Electric vehicles are a common sight on Thailand’s roads. Today, renting an electric car is as simple and convenient as renting a gasoline-powered car. Thailand has an extensive network of electric car charging stations in the provincial capitals and along the country’s road networks. 

Drive Car Rental offers a diverse electric and gas-powered vehicle selection and convenient locations throughout Thailand. In this article, we’ll explore renting and driving electric vehicles in the land of smiles. 

Electric Versus Gas Cars–What’s Different?

The first thing many drivers new to electric vehicles notice is how quiet the vehicle is–these cars make almost no sound when not in motion. Vehicle occupants are more likely to notice the sound of the air conditioning over any engine noise. 

Storage space is also enhanced without a large engine taking up the front of the vehicle. Nearly all electric cars feature both front and rear storage for additional luggage and items bought on shopping trips. 

Driving an electric car also offers more on-the-spot power than gas-powered cars. Acceleration in an electric car is nearly instantaneous and continues to stay strong as the vehicle reaches highway speeds. This is thanks to the fact that there is no complex transmission that starts at lower revolutions with each gear change. Rather, the power curve is nearly continuous. 

Electric vehicle owners also note that electric cars feel heavier than a gas-powered vehicle. This is because of the added weight of the battery. The added weight may cause some to worry about braking, but it’s not an issue thanks to the braking system electric cars employ. 

In addition to traditional brake discs, electric cars also employ regenerative braking. This means the electric motor uses magnets to become a generator that slows the vehicle while feeding power back into the battery. Despite the additional weight, stopping distances in electric cars are comparable to their gasoline equivalents. 

The added power of an electric car also comes in handy when driving on Thailand’s mountainous roads in the west and north. No transmission means never having to switch into low gear, and braking while going downhill charges the battery. 

Range Considerations

The range of electric vehicles varies by manufacturer and model. Tesla Model 3’s typically have a range around 630 kilometres, while Chinese electric vehicles, such as BYD, often clock in around 400 to 500 kilometres. 

Taking into account Thailand’s size, electric vehicles are an excellent choice. Driving from Bangkok to Phuket is around 800 kilometres, while driving from Chiang Mai to Bangkok will be around 700 kilometres. 

The small size of Thailand means that even the longest road trips will only require one or two stops for charging. Thankfully, electric car charging stations are easy to find in all of the larger cities. Many larger gas and service stations along the road networks also have electric vehicle chargers. A quick Google search will quickly locate charging stations along any route. 

Charging a vehicle in Thailand can be a uniquely pleasant experience, as local vendors often congregate around service stations. Try some fried bananas or fresh coconut water while waiting for your car to reach capacity. 

Lastly, the cost of driving an electric vehicle is often about half that of a gasoline car. Many drivers report paying around $0.03 per kilometre driven, where gasoline cars are often in the $0.04-to-$0.08 range. Part of the price difference is the cost of gasoline in Thailand, which is higher than what many western countries pay. 

Choosing Electric Cars with Drive Car Rental

Visitors wanting to go green on their Thailand holiday are advised to book as far in advance as possible. While Drive Car Rental has a large fleet of vehicles across the country, peak-season rentals can sell out fast. 

In Thailand, the tourist high season runs from November to April. Anyone visiting during these months is advised to book their vehicle the moment they have flight tickets. Early bird and long-term car rental discounts are also available for those booking early. Travellers in off-peak months can still take advantage of early booking, and are often presented with a far wider vehicle selection.

Don’t hesitate to ask for a GPS unit to help navigate the bustling streets of Bangkok. These can be added during your vehicle reservation or at the desk during pick up. Browse our full section today and see how Drive Car Rental can help you get around Thailand in the vehicle that’s best for you!

