The Complete Guide To Buying An Electric Car In Singapore

In recent years electric vehicles (EVs) have increased in popularity among Singaporeans with rising gas prices and attractive government incentives to adopt EV ownership. I this comprehensive guide, we will be exploring the various benefits of buying and owning an electric car in Singapore. Furthermore, we will cover the different types of EVs and the electric cars that are available in the Singapore market. We hope to support those who are considering going electric and help you stay informed before making a purchase on an electric car.

The Benefits Of Owning An Electric Car In Singapore

Before exploring the different types of EVs, let us buckle up and have a deeper look into the benefits of owning an electric car in Singapore. If helping to save the environment wasn’t enough of a reason already, don't worry, there are also a handful of practical reasons to go electric.

Easy To Charge

EV charging is simple, cost-effective and convenient. Especially when you are plugged in at home or sleeping while your car charges up without any delay! More than 600 EV chargers will be installed over the next 12 months just outside of Singapore's CBD - there'll always be one nearby so that drivers can take their time getting charged if necessary (and maybe even catch some shut eye). In addition to being easy on resources compared with fueling an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle through gas stations; fast charge times mean we won't miss out on opportunities because our batteries were running low before arrival.

Cost Efficient

EVs offer many benefits over traditional engines and can be more cost-effective in the long run. EVs have fewer parts than ICE vehicles making servicing easier for mechanics. This means that you may not need to spend money on repairs or replacements as often if your EV ever breaks down (which happens less frequently). Furthermore, gas prices are much higher than those of electricity which makes driving an EV even cheaper when considering distances covered by both types of energy sources.

Government Incentives

The key target of the SG Green Plan is to phase out ICE vehicles and have all cars run on cleaner energy by 2040. Currently, EVs make up 1% of the car registrations between January-June this year, an increase from last period which was also at about equal ratio (1%). This trend should continue growing with time, considering the existing incentives by the government to encourage people to switch to EVs. For example, the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) offers 45% off new EV purchases.

Types Of Electric Vehicles

Now we will be defining the three main types of EVs that you need to know about before making an informed purchase of an electric car. Furthermore, we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of each type of EV.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and it's easy to see why. They combine the best of both worlds by combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. This allows them to get great fuel economy while still providing plenty of power. Hybrid electric vehicles also have a number of other benefits. For example, they emit less pollution than traditional gasoline-powered cars, and they're often much quieter as well. Plus, many hybrid electric vehicles come with features that make them even more efficient, such as regenerative braking. With all of these advantages, it's no wonder that hybrid electric vehicles are becoming more popular every day.

Advantages: HEVs offer the best of both worlds with both electric drive and optimal Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) power in comparison to other types of EVs. This will give you the ability to adapt to any relevant situation on the road.

Disadvantages: HEVs are not able to travel long distances when purely running on electricity in comparison to other types of EVs.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a type of hybrid electric vehicle that can be plugged into an external power source to recharge its batteries. PHEVs are similar to traditional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in that they have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. However, PHEVs also have a larger battery pack that can be recharged by plugging into an electrical outlet. This allows PHEVs to travel longer distances on electric power alone, which reduces emissions and saved fuel costs. Additionally, PHEVs typically have a higher starting price than HEVs but can provide significant savings over time. As a result, PHEVs are becoming an increasingly popular option for eco-conscious drivers.

Advantages: PHEVs can generally travel longer distances compared to HEVs when running on electricity but still have the added benefits from their ICE.

Disadvantages: PHEVs need to be plugged in and charged regularly to perform at their maximum efficiency, unlike HEVs which are more similar to a traditional car.

*Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid*
*$153,999 - $168,999 (w/o COE)*

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)

Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and it's not hard to see why. They're cheaper to operate than gas vehicles, they emit no pollutants, and they're quiet. Plus, advances in battery technology mean that electric vehicles can now travel further on a single charge than ever before. Whether you're looking for a car, a truck, or a motorcycle, there's an electric vehicle that's right for you. So why not make the switch to electric? You'll be saving money and helping the environment at the same time.

Advantages: BEVs have no ICE which means they give off zero tailpipe emissions. They are the most environmentally friendly of the EVs and have the largest battery as they run solely on electricity.

Disadvantages: As there is no ICE, there is no second option to power your vehicle like a traditional car. Once your battery is depleted, you will need to charge it at a charging station.

*Tesla Model 3*
*Price: $114,655 - 164,398 (w/o COE)*

Electrify’s Top Picks - Electric Cars You Can Buy In Singapore

Tesla Model Y

$142,471 - $190,195 (w/o COE)

The Tesla Model Y is an all-electric SUV that was unveiled in March 2019. It has a range of up to 483 kilometres and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 3.5 seconds. The Model Y is also significantly more affordable than previous than other EVs on the market of its calibre. With a 5 star safety rating from Euro NCAP and Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, the Model Y is our top recommendation due to its all round excellence and value for money. It really does come with all the bells and whistles.

Peugeot e-2008 SUV

$78,888 (w/o COE)

The Peugeot e-2008 SUV electric car is a clean, efficient way to get around town. With a range of up to kilometres on a full charge, it's perfect for short commutes or errands. And with all the latest safety and connectivity features, it's a great choice for busy families. This EV is also environmentally friendly, with zero emissions and low running costs. So if you're looking for an electric car that's both practical and affordable, the e-2008 SUV is the perfect choice.

Porsche Taycan

Price: $351,958 - 797,758 (w/o COE)

The Porsche Taycan is an all-electric sports car that was first introduced in 2019. The Taycan has a range of up to 500 kilometres and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 3.5 seconds. This electric car is also one of the most technologically advanced cars on the market, with features such as lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. Despite its high price tag, the Taycan has been extremely popular, with over 20,000 units sold in 2020 alone. If you're looking for an electric car that combines performance and luxury, the Porsche Taycan is definitely worth considering.

MG ZS EV

Price: $79,888 (w/o COE)

The MG ZS EV is an electric car that was released in 2019. It has a range of 261 kilometres and can reach a top speed of 150 kilometres per hour. The car is available in two different models: the Standard and the Excite. The Standard model comes with a 22 kilowatt-hour battery, while the Excite model comes with a 44.5 kilowatt-hour battery. Both models come with a fast-charging option that allows the car to be charged from 0 to 80% in just 40 minutes. This EV is a practical and affordable option for those who are looking for an electric car. It is perfect for city driving and has enough range for most people's daily needs.

Polestar 2

Price: $235,000 - 277,000 (w/o COE)

When it comes to electric cars, the Polestar 2 is in a league of its own. With a range of 500 kilometres on a single charge, it can easily outlast most other EVs on the market. And thanks to its high-speed charging capabilities, it can be back up and running in no time. Along with its impressive range, this electric car also offers ample power and plenty of torque. In fact, it's one of the quickest cars in its class, capable of accelerating from 0-100 kilometres in just 5.5 seconds. With its combination of range, power and efficiency, the Polestar 2 is setting a new standard for electric cars.

Where Do I Buy My Electric Car?

At this point, we know the benefits and options available for us to make the switch to electric but now we must know where to find the EVs. Here is a list of our top rated car dealers that can electrify you!

VINCAR Pte Ltd

BYD Passenger Cars

Tesla Singapore

Polestar Singapore

Now that you’ve explored the benefits of EV ownership, different types of EVs, the Singapore Market and the best dealers to buy them from, we hope you are excited to start your EV journey. Here at Electrify we pride ourselves on sharing our knowledge and passion for electric vehicles in order to help drive Singapore towards a greener and more sustainable future.