EVs still rely on motors and batteries Despite the absence of an engine, we still need to care for the core components that replace it, namely the motor and the battery.
Data from prominent Chinese electric car manufacturers “MG” and “GWM” has highlighted an intriguing trend in the electric vehicle market. Bolstered by government-backed EV incentive initiatives, both the ‘MG EP’ and ‘ORA Good Cat’ models showcase strikingly similar warranty offerings. These companies stand side by side with an 8-year or 180,000-kilometer battery warranty, signaling a commitment to the longevity of their EVs.
Delving deeper into maintenance strategies, both brands adopt a service schedule that involves check-ups at roughly every 10 intervals or approximately 100,000 to 150,000 kilometers on the odometer. The remarkable highlight is that neither of these cutting-edge models carries any financial burden for the upkeep of their electric motor or battery components, showcasing a forward-looking approach to hassle-free EV ownership.
Of course, there are still other expenses to consider such as air filter replacements, brake fluid, brake pads, and the cooling system. For the ‘Ora Good Cat,’ which includes a gearbox system, there’s the additional requirement of changing the gearbox oil every 60,000 kilometers. Still, even with these factors, the maintenance costs remain far from burdensome, unlike those associated with traditional engine-powered vehicles.
EVs as the Definite Solution In the current landscape, EVs may still come across as a novel idea for many in Thailand. Still, the fact remains that operating them is as straightforward as charging a battery, not only curbing pollution but also leading to zero emissions. Furthermore, they stand out for their cost-effectiveness, both during the purchase and usage phases.
However, it doesn’t mean that you must jump on the bandwagon and buy an EV right away while risking selling your current vehicle at a potential loss. Take a moment to consider the specifics of your current vehicle, weigh the timing and feasibility of embracing the EV movement, and decide if it’s the right moment for you to make a transition.
As EVs gradually weave into the Thai automotive scene, the road ahead presents both intrigue and uncertainty. Limited real-world usage data begs the question of long-term value assessment. Yet, in terms of daily operations, EVs shine. Trading fuel expenses for slightly higher electricity costs, alongside robust battery warranties and reduced upkeep bills, they offer promises of sustainability. While the outcome remains open-ended, EVs are undeniably an option that’s not to be overlooked.”
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