Thailand: Chery starts locally assembling the V23

Chinese automaker Chery has started assembling its retro-style electric SUV, the V23, in Thailand, deepening its roots in the country. Thailand is the second country in the ASEAN region after Indonesia where the company offers a locally assembled V23.

Chery v thailand assembly operation — Image: Chery

Chery likely assembles the V23 at its new factory in Nikhom Phatthana District, Rayong Province. The company had earlier planned to begin operations at this facility in Q3 2025 but only inaugurated it in April. According to a recent report from Autolifethailand.tv, it will also assemble the L6 EV from the Lepas brand there and launch it on 24 July.

Spread across 104 rai (166,400 square metres), Chery’s Thai plant is focused on CKD operations. The company has planned a total investment of approximately 5 billion baht (approximately €131 million) and is targeting an annual production capacity of 80,000 units by 2028. Initially, it had announced plans to add a dedicated paint shop by 2027, but following the delayed start of operations, the latest timeline has yet to be confirmed.

Chery launched the V23 in Thailand in September 2025, with prices starting at 699,900 baht (approximately €18,300) and going up to 889,900 baht (approximately €23,300). The company has kept the price range unchanged following the start of local assembly. It has sold more than 5,500 units so far and is ready to handle monthly demand of more than 1,000 units.

Customers in Thailand can specify the V23 in two configurations: single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD. The former’s powertrain produces 100 kW and 180 Nm of torque and relies on a 59.93 kWh battery pack. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds, reach a top speed of 140 km/h, and travel 360 kilometres on a single charge, according to NEDC.

The dual-motor AWD variant, with 155 kW and 292 Nm of torque, cuts the 0–100 km/h acceleration time to 7.5 seconds but maxes out at the same 140 km/h. It uses an 81.76 kWh battery pack, which delivers an NEDC range of 430 kilometres.

Beyond ASEAN, the V23 will also be made in India. JSW Motors, the Indian conglomerate JSW Group’s new standalone automotive arm, has started testing the model in the country. According to a report from Autocar India, the company plans to launch a rebadged version in 2028 and will assemble it at an upcoming factory in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.

autospinn.com, omodajaecoo.co.th (production facility), headlightmag.com (launch), autocarindia.com (testing, India)