FROM NOW TILL 31 DECEMBER 2022 WHEN YOU T E R M S A N D C O N D I TI O N S A P P LY. SIMPLY BUY OR SELL A CAR THROUGH THE CARBUYER MARKETPLACE AND STAND A CHANCE TO WIN S$8,888 EVERY MONTH. BUY OR SELL A CAR CONTENTS 6 What is an EV and why should you choose it? 7 EVs: Pros and Cons 8 Singapore Green Plan 9 EV WEEKEND 2022 12 What EVs are on sale in Singapore? 20 Check out CarBuyer’s EV content on YouTube! 21 How and where do I charge my EV? 24 EV incentives explained 25 How much does it cost to own an EV? 26 EV Maintenance 27 Road Tax for EV 28 Are EVs the way forward? The future of motoring in Singapore is electric - read on to find out why you should switch to an EV. No, electric vehicles aren’t cars powered by a certain yellow little creature that you can tell to use “thundershock”. Neither does the acronym ‘EV’ imply that exposing it to an elemental stone will change its form. But honestly - how awesome would that be? Electric vehicles (EVs) are not far from the mainstream now – gone are the days of limited models and limited charging stations. EVs can now go much further than the average Singaporean driver needs per day, and offer a great ownership experience without compromise. In an effort to combat climate change, Singapore plans to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040 in favour of full adoption of electric vehicles. By now you must have already seen some electric cars appearing on our roads, from car-sharing service BlueSG to the famed Teslas. While their price is still higher than conventional cars and widespread personal charging is slowly becoming a reality, that will change in the coming decade. In short, even if you’re not considering one right now, you certainly will be in the near future. The first wave of passenger EVs here were mostly luxury cars for well-heeled early adopters, but since 2018 the launch of more affordably-priced and a wider range of EVs saw Singapore reaching another signpost on the road towards electrification. But the biggest change came in 2020 and 2021, when the Singapore government announced widespread measures to boost BEV ownership here. The Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Initiative (EEAI) and updated VES announced in 2020 makes BEVs up to S$45k less expensive than before, while there are plans to expand BEV charging infrastructure to 28,000 charge points in Singapore by 2030. The government’s Green Plan also indicates that by 2030, it will begin to discourage the sale of new combustion-engined vehicles, and to end them by 2040. “In short, even if you’re not considering one right now, you certainly will be in the near future.” The effects of these changes are already taking place. In the first half of 2022 alone, the population of EVs saw a significant growth. EVs increased by 50.3 percent, while PHEVs saw a similar bump of 44.5 percent. Hybrids continued their steady increase with 10.7 percent added to their population. In comparison, petrol-only cars dropped by 0.85-percent. And this trend will only increase in future - so it’s best you be prepared for the electric wave to come. Luckily, to do that, you just have to read on. 2022 1H vs 2021 Singapore Passenger Car Percentage Change By Fuel Type Petrol Petrol-Electric Electric Petrol-Electric (Plug-In) Diesel 60.0% -0.9% 10.7% 50.3% 44.5% 0.8% 40.0% 20.0% -20.0% 0.0% WHY SWITCH TO AN EV? EVs have only just become more affordable, but they’re still more expensive, compared to a mainstream gasoline car. The current public network for EV charging in Singapore is expanding, but still not widespread enough that everyone can have an easily accessible charge point for the time required, especially those who live in HDB estates. EVs pollute less than ICE cars but they still have related emissions, especially if powered by non-renewable energy. Road tax for EVs are generally higher than ICE cars, and they are also subject to an annual flat fee on top of the road tax. This amount will go up to S$700 (per year) in 2023. EVS : THE PROS AND CONS Need a more comprehensive argument for EVs? We lay it out in a simple pro and cons list. By our calculations, an EV can cost up to four times less to run than a conventional petrol car in terms of fuel/energy cost alone. EVs can be less costly to maintain than gasoline or diesel cars since they have fewer systems that require maintenance (no intake filter, no oil changes etc). With a range of at least 200km, most modern EVs have more than enough range for the average Singaporean driver. EVs are fun to drive thanks to the instant torque of their electric motors. EVs emit nothing from the tailpipe, and help reduce local air pollution. EV: PROS EV: CONS E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 6 7 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 EVS AND THE SINGAPORE GREEN PLAN 2030? The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a movement by the Singapore government to tackle climate change. With Singapore’s commitments under the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement, the Green Plan involves various initiatives to combat climate change and make sustainability more integral to our daily lives. The Green Plan involves five key targets – city in nature, sustainable living, energy reset, green economy, resilient future. Among these five, the one that concerns our automotive industry the most is energy reset. The government aims to cease all new registrations of diesel-powered cars and taxis from 2025, and have seven ‘EV-ready’ towns with chargers at all HDB car parks by 2025. And by 2030, all new car registrations are to be of the hybrid or fully-electric persuasion. 