As Singapore advances its sustainability efforts, the government is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with a target of 60,000 EV charging points island-wide by 2030 and a full transition to EVs by 2040. This shift isn’t just about reducing dependence on fossil fuels – it’s a crucial step towards protecting the environment. EVs produce fewer emissions than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, making them an integral part of Singapore’s strategy to combat climate change and improve air quality.

As the EV infrastructure expands, more residents are exploring electric commuting in different ways. Like Mr Stanley Tan, 50, a resident of Cheng San-Seletar, who has been using rental EVs since 2019. “I rent an EV on weekends to get around with my family. It’s a convenient option that gives me the benefits of a car without the burden of ownership,” said Mr Tan, who works in the IT industry.

Driving a rental EV has been a smooth experience for him, especially with the ease of picking up and dropping off the car. “I usually plan the pick-up and drop-off points in advance. There may be some waiting time depending on availability, but it’s manageable,” he explained. The increasing availability of EV charging points in the neighbourhood has made the process more convenient, saving him time and ensuring he’s always ready to go. Currently, there are 104 EV charging points in AMK GRC, Yio Chu Kang SMC and Kebun Baru SMC, with more to come.

Mr Tan also highlighted the benefits of using rental EVs. “It’s cost-effective because I only pay for the time I use the car, and I don’t have to worry about refuelling or maintenance,” he said. He also feels good knowing he’s helping to reduce air pollution during his commute. “I believe that with more EV charging points available, more residents will be encouraged to choose EVs,” he added.

Convenient charging: The key to adoption

Mdm Carol Huang, 52, a beauty parlour owner at Blk 635 Ang Mo Kio St 61, is considering switching to an EV after hearing about its benefits from friends. “Driving an EV is environmentally friendly and much more cost-effective,” she said. 

Her friends, especially those living in private homes, have been able to save a significant amount on fuel, with EV charging costing only about 20% of what they used to spend on petrol. “For example, I used to spend $100 on petrol, but with an EV, it’s only about $20,” she said. 

With her current car nearing its 10-year mark, she is tempted to make the switch, especially as more EV charging points are being installed in her area. Besides cost savings, she is also drawn to the less-maintenance requirements. “With a gasoline-powered car, I have to send it for servicing every 10,000 kilometres, but an EV only needs repairs when something actually breaks down,” she explained.

While she is still weighing her options, Mdm Huang hopes that the growing number of EV charging points and the availability of fast-charging stations at HDB carparks will make the transition even easier. “Convenient charging is key to encouraging more people to use EVs,” she added.

With an expanding network of EV charging points at HDB carparks, more residents are expected to experience the benefits of EVs first-hand. As accessibility improves, switching to EVs will become an increasingly viable and attractive option, contributing to a cleaner and greener Singapore.

[Chinese]

政府计划在2030年之前，在全岛各地安装6万个电动车充电桩。随着组屋区停车场充电设施的增加，更多居民选择共享电动车或考虑购买电动车，共同迈向绿色未来。

[Malay]

Singapura menyasarkan untuk mempunyai sebanyak 60,000 tempat mengecas kenderaan elektrik (EV) menjelang 2030. Dengan lebih banyak tempat mengecas disediakan di tempat letak kereta HDB, semakin ramai pemandu tertarik dengan kenderaan elektrik yang memberi kemudahan, menjimatkan, dan membawa manfaat alam sekitar.

[Tamil]

மின்சார வாகனங்களுக்காக 2030-ஆம் ஆண்டுக்குள் 60,000 மின்னேற்ற இணைப்புகளை அமைப்பது சிங்கப்பூரின் இலக்கு. வீடமைப்பு வளர்ச்சிக் கழக வாகன நிறுத்துமிடங்களில் அதிகமான மின்னேற்ற இணைப்புகள் அமைக்கப்பட்டு வருகையில், மின்சார வாகனங்களின் சௌகரியம், சிக்கனமான செலவு, சுற்றுப்புற நன்மைகள் ஆகியவை அதிகமான வாகன ஓட்டுநர்களைக் கவர்கின்றன.