Bangkok - Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK Airport) Bangkok - Donmuang Airport (DMK) Bangkok - Donmuang Office Bangkok - Srinakarin Office Bangkok - On Nut BTS Station Bangkok - Sukhumvit 71 (Partner Location)) Nonthaburi - Office (Partner Location) Buri Ram Airport (BFV) (Partner Location) Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) Chiang Mai - Office Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) Chonburi (Partner Location) Chumphon Airport (CJM) (Partner Location) Hua Hin Airport (HHQ) Khon Kaen Airport (KKC) Krabi Airport (KBV) Lampang Airport (LPT) (Partner Location) Loei Airport (LOE) (Partner Location) Nakhon Phanom Airport (KOP) (Partner Location) Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) (Partner Location) Nan Airport (NNT) (Partner Location) Pattaya Downtown Khao Lak - PTT Station Phitsanulok Car Rental (PHS) (Partner Location) Phrae Airport (PRH) (Partner Location) Phuket Airport (HKT) Phuket - Patong Beach Phuket - Ao Por Pier Phuket - Thalang Office (Partner Location) Ranong Airport (UNN) (Partner Location) Roi Et Airport (ROI) (Partner Location) Sakon Nakhon Airport (SNO) (Partner Location) Samui Airport (USM) Samui - Bophut Office Sukhothai Airport (THS) (Partner Location) Surat Thani Airport (URT) Tak - Mae Sot Airport (MAQ) (Partner Location) Trang Airport (TST) Trat Airport (TDX) Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) (Partner Location) Udon Thani Airport (UTH) Hat Yai Airport (HDY) (Partner Location) U-Tapao Airport (UTP)

Car Hire Bangkok Airport: Book Your Car Rental at Suvarnabhumi Airport | Drive Car Rental

Address

The counter is located in the International Arrival Hall, between gates 7 and 8. Suvarnabhumi Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4376 or +66 (0) 84 700 4380 for assistance),
Samut Prakan ,
Thailand 10540

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4376 +66 (0) 84 700 4380

Opening Hours

Daily 24 hours

Car Rental Donmuang Airport: Make a Reservation at Donmuang Airport | Drive Car Rental

Address

Meet&Greet: International 1st Floor, Terminal 1 Gate 7 Donmuang Airport (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10210

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4378 +66 (0) 2 044 7277

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Bangkok – Donmuang Office

Address

73 Choet Wutthakat Rd, Don Muang Office located next from Donmuang District Office 1 KM. (Nearby SRT Red Line Donmuang Station Exit 2) (please call +66 (0) 2 044 7277 or +66 (0) 84 700 4378 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10210

Phone

+66 (0) 2 044 7277 +66 (0) 84 700 4378

Opening Hours

Daily 8.00 am - 6.00 pm

BKK Car Rental: Bangkok Srinakarin Car Hire Office

Address

727 Srinakarin Rd. Suanlang Office located in Nissan Showroom Srinakarin Road (Nearby MRT Yellow Line Kalantan Station Exit 1) (Between Thanya Park shopping Mall and Bangchak gas station) (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10250

Phone

+66 (0) 2 821 5992 +66 (0) 847 004 375

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat-Sun: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Bangkok – On Nut BTS Station

Address

Pick up instruction: Meet & Greet at Avani Hotel / BTS On Nut Station (please call +66 84 700 4375 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10110

Phone

+66 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily 8.30 am - 5.30 pm

Bangkok – CJ Rent a car

Address

CJ Rent a car (Partner Location) 24 Soi Meesuwan 3 Intersection 1, Phra Khanong Nuea Subdistrict, Wattana District (please call +66 (0) 818 486 558 for assistance),
Bangkok ,
Thailand 10110

Phone

+66 (0) 818 486 558 +66 (0) 838 256 306

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 20:00 H.

Nonthaburi – Car rental with Delivery service

Address

Meet & Greet at Central Westgate (Please call +66 (0) 97 239 4398 for assistance),
Nonthaburi ,
Thailand 11110

Phone

+66 (0) 97 239 4398

Opening Hours

daily 08:00-20:00

Buri Ram Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Burirum Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance),
Burirum ,
Thailand 31150

Phone

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Chiang Mai: Rent Cars at Chiang Mai Airport

Address

Arrival Hall Fl.,1 International Terminal between Gate 10-11, Chiang Mai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance),
Chiang Mai ,
Thailand 50200

Phone

+66 (0) 5 327 1293 +66 (0) 84 700 4384 

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Chiang Mai Office – Delivery service