60,000 charging points are also targeted to be scattered throughout the island by 2030, with 40,000 in public car parks and 20,000 in private premises. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 intends to dramatically transform Singapore’s automotive landscape by pushing for a greener vehicular population. Here’s how it affects you as an EV buyer To that end, the Singapore government has been rolling out a slew of benefits and schemes to help encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These include: • EV Early Adoption Incentive • Enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme • Additional Registration Fee reduction • Revised road tax structure It all points towards a future of a much greener automotive landscape in Singapore, and as a car buyer here, it is worthwhile to arm yourself with the knowledge of all things EVs, because in all likelihood, it will be the car you’ll be driving in a few years time. EV WEEKEND 2022 SINGAPORE’S FIRST AND ONLY EV EVENT IS BACK IN 2022 To support this switch to cleaner motoring, CarBuyer Singapore is the proud organiser of EV Weekend, Singapore’s first and largest EV event, which will now be back for its second iteration, this time at Suntec City’s North Atrium from 8 to 13 November, 2022. EV Weekend is a consumer-focused show aimed at increasing the awareness about EVs in Singapore rather than a traditional motor show, which is why it emphasised non-traditional aspects of a car show. The inaugural event in 2021 saw 10 cars on display from six brands at Resorts World Sentosa, but besides viewing the cars in person, attendees could also sign up for test drives to experience EVs for themselves. From left to right: Derryn Wong, Moderator and CarBuyer’s Editor-in-chief | Mr Sujay Ravikumar, Electric Vehicle Association Singapore’s (EVAS) Secretary Mr Donovan Tan, Interwell Group’s Head of Business Development | Mr Joe Nguyen, Tesla Owners’ Group Singapore’s President Mr Siew Leck Hung, CarBuyer’s Head of Marketplace Guest-of-Honour at EV Weekend 2021, Mr Saktiandi Supaat, MP, and Chairman of Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 8 9 Once again, you can expect a line up of the latest electric car brands under one roof. Learn more about how you can transition from a petrol-powered car to an electric one, how Singapore is ramping up its EV charging infrastructure to become a fully EV-friendly city, and the future of electric motoring in Singapore. At EV Weekend 2022, expect to get up close and personal with some of the coolest EVs, from a range of brands, that are available in Singapore. Because it’s the only EV-centric show in Singapore, this is the only place you’ll be able to see multiple EVs from luxury to mainstream in one location, experience them at the venue, and even test drive them yourself. The relevant agencies are encouraging the people here to turn towards electric and petrol-electric hybrid vehicles, and if you’re a car owner or plan to be one soon, the EV Weekend is the best place to kick off your electrifying future motoring journey. E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 10 11 EVs : CARBUYER’S HIGHLIGHTS CARBUYER PICKS SOME OF ITS TOP MODELS FROM THE EV MARKET HERE IN SINGAPORE Compared to when the first EVs arrived in Singapore over a decade ago, there are now plenty of choices for Singaporeans wanting to buy a privately-owned, passenger EV, so much so that making choosing one can be difficult. Whether you’re a commercial business, or a mainstream family driver, or a performance enthusiast, there is now an EV to suit every need and desire. CarBuyer Singapore has driven almost all of the EVs on sale here, and here is a selection of what’s available in the market right now. Click on the respective models to find out more. Disclaimer: This is in no way an exhaustive list of EVs but simply CarBuyer’s pick of the best EVs available on sale currently. Prices shown include Certificate of Entitlement (COE) and relevant VES rebates unless otherwise specified, as of late October 2022. DFSK EC35 DFSK’s EC35 electric van promises to deliver not only goods, but great savings as well. With its 38.7kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, the EC35 is claimed to be able to offer an energy consumption rate of 19.5kWh/100km, making it the most efficient electric van in town. Running an EC35 will cost just slightly over S$1,000 a year, resulting in great savings for your business. Price: S$129,000 with COE, CVES