During Songkran, combined with the battle over EV charging stations, internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—especially hybrids (HEV/PHEV)—still hold an advantage in agility and time management for long-distance trips. They avoid waiting in lines, complicated app-based charging spot reservations, and the frustration of seeing long booking queues requiring 4-6 hour waits at charging points where the vehicle cannot be driven elsewhere due to low battery. For these reasons, ICE and hybrid cars remain the more reassuring choice for long-distance travel during the festival.
1. Charging queue crisis
Although the number of charging stations in Thailand has increased significantly, the cumulative registered EVs have also surged. Recent data during Songkran shows "overflowing charging queues" at many key points on major roads such as Mittraphap and Phahonyothin. The problem is not just insufficient chargers but also "waiting time," such as queueing 30-45 minutes for the car ahead to finish charging, charger malfunctions, or power drops due to extreme heat. In contrast, ICE and hybrid cars only take 5-10 minutes to refuel. Even if the pump is crowded, cars move through much faster.
2. Hybrid: the balance of comfort and economy
Hybrid cars are seen as the "hero" for long-distance travel now because they require less planning. Drivers don’t have to worry whether the next station is available or if the app will crash. Acceleration and driving feel smoother and more responsive in traffic jams thanks to the electric motor assisting during overtaking, better than some pure ICE cars. Cabin cooling: The air conditioning in hybrids and EVs usually runs on electricity, so even when the car is stopped in traffic, the AC stays cool without the engine running continuously, making travel more comfortable in this year’s temperatures exceeding 40°C.
3. Energy costs (expensive but manageable)
Although fuel prices during Songkran 2026 have risen (diesel reaching 44-48 baht/liter, gasoline 95 exceeding 50 baht/liter), hybrids that achieve 20-25 km/liter still have acceptable overall costs considering the "time saved" by avoiding long charging queues.
EVs suit those who plan carefully, travel routes with many backup charging points, and are not in a rush—accepting longer charging stops and not minding delays, as rushing offers no benefit.
ICE/hybrid cars suit those prioritizing convenience and reliable arrival times, especially families with children or elderly passengers, for whom long waits at charging points would reduce comfort.
From the perspective of seamless convenience and agility for long-distance travel during the heavily congested festival period, hybrids strike the best balance solving issues faced by both ICE and EV cars, for these main reasons:
Freedom from queues and complicated apps—some like this, others find it more annoying than helpful, especially booking, phone-to-charger connections, and hoping the electricity flows correctly during charging. During Songkran, the main issue for EVs is not range per charge but managing time at charging stations. ICE vehicles, especially hybrids, don’t queue; gas stations clear cars faster. Even with long lines, refueling takes only 5 minutes, while EV fast charging requires 30 minutes per car. With just two cars ahead, you could lose 3-5 hours. Despite high fuel prices, hybrids now achieve 17-22 km/liter, and with careful acceleration at speeds under 80 km/h, the engine barely uses fuel; some hybrid models easily reach 25 km/liter.
Hybrids avoid worries about app crashes when many users connect simultaneously or chargers cut off due to extreme heat—concerns that EV drivers face.
Fuel efficiency approaching EVs in traffic jams: pure ICE cars consume more fuel in stop-and-go traffic, but hybrids use electric motors at low speeds. On roads like Mittraphap or Phahonyothin crawling with traffic, hybrids mainly use battery and electric power, nearly doubling fuel savings compared to typical cars. The AC stays cold when stopped because the hybrid's compressor runs on electricity, so the engine doesn’t need to stay on continuously, reducing vibrations and exhaust fumes around. Regarding driving range, which affects comfort and scheduling confidence, many current hybrids (especially sedans or midsize SUVs) can travel 800-1,000 kilometers on a full tank and full battery—enough to drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai or Songkhla without refueling, whereas EVs may require 2-3 charging stops.
Route flexibility during Songkran: Google Maps often suggests "secondary" or "shortcut" routes to avoid traffic jams. Hybrids can confidently take any route without worrying about charging stations, unlike EVs that must stick to main roads with standard DC chargers, limiting detours. If you have a very large battery EV and plan to start travel well before peak days (e.g., two days early), convenience may be comparable. But if you gamble traveling on peak days (April 12-13), hybrids are the least stressful choice.