Address

Our office located in Bangchak gas station (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4384 for assistance) 218 Moo 10, Chiang Mai-Hang Dong Road, Pa Daed Subdistrict,. Mueang Chiangmai,
Chiang Mai ,
Thailand 50300

Phone

66 (0) 84 700 4384

Opening Hours

Open daily 08:00-17:00

Car Rental Chiang Rai Airport

Address

Meet&Greet: Arrival Hall, Exit 2 Chaing Rai Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4381 for assistance),
Chiang Rai ,
Thailand 57100

Phone

+66 (0) 5 379 3683 +66 (0) 84 700 4381 

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Chonburi

Address

PU Service (Partner Location) 315/316 Moo.12 Thepprasit Road, Nongprue (Please call +66 (0) 928 932 823 for assistance),
Chonburi ,
Thailand 20150

Phone

+66 (0) 928 932 823

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 18:00 H.

Chumphon Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Chumphon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 854 739 885 or +66 (0) 813 677 956 for assistance),
Chumphon ,
Thailand 86160

Phone

+66 (0) 854 739 885 +66 (0) 813 677 956

Opening Hours

Daily: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hua Hin Airport

Address

Meet & Greet at Hua Hin Airport Location, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point. Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4375 for assistance ,
Hua Hin ,
Thailand 77110

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4375

Opening Hours

Daily: 10.30 - 16.00

Car Hire Services: Car Rental Khon Kaen Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Arrival Hall, Khon Kaen Airport A representative will meet you. (Please call +66 (0)94 980 1666 for assistance),
Khon Kaen ,
Thailand 40000

Phone

+66 (0)94 980 1666

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Krabi Airport

Address

The counter is located on the 1st floor of the Domestic Arrival Hall, Krabi Airport. (Please Call +66 (0) 8 4700 4383 for assistance),
Krabi ,
Thailand 81130

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 AM - 21:00 PM

Lampang Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Arrival Hall, Lampang Airport A representative will meet you. (Please call +66 (0) 97 996 8499 for assistance),
Lampang ,
Thailand 52000

Phone

+66 (0) 97 996 8499 +66 (0) 97 958 8798

Opening Hours

Daily 8:30 - 18:00

Loei Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Loei Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 944 573 222 for assistance),
Loei ,
Thailand 42000

Phone

+66 (0) 944 573 222 +66 (0) 883 271 940

Opening Hours

Daily: 24 hours

Nakhon Phanom Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Phanom Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 910 569 594 for assistance),
Nakhon Phanom ,
Thailand 48000

Phone

+66 (0) 910 569 594

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 895 513 234 for assistance),
Nakhon Si Thammarat ,
Thailand 80120

Phone

+66 (0) 895 513 234

Opening Hours

Daily: 07.00-21.00 H.

Nan Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Nan Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, meeting point (Please call +66 (0) 64-515-4997 for assistance),
Nan ,
Thailand 55000

Phone

+66 (0) 64 515 4997

Opening Hours

Daily: 06.00-21.00

Pattaya Downtown

Address

The office is located at 212/14-15 Moo 5, Pattaya-North Road, (Opposite Terminal 21 shopping mall). (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
North Pattaya ,
Thailand 20150

Phone

+66 (0) 3 841 6125 +66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Khao Lak – PTT Station

Address

Phang Nga - PTT STation A representative will meet you at PTT Station Khao Lak (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4389 for assistance),
Phang Nga ,
Thailand 23150

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phitsanulok Car Rental (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Phitsanulok Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 81-348-5445 for assistance),
Phitsanulok ,
Thailand 65000

Phone

+66 (0) 81-348-5445

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-18.30

Phrae Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Phrae Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 86 421 6498 or +66 (0) 92 969 6159 for assistance),
Phrae ,
Thailand 54000

Phone

+66 (0) 86 421 6498 +66 (0) 92 969 6159

Opening Hours

Daily: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Car Hire in Phuket: Find a Car Rental, Phuket Airport Thailand | Drive Car Rental

Address

The counter is located on the 1st Floor of International Terminal Arrival Hall Phuket Airport (Please call +66 (0) 8 4700 4387 or +66 (0) 8 4700 4389 for assistance),
Phuket ,
Thailand 83110