A (S$30,000 rebate) Output: 80hp, 200Nm Battery: 38.7kWh Range: 280km BYD T3 BYD’s T3 van is one of the most affordable electric vans you can get in Singapore. It’s not exactly fast but if you want something that’s cheap and fuss-free to run for your business, there’s few that can rival the T3 when it comes to sheer value for money. Price: S$131,800 with COE, CVES A (S$30,000 rebate) Output: 134hp, 180Nm Battery: 50.3kWh Range: 300km COMMERCIAL EV Electric commercial vehicles can go a long way towards helping businesses cut down on their operating costs and expenses. Aside from the daily operating cost savings that result from running an electric fleet over a fuel-powered one, electric commercial vehicles also get substantial rebates via the Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme (CVES), further boosting a company’s bottom line. COE CAT A EV S In May 2022, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that it will recategorise EVs that produce 110kW/147hp into COE Cat A, an increase from the previous threshold of 97kW/130hp. This means that a greater number of EVs will be eligible for a Cat A COE, which makes them significantly more affordable than before. Here are some EVs on sale in Singapore that are eligible for a Cat A COE. Hyundai Kona EV Hyundai’s other Cat A EV is the Kona, which offers an interesting drive for those who want their EV experience in a crossover package. The Kona offers plenty of practicality as well as decent range, making it well-suited for the urban driver. Price: From S$169,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 136hp, 395Nm Battery: 39.2kWh Range: 305km Peugeot e-2008 Sharing the same underpinnings as the Opel Mokka-e, the Peugeot e-2008 is yet another European-made Cat A electric crossover SUV that offers excellent space and impressive features for not a lot of money, while adding in plenty of style into the mix. Price: S$78,888 without COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 130hp, 260Nm Battery: 46kWh Range: 310km Hyundai Ioniq EV Hyundai’s Ioniq EV could very well represent the future of family motoring, with its EV silence allied with its space and practicality. The key to its acceptance is its sense of normalcy, with the Ioniq feeling just like any other family car to drive. Price: From S$175,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 134hp, 295Nm Battery: 38.3kWh Range: 311km Opel Mokka-e The Opel Mokka-e is now one of the cheapest European- made EV you can get in Singapore right now. This German crossover offers a decent amount of equipment for not a lot of cash, making it great value for money. Price: S$174,500 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 130hp, 260Nm Battery: 50kWh Range: 363km 12 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 13 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 MAINSTREAM EV S BYD Atto 3 BYD’s latest offering marks a significant leap not just for the brand here, but also for Chinese cars in general. The Atto 3 is a hugely impressive package, combining unique style with stellar quality and a staggering amount of tech and features, and makes for an excellent value buy. Price: S$181,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 201hp, 310Nm Battery: 60.5kWh Range: 480km Kia EV6 Kia’s stunning EV6 is not just a head-turner, it packs in enough performance punch in GT trim to outrun a Porsche Taycan, and even a few supercars. Set to arrive in Singapore in the fourth quarter of 2022, the EV6 looks set to catapult Kia into the big leagues of the EV world. Price: To be announced (Singapore arrival Q4 2022) Output: 168hp, 350Nm (Standard Range), 225hp, 350Nm (Long Range), 584hp, 740Nm (GT) Battery: 58kWh (Standard Range), 77.4kWh (Long Range & GT) Range: 400-510km Hyundai Ioniq 5 The Ioniq 5 will be a groundbreaking EV in more ways than one, as it will be the first car in over four decades to be assembled in Singapore, at Hyundai’s EV Innovation Centre in Jurong. Its unique crossover design boasts plenty of practicality, while long range versions can offer over 500km of electric driving range. Price: To be announced (Singapore arrival Q4 2022) Output: 168hp, 350Nm (Standard Range), 215hp, 350Nm (Long Range), 225hp, 350Nm (GT) Battery: 58kWh (Standard Range), 72.6kWh (Long Range), 77.4kWh (Extra Long Range) Range: 383-506km MINI Electric The electrified MINI adds some electric zest to the MINI’s zippy character, and the result is a fun-driving urban runabout with the benefit of zero emissions. It doesn’t have the greatest range, but the MINI is all about running around the city anyway, so it probably shouldn’t matter that much to its target demographic. Price: From S$219,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 184hp, 270Nm Battery: 32.6kWh Range: 234-270km Mercedes-EQ EQA Mercedes-EQ’s smallest EV on sale in Singapore is the EQA, which is based on the popular GLA crossover small SUV. The EQA might be compact but it packs quite a punch, with its sleek design and impressive tech and features, along with a relatively accessible price