Electric Cars in Singapore: Why and Which Model You Should Own

Gas prices are arguably at an all-time high due to various sociopolitical and economic forces at play. In addition to this, as humans burn more fossil fuels than ever, the world’s temperature is on the rise. Is it possible to solve both – a way to save on gas bills while also saving the world?

Electric cars may just do the trick. If you’re keen on or at least thinking about switching to electric cars, this article breaks down the potential upsides to doing so and enumerates some of your best options for electric cars in Singapore today. If you’re buying a new or used car, you could save big on loans by shopping around instead of accepting the first car loan your dealership offers. Read on!

Why Use an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

1. They’re Eco-Friendly to the Environment

An electric vehicle operates on an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine burning fossil fuel or gases. Most EVs use an electric battery to propel and start the car on the road. The main benefit of using an electric motor is the ZERO emission of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Reducing the pollutant leads to a clean environment as we may breathe less harmful substances floating in the air. Research shows one electric car on the road can reduce 1.5 grams of CO2 on average in a year. In the end, we may benefit by having better health and paying fewer medical bills from using an electric vehicle.

2. They Have Lower Running Costs

Yes, you can save more from driving an EV. A study by the Transport Research Institute of the University of Michigan in 2018 points out that EV drivers can save more than half in energy consumption bills than other gas car drivers. Consumption bills may differ concerning manufacturers and models.

An EV is better than a fossil-fuel motor car regarding different running and maintenance costs. The encouraging news is similar research shows the running costs like car maintenance on an EV are half lower than a gas-powered car without including the benefits from the Government’s electric vehicle incentive program.

3. There’s An Incentive Program for EV Purchases

The Government is active in motivating EV car buyers and implementing two noticeable incentive schemes within a limited timeframe. 

One is the “Early Adoptor Rebate (2022-2023).” An EV buyer can reduce the “Additional Registration Fees” from a minimum of S$5,000 to zero within the period. The rebate may lead to an EV owner lessening buying costs compared to a fuel-powered car.

Another is a “ Vehicle Emissions Scheme.” An EV owner will receive a rebate of S$15,000 to S$25,000 per car for cost savings, depending on the model. The to-be-car-owners and existing fuel-powered car owners should take advantage of the opportunity to reduce the costs.

EV owners should notice that though they are eligible for reduced road tax, the Government may collect a half-yearly lump-sum tax of S$100 every 6 months from 2021 to 2023. The lump-sum payment offsets the savings from EV road tax because the Government needs to recover the loss from income reduction on petrol tax on fossil-fuel powered cars.

4. EVs Offer a Good User Experience

The latest EV generation is quieter, more secure, and faster than previous models. Most electric vehicles have installed the advanced regenerative braking system, which pumps back energy to a car battery while slowing down a vehicle. The new system lets drivers have a good experience and comfort in most new EV models besides saving energy bills.

6 Best Electric Vehicles in Singapore

Convinced? Here are six of the best EV models in Singapore you should consider getting!

1. Hyundai Ioniq Electric

Price: S$149K

The sedan offers a dynamic driving experience to drivers with the advanced system. The Ioniq Electric can accelerate from 0 – 100km per hour in 9.9 seconds with a maximum power of 136 bhp(KW.) With its 38.3 kWh battery capacity, the car has a driving range of up to 311km.

The spacious interior can accommodate up to 5 people and provide 60/40-split backseat capability for extra-long cargo transport.

2. Hyundai KONA Electric

Price: S$141K, including COE

The sleeker SUV has a spacious interior so you and your family or friends can sit inside the comfortable car enjoying a joyful journey. Besides acceleration power from 0 -100km in 7.9 seconds, KONA can go for a maximum of 395km with its 39.2 kWh battery capacity. With 134bhp(KW) maximum power, KONA lets you go on the road without delay.

Furthermore, the SUV can charge up to 80% of full capacity in 48 minutes at a 50kW direct charging station.

3. MG ZS EV

Price: S$228K

ZS promises an energetic and comfortable driving experience with an embedded 8” HD touchscreen guiding your journey. The Europe-style theme is the main character from hood to bonnet on ZS.

You can increase the speed from 0 – 100km in 8.2 seconds. With 44.5kwh battery capacity, you can drive up to 263km in peace of mind. 40 minutes is the time for up to 80% of the battery capacity at EV charging points(direct charging.)

4. Tesla Model 3

Price: S$155K, excluding COE

A first fully electric car manufacturer, Tesla is the first auto producer to promote electric vehicles worldwide actively. You are amazed at its 3.3 seconds for accelerating from 0 – 100km and its top speed of 261km per hour.

Tesla’s advanced pilot system monitors road conditions and helps you park and change lanes without ignoring a driver’s and passenger’s safety. You only need 15 minutes at any of its charging stations for a full battery capacity of a 270km journey.

You can use your mobile phone as a key to access the 15” touch screen. With this model’s comfort, speed, and security, you can gain a delightful user experience.

5. Nissan Leaf

Price: S$170K

The new electric car by Nissan emphasizes your comfort in driving. The driver seat design aims to let you drive like an astronomer against gravity. The Intelligent Around View Monitor system helps you look up the traffic conditions around your car and make you and your passengers safer. 

The Intelligent Emergency Braking system monitors between-car distance and pedestrians around you and may trigger emergent brakes to prevent collision and accidents.

The Hill Start Assist function helps you stop unexpected backward sliding by holding your brakes, giving you time to accelerate your car. 

You only need 30 minutes for a 150-kilometre trip. It just takes you 60 minutes to complete a full charge. Nissan also gives you a warranty of 160,000km or 8 years on the leaf’s battery, whichever comes first. With its 40kWh battery capacity, The Leaf will have a go for 311km in one shot. Besides, Nissan also guarantees your Leaf for an unlimited mileage vehicle of 5 years.

6. BYD e6 Electric

Price: S$116K

BYD is a noted phosphate battery maker in China and a strategic supplier of Apple and Samsung. The eco-friendly auto battery is renowned for its stability, safety, and long duration. A single charge provides up to a 400km journey for an 82kWh battery. 

Besides, you can use the Optimizing Charging for a full charge in 2 hours and accelerate from 0 – 60km in 7.69 seconds. You may note a fact: e6 can provide a household with 5 days of energy demand(12 kWh per day) through BYD’s bi-directional charging/discharging system.

Final Thoughts

The above 6 cars are the most popular among Singaporeans. You should select one based on your budget, preference, and experience for your needs. And before choosing your favorite EV, you should obtain a Certificate of Entitlement(COE) from the Land Transport Authority through auctions held twice a month. Car owners can use their cars only after car registrations. 

Key Takeaways

• Electric vehicles (EVs) are eco-friendly to the environment.
• Car owners can reduce buying costs and maintenance costs on electric vehicles.
• Hyundai’s Ioniq, KONA, MG’s ZS-EV, Tesla’s Model 3, Nissan’s Leaf,& BYD’s e6 are popular among Singapore car owners.
• The prices for EVs range from S$116K (for a BYD-e6) to S$228K (for an MG-ZS.EV).
• The government’s incentive program lasts until the 2023 year-end.

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