DEBUNKING MYTHS ABOUT ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN SINGAPORE: Facts You Need to Know
Electric vehicles in Singapore are becoming more and more popular, almost doubling its figure from 2023. According to the Land Transport Authority, 32.6% of vehicles registered from January to May 2024 were EVs, a significant increase from 18.1% last year.
Singapore has been at the forefront of EVs, creating a task force for EV adoption in the country as early as 2009. However, electric vehicles are still fairly new to the public and there are myths about electric cars circulating among consumers. Common misconceptions about the EV must be addressed to encourage EV adoption in Singapore, in accordance with the Singapore Green Plan 2030.
READ: DRIVING GREEN: Guide to Electric Car Rental in Singapore
Common Myths About Electric Vehicles
MYTH 1: EVs Are Too Expensive
If you look at the price tag of a brand-new EV alone, you might think that it is too expensive. However, you also need to take into account the overall expense of an electric vehicle purchase. Apart from upfront costs, you also need to think about the insurance, maintenance, taxes, COE, and of course, running costs. Take note of how much it costs to refuel versus recharge and you can see it is pricier to own an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.
To encourage people to purchase EVs, the Singapore government is offering rebates for registration of fully electric vehicles. This can help in lowering the overall cost of getting an EV.
MYTH 2: EVs Have Limited Range
One of the biggest misconceptions about EVs is they have limited power and users will have a hard time reaching their destinations. Depending on the EV model, one full charge can actually last for 150KM to 400KM and the average daily driving range of electric vehicles in Singapore is 55KM.
MYTH 3: Charging EVs Is Not Easy
With the goal of the government to phase out diesel and petrol vehicles, new charging stations are being added throughout the country. There are now more than 3,000 charging points at over 900 Housing Board car parks as of August 2024.
EV charging is pretty simple and can be seamlessly added to your schedule. It’s not like getting where you have to allot a certain time to go to a petrol station. Charging your EV can be done from mall parking lots, so as your electric car is getting juice you can run errands or go shopping.
MYTH 4: Batteries Need Frequent Replacement
It’s common to think that electric vehicles will require frequent battery replacement since you will be charging them regularly. However, you might be surprised that EV batteries will actually last longer than the battery of a petrol or diesel car. Gas-powered vehicles have batteries that usually last up to 5 years but EV batteries can last 10 to 20 years, according to Business Times. You can prolong the use of your EV battery by taking care of it properly, like avoiding extreme temperatures and not overcharging.
Recycling plants in Singapore are slated to accept more EV batteries in the coming years. EV batteries that are still healthy will be processed for second-life usage and can be utilised for stationary power storage, grid support, and more.
MYTH 5: EVs Are Fire Risks/Hazards
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force, EV fires are quite rare and more importantly, manageable. In the last 3 years, EV fire incidents accounted for 0.7% of vehicle fires in the country. International studies also show the rate of EV fire occurrence is lower than that of ICE vehicles as well as hybrid vehicles.
MYTH 6: EVs Break Down More Often Than Traditional Cars
Since EVs have fewer moving parts, there’s a lower chance of breakdowns occurring. You can expect less maintenance, too. Just like traditional cars, EVs will require regular maintenance but it will not cost as much. The annual maintenance of an EV will be around the S$100 range while traditional cars will set you back around S$200.
READ: 10 Things We Bet You Didn’t Know About Electric Vehicle (EVs)
Government Initiatives Promoting EV Adoption in Singapore
The Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive offered by the government gives a 45% rebate off the Additional Registration fee for fully electric vehicles. This will be for all electric vehicles that will be registered in 2024 and there is a cap of S$15,000 on the rebate.
Financial Incentives:
- Early Adoption Incentive (EAI): Provides rebates on the Additional Registration Fee (ARF) for EV buyers, encouraging early adoption.
- Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES): Offers rebates or surcharges based on a vehicle’s emissions, favouring EVs.
Charging Infrastructure:
- Extensive Network: Aims to deploy 60,000 charging points island-wide by 2030, with a focus on public car parks and HDB towns.
- EV-Ready Towns: Ensuring every HDB town has ample charging infrastructure by 2025.
Regulations and Standards:
- Technical Reference 25 (TR25): A national EV charging standard ensuring safety and reliability.
- Electric Vehicles Charging Act: Provides a regulatory framework for a robust and accessible charging network.
For more information and further details on government initiatives on EV promotion and adoption, please visit the LTA website.
Tips For Using Public Charging Stations In Singapore
Electric cars, just like any vehicle, will require the right usage and care. You need to learn about your EV so you can properly choose and use the right charging stations in Singapore. Here are some tips to help you out:
- Learn the difference between AC and DC charging and check your vehicle’s manual to find out which is best suited for it.
- Keep track of all the public charging stations throughout the city, especially places you frequent like your office and shopping malls.
- Follow EV charging etiquette, for example, if you are already at 80% it’s time to give another EV user the chance to charge.
Trying Out Electric Cars in Singapore
To debunk myths and discover the facts about electric vehicles firsthand, try leasing an EV without the commitment of buying one through the Plug-N-Drive Program offered by Jack Cars. Some consumers are still wary of buying a brand new EV, good thing Jack Cars offers a lease-to-own scheme that can allow you to make an informed decision. You can enjoy the full benefits of owning an EV without the financial burden.
For as low as S$2,888* per month, you can get a brand-new BYD car. This monthly lease already includes the following:
- Certificate of Entitlement
- Insurance
- Road Tax
- Maintenance and Servicing
Drive into the future of Singapore with an electric vehicle, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp and start your green-driving experience today!
Rent or Lease-to-Own an Electric Vehicle at Affordable Rates in Singapore
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