tag. Price: S$296,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 188hp, 385Nm Battery: 66.5kWh Range: 426km Mercedes-EQ EQB If you want a premium seven-seater electric small SUV, then as of now your only choice is the Mercedes-EQ EQB. Based upon the GLB, the EQB offers all the trappings that you’ll want in a Mercedes EV, but with the practicality of a family runabout. Price: From S$309,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 188hp, 385Nm (EQB 250), 288hp, 520Nm (EQB 350) Battery: 66.5kWh Range: 474km (EQB 250), 423km (EQB 350) Volvo C40 Volvo’s latest electric car is the C40, a small SUV with a sleek sloping roofline. Based on the XC40, the C40 aims to offer style and practicality in a head-turning package. Its availability purely as an EV underlines Volvo’s commitment to becoming an electric only brand by 2030. Price: S$297,000 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 408hp, 660Nm Battery: 78kWh Range: 450km PREMIUM SMALL EV S 14 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 15 Polestar 2 Polestar, Volvo’s electric spin-off brand, calls itself a ‘companion’ to Tesla, and its first car to go on sale here is the chunky Polestar 2. Blessed with unique Scandinavian style inside and out, the Polestar 2 offers an understated take on electric performance with its unassuming design and minimalist interior. Price: From S$232,000 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 231hp, 330Nm (Standard Range), 408hp, 640Nm (Long Range Dual Motor) Battery: 69kW (Standard Range), 78kW (Long Range Dual Motor) Range: 474km (Standard Range), 482km (Long Range Dual Motor) Tesla Model 3 Tesla’s official arrival in Singapore made a huge impact, and the Model 3 instantly became one of the best-selling EVs here upon its debut. For quite a reasonable price you get absurd performance, as well as Tesla’s unique minimalist style and ergonomics. Price: S$114,655 without COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 279hp, 420Nm (RWD), 505hp, 639Nm (Performance) Battery: 60kWh (RWD), 78kWh (Performance) Range: 491km (RWD), 547km (Performance) PREMIUM LUXURY EV S Mercedes-EQ EQS For the towkays of tomorrow, the Mercedes-EQ EQS is the ultimate luxury electric vehicle to have. Astonishingly quiet and filled with mind-blowing tech while delivering record-breaking range, the EQS is the S-Class for the electric generation, without compromising on the luxe factor for the truly well-heeled. Price: From S$538,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 333hp, 565Nm (EQS 450+), 658hp, 950Nm (AMG EQS 53) Battery: 107.8kWh Range: 589km (EQS 450+), 570km (AMG EQS 53) BMW i4 BMW’s first electric grand tourer is an impressively well-rounded package, offering astounding efficiency, great real world range, and truly balanced driving dynamics. The i4 is a true demonstration that an electric-powered BMW can still offer the same sort of engaging driving experience that the brand is renowned for. Price: From S$344,888 with COE, VES A2 (S$15,000 rebate) Output: 340hp, 430Nm (i4 eDrive40), 544hp, 795Nm (i4 M50) Battery: 80.7kWh (i4 eDrive 40), 81.5kWh (i4 M50) Range: 424km (i4 eDrive 40), 510km (i4 M50) Audi RS e-tron GT For the truly power hungry, the Audi RS e-tron GT packs in plenty of punch to send your gut flying in all sorts of directions when you put the pedal down. Nearly 600hp and 830Nm of torque delivered instantaneously means that this is one of the most exhilarating rides you can have outside of a roller coaster. Price: S$710,940 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 598hp, 830Nm Battery: 84kWh Range: 433-472km (WLTP) Audi e-tron GT Audi ventures into the electric grand touring game with the e-tron GT, which combines head-turning looks, advanced tech and breathtaking pace. 470hp and 630Nm of torque is nothing to sneeze at, but the e-tron GT’s more impressive achievement is its outstanding efficiency, with the car well capable of going over 400km on a full charge. Price: S$562,840 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 470hp, 630Nm Battery: 83.7kWh Range: 427km E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 16 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 17 PREMIUM LUXURY EV SUV S Tesla Model Y Tesla’s second model to officially go on sale here offers much of the same of what you can expect from the Model 3, but with a whole lot more space and practicality. The Model Y comes with plenty of headroom and a huge boot, making it the ideal Tesla for the family man. Price: From S$142,471 without COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 320hp, 420Nm (RWD), 513hp, 770Nm (Performance) Battery: 60kWh (RWD), 78kWh (Performance) Range: 455km (RWD), 514km (Performance) Audi e-tron The e-tron kicked off Audi’s EV journey in Singapore, and it takes the form of a family-friendly SUV whose major selling point is that it is as easy to drive and live with as any other SUV. Impressive range and fancy tech helps bolster the e-tron’s appeal even further. Price: From S$369,000 with COE, VES A2 (S$15,000 rebate) Output: 308hp, 