Leading American automaker Tesla has officially begun accepting online orders for its popular Model 3 and Model Y in Thailand this week, as reported by InsideEVs. It has also recently launched its first stores in the Asian country as it aims to compete with the current Chinese electric vehicles in the same market space.
It is worth noting that Tesla has already started importing its vehicles for the past few years through third-party companies. In fact, the Bangkok Police Department has been driving Model 3s since 2020.
Pricing
Below is the pricing list of the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and their variants in the Thai market:
| Tesla vehicle | Price |
| Model 3 | ฿1,759,000 ($50,730) |
| Model 3 Long Range | ฿1,999,000 ($57,654) |
| Model 3 Performance | ฿2,309,000 ($66,595) |
| RWD Model Y | ฿1,959,000 ($56,500) |
| Model Y Long Range | ฿2,259,000 ($65,153) |
| Model Y Performance | ฿2,509,000 ($72,363) |
Tesla vehicles’ price in the Thai market is just complementary to the country’s current pricing levels. Thailand’s electric vehicle pricing is more expensive than in the United States because of the country’s high tax and import costs.
For instance, the starting price of a BMW 5-Series in the US is just $54k, as opposed to Thailand’s equivalent cost of around $85k. That amount represents a significant price difference between the two markets.
“It’s unbelievable that Tesla announced the entry price (of its cheapest model) at 1.7 million Thai baht. That’s the price of Japanese cars with combustible engines or hybrid engines. This will create such a big change in the market.”
Auto Life Thailand’s expert Nithi Thuamprathom
Features
As for the equipment, nothing would be changed on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y offerings in Thailand. It includes the automaker’s latest satellite navigation system, and over-the-air updates, among others.
Furthermore, the automaker will offer the standard paint in Solid Black, while the Pear White Option will cost extra.
In case you were wondering why the Tesla Model S and X are not included in this significant expansion, it is because both models are currently exclusive to the American market. However, it would not be the case soon as the first Tesla Model S Plaid deliveries have already arrived in Germany.
Meanwhile, Model 3 and Model Y deliveries are expected to start in the first quarter of 2023.
Tesla’s effort to expand in Thailand is not surprising as it is a very promising market where Chinese automakers currently dominate.
