Exploring the implications of electric vehicles on Singapore’s car culture.
In its quest to become a more sustainable city, as outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Singapore aims to phase out Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040 and transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs). This ambitious initiative includes a halt on the new registration of ICE vehicles by 2030, according to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) regulations—just eight years away.
The push for electrification offers a solution to the increasing carbon emissions problem. EVs, powered by electricity, significantly reduce toxic fumes, resulting in cleaner air and fewer carbon emissions. Additionally, owning an EV comes with various advantages, such as lower maintenance costs and a smoother, quieter ride. Coupled with a wide range of government incentives for early adopters, the arrival of Tesla and the planned installation of over 60,000 charging stations island-wide, the switch to EVs seems appealing.
However, while EVs present an environmental advantage, a closer examination reveals that they are not as straightforward a solution to reducing carbon emissions as they may seem. The manufacturing process of EVs can also be less environmentally friendly, and the high price point of EVs (ranging from S$100,888 to S$322,960) may exacerbate class disparities, reinforcing the notion of material possessions as status symbols.
Although EVs offer a futuristic and technologically advanced means of transport, it’s crucial to consider their broader implications and advocate for solutions that prioritize public transport and discourage private car ownership.
EVs: A Closer Look at Their Environmental Impact
Amid the enthusiasm for decarbonizing our society with innovative technology, there’s a concerning lack of awareness about the environmental ramifications of EVs. Many environmentalists emphasize that zero emissions do not equate to a zero-carbon footprint.
While electrification can reduce transport-related emissions, its effectiveness is largely dependent on the energy grid from which the electricity is sourced. In contrast to countries rich in renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, nuclear, solar, or wind power, Singapore predominantly relies on imported natural gas for 95% of its electricity. Although natural gas is among the cleanest fossil fuels, it remains a fossil fuel. As the number of charging stations increases and ICE vehicles are phased out, carbon emissions may simply shift from cars to electricity plants.
Furthermore, the supply chain for EVs is often overlooked. The lithium-ion batteries used in EVs require extensive raw material extraction, including cobalt and lithium, raising significant ethical and environmental concerns. The production process emits substantial carbon emissions, and while local battery recycling initiatives are emerging, the design of these batteries does not prioritize recycling.
Cost Savings and Incentives for EV Owners
Despite these complexities, the financial advantages of EVs cannot be ignored. The cost of charging an EV is generally about half that of fueling an ICE vehicle. Furthermore, due to their simpler machinery, maintenance costs for EVs are expected to decrease by 40-50%.
For instance, assuming an average Singaporean drives 17,500 km a year and the gasoline price is S$2 per liter with a fuel consumption of 6.7 liters/100 km, the annual petrol cost amounts to S$2,345. In comparison, at an energy tariff rate of 22.21 cents/kWh, an EV would only cost around S$454.75 annually. These savings accumulate significantly over time.
Additionally, the Singapore government has introduced several incentives to promote EV adoption. The road tax for EVs has been adjusted to be more comparable to that of ICE vehicles. For example, the annual road tax for a Hyundai Kona Electric will drop from approximately S$1,400 to S$1,100, while a Tesla Model 3’s tax will decrease from S$2,300 to S$1,500. The government has also removed the minimum payment of S$5,000 from the additional registration fee (ARF) starting this year, alongside the Early Adopter’s Incentive, which offers a 45% rebate on the ARF tax, capped at S$20,000.
Moreover, the Enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme (EVES) provides a S$25,000 rebate for Band A EVs and a S$15,000 rebate for Band A2 EVs. For a nation where car ownership is a significant financial commitment, these incentives facilitate a smoother transition to EVs.
The Persistent Car Culture in Singapore
Material wealth and possessions are often viewed as status symbols in Singapore, reflected in the enduring obsession with the infamous “5Cs”—a culture that persists today. Despite the environmental benefits of EVs, car ownership continues to be associated with wealth and social standing.
In 2021, the surge in EVs, which increased by 17-fold from the previous year, highlights this trend. Teslas led the charge with 924 units sold, followed closely by luxury brands like MG, Porsche, and BMW. For context, a Tesla Model 3 starts at S$111,245 before COE, while the more affordable MG ZS Electric is priced at S$128,888 with COE. Meanwhile, the Porsche Taycan can cost between S$462,058 and S$744,058.
In a 2015 article, Professor Kishore Mahbubani, an Academic and Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute (ARI), addressed Singapore’s car worship, asserting that cars are merely functional instruments, akin to home appliances. He argued that while the American dream revolves around car ownership, Singapore’s smaller landscape makes such a pursuit lead to “a formula of perpetual unhappiness.” He believes that the shift to EVs could help redirect this obsession toward being better stewards of the planet.
However, the skeptic in me doubts that Singapore’s fixation on cars will truly fade. While EVs offer environmental benefits, their ownership still signifies social class, wealth, and power. These deeply ingrained values are not easily dismantled. Achieving a sustainable, post-carbon society will require more equitable transportation options, a fundamental mindset shift, and a commitment to reducing harm for future generations.
Towards a Car-lite Society
The focus of Singapore’s Green Transition should be on addressing carbon emissions holistically. If the goal is to cultivate a car-lite society, the emphasis should be on reducing private car ownership while promoting public transport and vehicle-sharing solutions.
The path to a greener, sustainable Singapore does not lie in the proliferation of cars but rather in their reduction. Electrifying the public transport fleet makes it more sensible to encourage the use of these facilities. More importantly, we must shift the perception of public transport to make it the preferred choice.
In cities like Berlin, taking public transport is fashionable rather than relying on cars. Moreover, there’s a growing trend among Gen-Zs and millennials to forgo car ownership. Given Singapore’s land constraints, the need for personal vehicles is even less justified. With an improving transport system that ensures 80% of households are within 10 minutes of a train station and 85% of mass public transport journeys under 20 km completed within an hour, our public transport is highly efficient.
Furthermore, new HDB developments, such as Tengah New Town, are designed to feature car-free town centers, rendering car ownership increasingly obsolete. While EVs can still play a role in our transportation landscape, it’s essential to reevaluate our car obsession and consider how we can expedite our Green Transition by shifting away from the notion that car ownership is integral to the Singaporean identity.