540Nm (e-tron 50), 400hp, 664Nm (e-tron 55) Battery: 71kWh (e-tron 50) 95kWh (e-tron 55) Range: 441km (e-tron 50), 417km (e-tron 55) BMW iX3 The iX3 is effectively just an X3 with an electric drivetrain, but that forms the greatest part of its appeal. For those who want their EV experience to be no different from a regular car, the iX3 is very much the choice for you, right down to its impressive range. Price: From S$317,888 with COE, VES A1 (S$25,000 rebate) Output: 296hp, 400Nm Battery: 75kWh Range: 460km Audi e-tron S Sportback If you need even more power from your e-tron, then there’s the e-tron S Sportback for your consideration. Featuring no less than three electric motors that combine to produce nearly 500hp and a staggering 973Nm of torque, the e-tron S Sportback is truly an electric powerhouse that will not leave you wanting for grunt. Price: S$526,290 with COE, VES A2 (S$15,000 rebate) Output: 496hp, 973Nm Battery: 86kWh Range: 330km BMW iX BMW’s flagship electric SUV delivers innovative tech, class-leading efficiency and top-class luxury. The iX truly sets the standard for what to expect out of a premium luxury electric SUV, and is very much the benchmark to beat. Price: From S$453,888 with COE, VES A2 (S$15,000 rebate) Output: 326hp, 630Nm Battery: 71kWh Range: 282km Audi e-tron Sportback Same as the e-tron but blessed with a sleeker, more sportier looking body, the e-tron Sportback is geared towards those who prioritise style over practicality. Aside from that, the same easy-to-use nature and excellent electric range applies here, along with the e-tron’s understated performance abilities. Price: S$396,461 with COE, VES A2 (S$15,000 rebate) Output: 308hp, 540Nm Battery: 71.2kWh Range: 315km 18 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 19 CHECK OUT CARBUYER’S EV CONTENT ON YOUTUBE! You’ve done enough reading - it’s time to watch these EVs on CarBuyer Singapore’s YouTube channel 2021 Polestar 2 Review: Tesla’s first real rival in Singapore? 2022 Opel Mokka-e review 4000km in the BMW iX3 from Thailand to Singapore and back 2022 Tesla Model Y - Tested in Singapore! 2022 Peugeot e-2008 Walkaround The Wallbox Commander 2 is stuffed with features indispensible for EV charging How to charge an EV in Singapore First Look! BYD Atto 3 is here in Singapore Most Exciting Electric Vehicles of 2022! It’s simple enough: Open the charge port on the car, plug in the charger head, activate the charger, and voila. Once you get used to it, it’s just as easy as refuelling a petrol car - and a lot less smelly. So you have an EV, but you’re not entirely sure how to charge it – don’t whip out your mobile phone’s portable charger just yet WHAT ABOUT CHARGER TYPES, LIKE USB OR PHONE PORTS? Some older EVs used the now obsolete Type 1 charger, but the vast majority of modern EVs in Singapore now use the standard Type 2. If you have any concerns about charger type, just check that the EV you’re buying, or driving, uses a Type 2 port. PUBLIC VS PRIVATE But to go into further detail, there are two types of charging: Private and public. The EV shift also brings about a behavioural shift - typically EV owners will charge at home or privately most of the time, and rely on public charging stations for quick top ups or on longer journeys. PUBLIC CHARGING These are professional EV charge stations operated by a company, usually with a network of stations that dot the island. Most of the time, you can simply rock up to the charger and use an app for the whole charging/ payment process. Some of the charge network apps will also show you which chargers are open or occupied. PRIVATE CHARGING Most EVs come with the price of a charging solution included. The majority of the time, this is a wallbox. These are charging units specially-installed by the dealer at the owner’s place of choice, and sometimes included in the purchase price of the car. Wallboxes are complex pieces of equipment and much safer than wall sockets, so they will automatically shut-off when the battery is topped up, as well as thermally manage the process for safety. Depending on the mains power available, a wallbox can manage anything from 3.7kW to 22kW of power. You can technically plug your electric car into a wall socket, but first of all it needs a safety-approved charge cable (not all of them are) or else there is a risk of fire. It’s not unheard of for e-bikes to catch fire while charging, and lithium battery fires are no joke. Also, not all wall sockets cannot provide enough current (amperage) to charge an EV safely and quickly. It is possible with an approved charge cable, but these are typically much slower than a wallbox, and considered for backup usage. Public chargers are usually quicker too. For example, SP Group’s public chargers are 43kW AC or 50kW DC (see more in How Long Does It Take To Charge). EV CHARGING 101: HOW TO, WHERE TO, AND HOW LONG HOW TO CHARGE AN EV E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 21 20 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 HOW LONG DOES CHARGING TAKE? We’ve explained where and how