These apprehensions about electric vehicles in Singapore are mainly centred on charging interoperability as well as charging and operating costs.
According to the EY 2024 Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), 73% of car buyers in Singapore are now looking at EVs, a significant jump from last year’s 63%. That’s compared to the global average of 58%.
What’s more interesting is that 40% of potential EV buyers in Singapore are leaning towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs), while others are opting for a more gradual transition with hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
The fifth edition of the MCI surveyed 19,000 respondents across 28 countries, including 300 Singaporeans, and covered our region quite comprehensively (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam).
When it comes to buying electric vehicles in Singapore, Singaporeans have a unique take. The superior performance of EVs over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) cars was the top reason for the switch, with 33% of respondents citing this as a key motivator.
Status and environmental concerns followed closely behind, at 30% and 29%, respectively. Globally, the main driver was rising fuel costs, but Singapore’s keen eye for performance and cutting-edge tech stands out.
Concerns do remain, particularly around charging. A significant 26% of respondents in Singapore worry about charging interoperability, and another 25% are anxious about charging costs and the potential lack of clarity on government policies.
It’s a mixed bag, but the consistent theme is that EV buyers are cautious about the infrastructure, particularly charging. Singaporeans also share concerns about safety during charging and long wait times, but compared to global figures, they’re less bothered by availability issues.
Charging Challenges and Progress
Despite all this, it’s undeniable that Singapore is expanding its charging infrastructure. By 2025, nearly 2,000 HDB car parks will each have a minimum of three charging points. This positions Singapore as a leader in Southeast Asia, not just in terms of car adoption but also in ensuring EVs can be charged easily.
However, there’s still work to be done. Many BEV and hybrid owners find charging at public stations too expensive, with 60% citing high costs as a problem. Safety is another concern, with 40% worried about the security of their cars during charging.
Oliver Redrup, Associate Partner at EY Corporate Advisors, summed it up: “EV sales in Singapore have surged, and the availability of charge points continues to expand. Yet, this survey highlights the need for more education around the EV ecosystem, especially in terms of cost and technological advancements.”
Beyond the shift to electric, there’s also a growing interest in-car connectivity features, from real-time traffic alerts to vehicle tracking and automated maintenance scheduling. These features enhance safety, efficiency, and convenience, qualities that resonate strongly with 65% of Singaporeans, especially when it comes to technologies like collision warnings.
Interestingly, despite all the buzz around autonomous driving, only 22% of Singaporeans rated it as an important feature, a sentiment that reflects a global wariness towards full self-driving capabilities.
All of these features, of course, come with a catch—data.
As more cars become connected, carmakers are increasingly relying on data to deliver personalised experiences. But for that to happen, consumers need to be comfortable with sharing that data.
As Susana Utama, Partner at EY-Parthenon, points out, “There’s a clear demand for functional, data-driven technologies in cars, but data governance and integrity are key. Manufacturers need to find ways to collect and analyse this data responsibly while offering value to the consumer.”
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