As Singapore shifts away from vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) towards cleaner energy options like Electric Vehicles (EVs), the country is making strides in expanding EV charger deployment. The goal is to have 60,000 public charging points by 2030, and every HDB town will be an EV-Ready Town by 2025, as part of the Singapore Green Plan.
As more car owners make the switch to EVs, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of this environmentally friendly and cost-efficient option. To better understand the adjustments and advantages of owning an EV, we spoke to Collin Seow, a Singaporean EV owner, and founder of his own trading system. Here are the insights he shared:
Pros of Owning an EV
- Superior driving experience EV cars provide seamless and rapid power delivery, with instant torque and zero lag, which makes for a smooth and responsive driving experience.
- Cost-efficient option EV cars are cost-efficient for car owners, as they not only save on fuel costs but also on maintenance costs since EV cars have fewer parts that require regular servicing.
- Environmental friendliness EVs are a cleaner energy option that emits fewer emissions compared to ICE cars.
- Government schemes Purchasing an EV can be more affordable with the support of government schemes such as the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) and the Enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES).
Cons of Owning an EV
- Range anxiety One of the main concerns for EV owners is range anxiety. However, most EVs have an average range of 300-400 km per charge, which is sufficient for daily use.
- Charging infrastructure While EV charger deployment is progressing, the charging infrastructure is not as established as petrol stations, and finding charging points can be challenging.
- Charging time Charging an EV takes more time compared to filling up petrol, which can be an inconvenience for some car owners.
Maintenance Differences between ICE and EV Cars
EV cars have much fewer components compared to ICE cars, which makes maintenance simpler and more cost-efficient. Regular servicing for an ICE car is typically every 10,000 km to change the oil and oil filter. In contrast, EVs don’t require these types of servicing, which saves owners a few hundred dollars every six months or so.
Overcoming Range Anxiety
Planning charging beforehand is crucial to overcoming range anxiety. EV owners can make use of charging points near frequently visited locations such as malls or the homes of friends and family. A single charge typically lasts about 300-400km or about one week for most owners.
Conclusion
While owning an EV car requires a shift in habits and a bit of adjustment, it has many benefits. From cost savings to environmental friendliness, EVs are an excellent option for Singaporean car owners looking to make a change. As the country expands its charging infrastructure, owning an EV car will only become more accessible and convenient.