to charge your EV, but how long does it take? The short answer is: Via slow or home charging, it will take anywhere from three to four hours for smaller EVs, and up to 10 hours or more for larger EVs with big batteries. For fast charging at the fastest DC fast charge rate the average EV can take, we’ve noticed that the industry standard for most cars is that it takes around half an hour to go from 10 to 80 percent. Your EV will most likely support AC and DC charging – and we don’t mean the rock band. But what’s the difference and how long do you have to wait? CHARGE TIMES: THE LONG ANSWER Again this is something that differs depending on what equipment you have – just like Fast Charging for smartphones, different chargers deliver different performance. As mentioned, public fast chargers are almost always faster than home chargers. Simply put, electrical power is measured in watts. More watts = faster charging. A 50kW DC fast charger will charge a car significantly faster than a 7.4kW home wallbox, for example. The amount of power depends on the place the box is installed in. An old residence may be unable to handle WHERE TO CHARGE A few years ago, charging an EV would’ve been impossible if you did not have a landed home, or access to a private charger. Luckily for us, the government’s efforts to phase out the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in favour of electric vehicles (EV) by 2040, the addition of 60,000 charging points islandwide by 2030 is promised to support this. This will see about 40,000 stations in public car parks and 20,000 in private premises. And even luckier for us the EV charging network has grown greatly to give EV owners greater peace of mind. Below you’ll find the five major EV charging operators in Singapore right now. Have an EV but not sure where to charge it? Here’s the lowdown of exactly where you can charge your EV. BLUECHARGE Previously under electric car- sharing service BlueSG, the charging kiosk network was transferred to Bluecharge Pte Ltd as of May 2021 and was subsequently bought over by TotalEnergies. To use Bluecharge’s service, you have to be a member. Subscription costs higher loads, while an industrial building will be able to deliver the fastest three- phase or even DC fast-charging. If your home has three-phase power (talk to your electrician) then a faster charger can be installed. But generally speaking, home wallbox chargers in Singapore will usually be able to charge modern electric cars in five hours or more though larger, more expensive, and more powerful EVs will have larger capacity batteries and take longer. For instance, the BYD Atto 3 has a 60.5kWh battery and can be charged in nine hours with 6.5kW AC charging. An Audi E-Tron with a 90kWh battery would take 12 hours on the same charger. But if you had a faster 11kW charger, it would take less than eight hours. Also note that different BEVs have different charge rates. Hyundai’s Ioniq Electric has a maximum charge rate of DC 50kW, while the Audi E-Tron’s is DC 150kW. The Porsche Taycan has a maximum charge rate of DC 270kW. If you plugged in a 100kW charger to the Hyundai, it would still charge at a maximum rate of 50kW. CDG ENGIE CDG Engie is the brainchild of local taxi operator ComfortDelGro and French energy company Engie. Charging stations are scattered islandwide, including HDB parking lots, and can be found via the CDG Engie app. Simply sign up for an account and you’ll also be able to access their AC and DC chargers that start at a price of S$0.50/kWH. Rates for CDG Engie AC 22kW: S$0.50/kWh [as of Sep 2022] DC 100kW: S$0.55/kWh [as of Sep 2022] Available on Apple and Google Play CHARGE+ Just like the other service providers on this list, Charge+ is accessible by – you guessed it – a mobile app – and it works no different from the other apps SHELL RECHARGE Shell Recharge charging stations are located at – you guessed it, Shell stations. AC and DC charging is available starting at S$0.55/kWh. You can also redeem special offers when you recharge your electric vehicle at a Shell station. To charge your EV at a Shell Recharge station, you’ll require the Shell Recharge app. Just plug-in your EV and you can begin charging through the app. To pay, just link your credit card to your Shell Recharge card or your account. Learn more on their website. EV charging service provider Greenlots is now also operating as Shell Recharge Solutions after being bought by the company in 2019. Within the Shell Recharge app, you’ll find EV charging stations with varying prices Rates for Shell Recharge AC 43kW: S$0.55/kWh [as of Aug 2022] DC 50kW: S$0.55/kWh [as of Aug 2022] Available on Apple and Google Play SP GROUP SP Group currently operates Singapore’s largest EV charging network. It is a government-owned electricity and gas distribution company. Just download the SP Utilities app on your phone to find your nearest charging point and you can plug your vehicle in. Fast-charging of 30 minutes is available along with free parking at certain stations. SP Group offers AC and DC charging, and pricing