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4387 +66 (0) 84 700 4389

Opening Hours

Daily 7:00 am - 12:00 am (midnight)

Car Rental Phuket Patong Thailand | Drive Car Rental & Hire

Address

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Patong Counter located at Lobby Area 1st Floor (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4386 for assistance),
Patong ,
Thailand 83150

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4386

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Phuket – Ao Por

Address

Meet & Greet: Ao Por Port, Phuket (Please call +66 (0) 84-700-4387 for assistance),
Phuket ,
Thailand 83110

Phone

+66 (0) 8-4700-4387 +66 (0) 8-4700-4389

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Phuket – Thalang Office (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Phuket Airport, A representative will meet you at Phuket Airport’s Arrival Hall, Gate 3, and will pick you up, and deliver the vehicle at Ton Car Rental office. (Please call +66 (0) 915 276 862 for assistance),
Phuket ,
Thailand 83110

Phone

+66 (0) 915 276 862

Opening Hours

Daily: open 24 hours

Ranong Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Ranong Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 86 277 8501 for assistance),
Ranong ,
Thailand 85000

Phone

+66 (0) 862 778 501

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Roi Et Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Roi Et Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 or +66 (0) 639 306 097 for assistance),
Roi Et ,
Thailand 45000

Phone

+66 (0) 966 236 964 +66 (0) 639 306 097

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Sakon Nakhon Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Sakon Nakhon Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 966 236 964 for assistance),
Sakon Nakhon ,
Thailand 54000

Phone

+66 (0) 966 236 964

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 17:00

Car Rental Koh Samui: Rent a Car at Samui Airport

Address

The counter is located in the Arrival Hall at Samui Airport. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
Thailand 84320

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 08:00 AM - 8:30 PM

Samui – Bophut Office

Address

The office is located at Moo 4, Airport Road, Bophut. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4388 for assistance),
Koh Samui ,
Thailand 84320

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4388

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sukhothai Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Sukhothai Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 828 521 732 for assistance),
Sukhothai ,
Thailand 64000

Phone

+66 (0) 828 521 732

Opening Hours

Daily: 06:00-19:00

Car Rental Surat Thani Airport- Great Value Car Hire

Address

Meet&Greet: Surat Thaini Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 81 970 5745 for assistance),
Surat Thani ,
Thailand 84130

Phone

+66 (0)81 970 5745

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-17.00 H.

Tak – Mae Sot Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Mae Sot Airport, Tak province A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 868 985 606 for assistance),
Tak ,
Thailand 63110

Phone

+66 (0) 868 985 606

Opening Hours

Daily: 08:00 - 18:00

Trang Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Trang Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4383 for assistance),
Trang ,
Thailand 92000

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4383

Opening Hours

Daily: 09.00-17.00 H.

Trat Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Trat Airport, A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Trat ,
Thailand 23150

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Daily 11:00 AM - 15:30 PM

Ubon Ratchathani Airport (Partner Location)

Address

Meet & Greet: Ubon Ratchathani Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall. Flight number mandatory. (Please call +66 (0) 659 694 909 or +66 (0) 616 955 646 for assistance),
Ubon Ratchathani ,
Thailand 34000

Phone

+66 (0) 659 694 909 +66 (0) 616 955 646

Opening Hours

Daily: 08.00-20.00 H.

Udon Thani Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Arrival Hall Exit 3 A representative will meet you. (Please Call +66 (0)81 970 6551 for assistance),
Udon Thani ,
Thailand 41000

Phone

+66 (0) 81 970 6551

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Hat Yai Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: Hat Yai Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 858 990 000 or +66 (0) 858 993 333 for assistance),
Hat Yai ,
Thailand 90110

Phone

+66 (0) 858 990 000 +66 (0) 858 993 333

Opening Hours

Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Car Hire Services: Car Rental U-Tapao Airport

Address

Meet & Greet: U-Tapao Airport A representative will meet you at the arrival hall, Flight number mandatory. (please call +66 (0) 84 700 4385 for assistance),
Rayang ,
Thailand 21130

Phone

+66 (0) 84 700 4385

Opening Hours

Open daily: 8:30 - 17:30 H.

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