31 Mar 2022 • 5 min read

Transitioning to EVs

Thinking of transitioning to an Electric Vehicle? Please refer to the categories below for more information.

Ev vision and roadmap

All new car registrations will have to be of cleaner-energy models from 2030. Cleaner-energy models include electric, hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell cars. We will also stop new diesel car registrations from 2025.

Incentives for Cleaner-Energy Vehicles

Incentive	Details
Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI)	From 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023, newly registered electric cars and taxis will receive a 45 per cent rebate off the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), capped at $20,000. To further lower the upfront cost of owning an electric car/taxi, from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023, we have lowered the ARF floor from $5,000 to $0.
Enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES)	From 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023, the rebates for vehicles in both Bands A1 and A2 will be increased by $5,000 for cars, and $7,500 for taxis. A car in Band A1 will enjoy a $25,000 rebate, and a car in Band A2 will enjoy a $15,000 rebate. To encourage the take up of more EVs, motorists who buy cleaner vehicles will be entitled to increased concessions of up to $25,000, while those purchasing more pollutive vehicles have to pay more.
Commercial Vehicles Emissions Scheme (CVES)	Commercial vehicles are categorised into three bands resulting in a $10,000 surcharge for the most pollutive vehicles to $30,000 incentive for the least pollutive vehicles. This encourages buyers to choose commercial vehicle models that have lower emissions across the identified pollutant categories, effective from 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2023.
Enhanced Early Turnover Scheme (ETS)	From 1 April 2021, existing Euro 4 Cat C diesel vehicles will also be eligible for the ETS incentive. This increases the number of commercial vehicles eligible for the ETS incentive to encourage turnover to cleaner alternatives.

In addition to the incentives above, we have also revised the road tax framework and increased the maximum power output threshold of Category A COE cars to make EVs more attractive. From 1 January 2022, road tax for fully electric cars in the 90-230kW bracket will be reduced, to ensure that electric and ICE cars of similar makes and luxury level pay similar road tax. Category A Maximum Power Output threshold for electric cars will be revised from 97kW to 110kW to allow more mass market electric cars to come under Category A.

Public Charging Points

You can now find out more about public charging stations in Singapore through the MyTransport.SG (iOS | Android) mobile application. Information on more than 800 public charging points at over 200 locations across the island are just a few taps away! Keep a lookout for upcoming features such as real-time charging point availability.

Installing EV Charging Points within Private Premises

EV users can also look forward to more public charging points. A pilot tender for EV charging points at public carparks was awarded in 2021. It covers the installation and operation of more than 600 EV charging points at over 200 public carparks across Singapore and is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2022. A large-scale tender has also been launched for the deployment of public charging points across nearly 2,000 HDB carparks. This will enable the deployment of an additional 12,000 charging points by 2025, in tandem with the increase in demand.

EV Charger Operation Models

Ev vision and roadmap

There are different operating models available in the market, with options to recover the capital cost of EV chargers through charging or subscription fees. Some EV Charging Operators own the chargers while other models allow for the premise owners to purchase the charger and set the charging rates. The EV charging market offers a range of arrangements for the installation, operation, maintenance and metering of electricity usage in private premises.

EV chargers in Singapore must be compliant with the Technical Reference for Electric Vehicle Charging Systems (TR 25) which specifies the mandatory safety technical requirements for EV Charging Systems. Please refer to the latest version of the technical reference TR 25:2022.

Steps to Install EV Supply Equipment

EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) includes the equipment that supplies power from the fixed electrical installation, EV Charging System, and cable assembly up to the point of connection to the EV.

The following outlines the steps to install EVSE in your premise. Please note that this could vary across developments and premise-owners should consult the relevant service or equipment providers.

If you are a resident or tenant in a building property and wish to install an EV Charging System, you will need to work with the property owner or Management Committee (e.g. MCST in a condominium) to get the necessary approvals.


Step 1: Consider the charging requirements of the EV(s)	Evaluate the suitability of EVSE by considering the number of EVs, frequency of usage, range and battery capacities.
Step 2: Check on power supply	This will typically require a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) to inspect the premise and assess if there is sufficient electrical capacity to support the EV Charging System. The LEW will be able to advise on the installation requirements.<br/ > If an electrical upgrade is required, a qualified electrical contractor must be engaged to carry out the upgrade. The upgrade may involve increasing the existing power supply, and/or modifying the electrical distribution board and cabling works.
Step 3: Pre-installation of EVSE	A LEW and an equipment specialist are required for the installation of the EVSE. An equipment specialist is a person that has been trained, certified and has sufficient knowledge of TR 25 and relevant standards and requirements for the safe operation of the particular EVSE. The equipment specialist will check if the EV Charging System is issued with a Letter of No Objection (LNO) to ensure compliance with TR 25 and its relevant requirements.
Step 4: Post Installation of EVSE	The LEW and equipment specialist will certify if the EVSE is fit for use before handing the installation back to the premise owner. Thereafter, the charger owner will be responsible for the safe usage and operation of the EV Charging System. Regular maintenance, electrical safety inspection and testing have to be carried out on the EVSE according to TR 25. A LEW and equipment specialist must be engaged to periodically inspect and maintain the EVSE respectively.

Importing EVs for sale in Singapore

LTA requires car dealers to have every new make and model of vehicles to be type approved and to meet technical requirements before use on the roads. Please refer to the information below for more details.

Additional Information

Written by LTA. Please refer to LTA website for full information.