Photo Essay: Why Thais Prefer Chinese Electric Vehicles

Thais’ enthusiasm for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) is among the highest in Southeast Asia. 38-year-old Patcharapan Maneechote is one such customer, and she's satisfied with her purchases.

Patcharapan Maneechote, a user of Chinese electric car brand MG, got off her vehicle at her home in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand.

As the world races to phase out fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources, transportation — like many other industries — is reinventing itself with electrification. Tesla, the American auto company known for its high-end private cars, has for years been the most famous brand in the Western world for electric vehicles. 

But in many other regions, like Southeast Asia, Tesla is often out of reach. Instead, the much-affordable Chinese electric cars like BYD, MG, Neta, and Great Wall Motor (GWM) are the craze.