is based on per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Find out more on the SP Group website. Rates for SP Group AC 43kW: S$0.5/kWh [as of Aug 2022] DC 50kW: S$0.56/kWh [as of Aug 2022] Available on Apple and Google Play PLUGSHARE If you’re on information overload, not to worry. You can head to your App store or Google Play and download Plugshare, a free app for EV drivers to find charging stations islandwide regardless of service provider. You can view their map on their website as well. In addition, they provide comprehensive information on the type of charging, parking, and amenities available at each charging location. Available on Apple and Google Play If all that isn’t enough, companies like Tesla are also providing charging stations for EV owners. BMW Group Asia has also partnered with Shell to provide new BMW and Mini EV and PHEV owners . With various service providers for you to choose from, the EV infrastructure in Singapore is primed to support electric vehicle owners. S$20 a year while the actual cost of charging starts at S$1 per hour for the first three hours. Subsequently it costs S$2 per hour. Just like their car-sharing counterpart BlueSG, you can also reserve a station for up to 45 minutes ahead of time through the Bluecharge app. Do keep in mind that their charge points supply an average of 3.7kW electric power so if you’re in a rush, you might want to try a different service provider. Find out more on their website. Rates for Bluecharge S$1 for the first 3 hours [as of Aug 2022] S$2 every hour after that [as of Aug 2022] Available on Apple and Google Play mentioned above. Sign up for a free account with them and you’ll be able to access their AC and DC chargers that start at a price of S$0.4362/kWh. However, do note their private stations on selected premises within the app – those will cost you a monthly subscription. Find out more on the Charge+ website. Rates for Charge+ AC 22kW: S$0.4552/kWh [as of Aug 2022] DC 120kW: S$0.5401/kWh [as of Aug 2022] Available on Apple and Google Play E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 22 23 EV INCENTIVES EXPLAINED EV EARLY ADOPTER INCENTIVE (EEAI) From now till 31 December 2023, owners who register fully electric cars will receive a 45% rebate off the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), capped at S$20,000. ENHANCED VEHICULAR EMISSIONS SCHEME (VES) The Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) makes some cars eligible for a rebate of either S$15,000 or S$25,000. This is calculated on how much carbon dioxide your car emits, along with other pollutants: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. VES is punitive, too. The dirtiest cars end up attracting a surcharge of up to S$25,000 instead. The good news is, both the EEAI and VES are stackable, so some cars get S$45,000 taken off their price. First introduced in 2018, the Land Transport Authority extended the VES until 31 December 2025. The current rules will apply until 2024, after which the criteria will get tighter and the structure updated. To find out how it will change, read more at our full news story online. REVISED ROAD TAX The actual formula for calculating road tax in Singapore is somewhat complex, but in general it is based on the type of vehicle (whether it is a car, motorcycle, truck etc) To aid the switch to clean energy vehicles the government has implemented various financial schemes to help drivers make the switch. and the size and type of the vehicle’s propulsion system. The LTA’s calculator tool is here, for reference. Broadly speaking, for internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, road tax is calculated using a formula based on the car’s engine capacity, with diesel-powered cars getting hit with an additional special tax depending on their emission standard. For electric cars, road tax is based on the car’s electric motor power rating, measured in kilowatts (kW), with an Additional Flat Component (AFC) levied starting from 2021, ostensibly as a counter to the fact that electric cars do not pay fuel excise duties. To further complicate things however, there are additional rebates or surcharges based on various things, such as whether your car is registered as an Off Peak Car, or any other policy adjustments designed to encourage or discourage the use of certain types of vehicles. You can find out more about the taxation structure on the LTA’s website here. To further incentivise the use of EVs, calculation of road tax for EVs has been revised with an across-the-board reduction. However, as you are no longer paying for fuel nor subject to fuel excise duties, an additional sum will be added to your payable road tax. In 2022 it’s S$400, and from 2023 on, it’s a considerable S$700. Potential BEV owners will need to factor that into the cost over 10 years of ownership. HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST TO OWN AN EV? Will driving an EV really save you money? CarBuyer has done the math for you, and the answer is: Yes. On top of government schemes and rebates, we