Over 300 Thai electric vehicle owners have complained about after‑sales service and spare‑part shortages from Chinese EV brands. Learn the key issues and what buyers should watch for.
In Thailand, where electric cars are surging and Chinese manufacturers dominate the new‑vehicle segment, the Thailand Consumers Council (TCC) has recorded more than 300 formal complaints from EV owners. The grievances are not about performance or range – they focus squarely on the post‑sale experience that many buyers overlook when signing a contract.
What the Complaints Reveal
The TCC’s list highlights recurring issues such as:
- Poor after‑sales service and limited availability of replacement parts.
- Lengthy waiting periods for parts replacement.
- Dealers failing to submit paperwork into the official system.
- Insurance companies denying claims tied to promotional packages.
- Complications with white‑plate registration and deposit refunds.
Together, these problems illustrate a familiar pattern in fast‑growing markets: sales outpace the capacity to support the vehicles once they hit the road.
Root Causes: Spare Parts and Service Networks
Electric vehicles rely on specialized modules that cannot be swapped with generic components. High‑voltage systems require trained technicians, precise tools, and standardized procedures. When a critical part is missing, cars can sit idle in workshops for weeks, leaving owners without transport and potentially facing extra costs.
Additional hurdles – such as dealers not filing required documents or insurers rejecting claims under “promotional” terms – compound the frustration. In this environment, an attractive purchase price loses its appeal; the real pain point becomes an unpredictable period of non‑use.
Impact on the EV Market
When complaints accumulate, the ripple effect touches the entire ecosystem:
- Used‑car values become more cautious, as buyers factor in possible service headaches.
- Insurers reassess risk premiums for EVs lacking reliable after‑sale support.
- New‑vehicle sales can stall as consumers add “service reliability” to their decision matrix.
The TCC did not stop at documenting problems. It proposed binding requirements, such as mandating service centers in major regions within one year of approval and guaranteeing that spare parts remain stocked in Thailand for at least five years. This shifts the conversation from a technical glitch to a policy standard.
Lessons for Vietnam and Other Emerging Markets
Vietnam mirrors Thailand’s price‑sensitive landscape, where promotional options often win the purchase. Yet, as the Thai case shows, the true value of an EV lies in the long‑term support network. Manufacturers entering Vietnam should therefore:
- Secure a local parts inventory that can sustain the model for a minimum of five years.
- Develop a transparent warranty process with clear timelines.
- Partner with certified service providers who can handle high‑voltage repairs.
Consumers, on the other hand, need to ask practical questions before signing:
- How long does it typically take to obtain a replacement part?
- Which authorized workshops can service the vehicle in my region?
- Is the warranty claim process fully documented and understood?
How Buyers Can Protect Themselves
For anyone considering a Chinese‑made EV, the checklist below can reduce post‑sale uncertainty:
- Verify that the dealer offers a written service‑level agreement (SLA) covering parts availability and repair turnaround times.
- Confirm that the brand has an established network of certified technicians within a reasonable travel distance.
- Read the fine print of any promotional insurance or discount scheme – especially clauses that may limit claim payouts.
- Ask for references from existing owners about their after‑sales experience.
- Consider registering the vehicle under a warranty extension plan that includes a guaranteed parts supply.
In the fast‑evolving EV arena, the strongest selling point is no longer just a low sticker price or a long list of gadgets. It is the confidence that, should something go wrong, the vehicle will be back on the road quickly, without a maze of paperwork or empty promises.
The Thai data – more than 300 complaints – is a wake‑up call for the entire industry. As electric mobility matures, manufacturers that pair attractive pricing with robust after‑sales infrastructure will win the loyalty of discerning buyers worldwide.