[Updated: 10 April 2025 to include newer EV models, EV charging packages from Performance Motors, and changes to government incentives to encourage the transition to electric vehicles]
Charging Ahead
With a host of advantages including long-term cost savings and a more positive environmental impact, it is little wonder that more people are thinking of making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
If you are thinking of getting an EV but are not sure what to look out for, here’s a handy guide to explain the key things you need to know.
1. Difference in EV driving experience
Car enthusiasts might have mixed feelings about EV ownership. EVs have minimal noise and drama, without a “true” driving feel that petrol cars have. On the other hand, the quick acceleration and instant torque of EVs is a huge draw.
If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing, and comfortable ride, then EVs are your best option. Just note EVs are usually heavier than the petrol or diesel equivalent. Therefore, it is advisable to test drive before purchasing – to get a feel for the way it handles differently.
There is also a feature called ‘regenerative braking’ in EVs. It is there to recharge the batteries and activates when you lift off the accelerator and slow the car down. This is a very useful feature but may take some getting used to at first.
2. EV battery range
One cannot talk about EVs without looking at the battery range. Depending on how far you typically drive every month, check against the range of the EV to see if it is sufficient for your needs.
An EV can range from 150km to over 500km on a full charge. With the average Singapore motorist travelling just above 50km per day, most EVs will offer more than enough range. Nonetheless, if you massively dislike making trips to the charging station, look for an EV with a higher battery capacity.
Electric vehicles such as the new BMW iX has a pure electric range* of up to 603km, while the first-ever fully-electric BMW i7 sedan has an even more impressive electric range* of up to 615km.
*WLTP. Actual range will vary depending on factors such as your driving speed, style, route characteristics, and even how hot the weather is.
>>READ: Get the most range out of your electric vehicle
3. EV charging capabilities and limitations
Slow or fast-charging? AC or DC? You might be confused with the options offered at EV charging stations.
First, check if your EV can support fast as well as slow charging. With slow charging of 3.7kW or 7.4kW, you will typically need to plug in your EV overnight to charge up. If you are not in a hurry, slow charging makes sense as it reduces battery wear and tear.
But realistically, most of us will be looking at the AC (43kW) and DC (usually 50kW or more) charging options in Singapore.
With AC charging, the speed depends on the maximum power output of your EV onboard charger. If your EV onboard charger is limited to 11 kWh, then that is the charging speed even if the external charging station offers 43kWh.
DC charging is much faster as batteries in EVs are already equipped to store power as DC and can support higher voltage speeds.
Take the BMW i5 Touring as an example. You can leave it overnight for charging – around 8.5 hours if you connect it to an 11 kW AC Wallbox. But the fastest way is using a DC charging station; with a maximum of 205 kW, it lets you charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Another model, the BMW iX2 (with a range of up to 478km WLTP) can go from 0 to 100% in about 6.5 hours with 11 kW AC charging, and with DC charging at up to 130kW, from 10% to 80% capacity in half an hour.
4. EV charging locations
Worried that you won’t find a place to charge the EV easily? Fret not.
According to the LTA, there are more than 15,300 charging stations across Singapore as at November 2024, including publicly accessible points and private premises. The goal is to get to 60,000 EV charging points by 2030.
>>READ: 4 major misconceptions about electric vehicles
Some dealers (e.g. Performance Motors – see below), car brands and EV charging service providers also offer EV charging packages for their customers.
5. Higher upfront price but long-term cost-savings
Most electric cars do cost more than their petrol counterparts. But if you do the math, switching to an electric vehicle can lower your costs over time.
Electricity charges are lower than petrol costs. Maintaining an EV is also much simpler as it has fewer moving parts and is more reliable. There’s no need to change the oil or replace the gasket, spark plugs and fluids for example. It will be substantially cheaper when it comes to servicing your EV.
>>READ: More misconceptions about electric vehicles
6. Whole country is going green
Well, that’s the plan or more specifically, the Singapore Green Plan 2030. As part of this sustainability initiative, the country aims to electrify the vehicle population through a mixture of regulations and incentives.
- From 2025 – Singapore will cease the registration of diesel-powered cars and taxis.
- From 2030 – All new car registrations will have to be clean energy models such as hybrid or fully electric vehicles.
- By 2040 – All internal combustion engine vehicles will be phased out.
To encourage early adopters, there is also the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI). From 1 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2025, newly registered fully-electric cars and taxis will receive 45% rebate off Additional Registration Fee (ARF), capped at $15,000.
In addition, the road tax for battery electric vehicles has been lowered in the 90-230kW bracket. That means electric and ICE cars of similar make and luxury level pay similar road tax.
LTA has also increased the maximum power output threshold of Category A COE cars – from 97kW to 110kW – to make EVs more accessible and attractive to car buyers.
Easier to make the switch to an EV
At the end of the day, the push to make the change to EV as smooth as possible is gaining momentum. More and more EVs are also being rolled out every month, from luxury models to those that cater to the mass market. In Singapore, you definitely have plenty of fully-electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid EVs to choose from.
Factoring the points above, we hope you will be in a better position to make an informed decision about making the switch to an electric vehicle!
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References:
- Land Transport Authority: “Our EV Vision” and “Transitioning to EVs“
- Singapore Green Plan 2030