break down just how much it costs to run an EV in comparison to an ICE car. Road tax per year Energy/fuel Capacity Range Consumption Fuel cost per year* Total cost per year** Peugeot 2008 1.2 S$508 44 litres 862km 5.1L/100km S$2,488.37 S$2,996.37 Peugeot e-2008 S$1,202 46kWh 310km 14.5kWh/100km S$773.91 S$1,975.91 BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport S$1,210 65 litres 823km 7.6L/100km S$3,707.67 S$4,917.67 BMW iX3 S$2,066 75kWh 460km 19.4kWh/100km S$1,036.96 S$3,102.96 Mercedes-Benz S 450 L S$2,384 80 litres 775km 8.5L/100km S$4,146.62 S$6,530.62 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450+ S$3,238 107.8kWh 589km 18.3kWh/100km S$978.22 S$4,216.22 *September 2022 prices petrol RON 95 at S$2.74/litre, electricity at S$0.30/kwh *Assuming 17,800km travelled per year **Assuming 17,800km travelled a year, energy + Road Tax cost Disclaimer: Insurance is not taken into account, and standard quoted efficiency figures are taken So yes, owning an electric car is cheaper than a petrol-powered one. As you can see on our chart, the per-km cost is magnitudes less than a gasoline car. But you can also look forward to saving money on maintenance. E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 24 25 EV MAINTENANCE BUT WHAT ABOUT BATTERY LONGEVITY? A key concern for EVs, as it was for hybrids, is battery longevity. Reassuringly hybrid cars have shown that there are no major issues with battery packs and their lifespan – and it looks to be the same for EVs too. Modern power electronics are very good at keeping the batteries in peak working condition (charge levels, temperature etc), so battery packs are rated for the lifetime of the vehicle. Tesla owners around the world, for example, have experienced good longevity with their cars. According to predictive models, the batteries can retain up to 80 percent charge after 840,000km. Local dealers also offer longer terms for battery warranties than the standard five-year car warranty: Hyundai’s is 10 years for the battery, BMW’s is eight years, 200,000km. Electric vehicle maintenance consists mostly of ensuring that the electric and power systems are healthy (the onboard systems should help you do that already), the brake pads and brake fluid are fresh, and the tyres are usable. No engine means no spark plugs, no oil or air filters or similar consumables, and less coolant and fluid replacements needed. As such, maintaining an EV could cost a lot less than an ICE car. Power Rating (kW) Opel Mokka-e Peugeot e-2008 BYD Atto 3 Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor Tesla Model Y Performance 97kW 100kW 150kW 300kW 393kW S$1,184 S$1,202 S$1,495 S$3,880 S$5,335 S$66 (5%) S$104 (8%) S$749 (33%) S$2,071 (35%) S$2,943 (36%) S$1,250 S$1,306 S$2,244 S$5,951 S$8,278 Road tax payable before 1 January 2021 Road tax payable after 1 January 2021 Difference Road tax used to be obscenely high for BEVs here, but the situation has changed since 2021. The introduction of the EEAI and revision to the road tax structure means that BEVs have a much better time of it. As of September 2022, the road tax for a relatively mainstream BEV is still more expensive than that of a gasoline car, but not hugely so. The revised road tax formula is insanely complex, but it is calculated based on a BEV’s power output. The LTA’s calculator tool is here, for reference, but we have also laid out a handy table to illustrate the differences in road tax for some EV models currently on sale here. For example, the Opel Mokka-e, which is one of the most affordable BEVs right now and has a power output of 130hp (or 97kW), incurs an annual road tax of S$1,184. In comparison, a similar-sized petrol-powered 1.2-litre car pays just S$508 per annum. However, one part of the road tax system is still strange: EVs will have to pay an additional flat sum per year – S$200 in 2021, S$400 in 2022, and a considerable S$700 from 2023 onwards. Potential BEV owners will need to factor that into the cost over 10 years of ownership. ROAD TAX FOR EV ANNUAL ROAD TAX PAYABLE FOR EVS E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 E V W E E K E N D 2 0 2 2 26 27 Singapore’s power is generated mostly by natural gas, which is far cleaner than coal. But there is also an increasing impetus toward renewables – again, part of a global trend – and in the near future we will be able to purchase electricity from clean sources from providers like Sunseap. The practical side of the matter is – Singapore is going away from combustion engines too. The government’s Green Plan also indicates that by 2030, it will begin to discourage the sale of new combustion-engined vehicles, and to end them by 2040. Why? Pollution. We’ve seen the EV pros and cons, but the important thing is that we’ve realised air pollution from vehicles is a major negative for us, and the world. As reported on CarBuyer (‘Is your car killing you slowly?’), air pollution is an increasingly major killer of people worldwide. In 2019, Singapore’s own air pollution is, by some metrics, two or three times the World Health Organ