Adoption of electric vehicles in Singapore

Abstract

The Singapore government has unveiled an ambitious plan to phase out Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars by 2050. This plan aligns with the global efforts to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Switching from ICE vehicles to EVs is one solution to mitigate climate change. However, despite the overwhelming benefits to the environment of choosing EVs over ICE vehicles, the rate of EV adoption remains relatively low, especially in Singapore. This paper investigates three underlying factors contributing to drivers’ hesitancy towards embracing EV technology. These factors are the cost of EVs, lack of infrastructure supporting EV charging, and Perceived inconvenience of long charging times.

To gain further insights into drivers’ attitudes and perceptions towards adoption, a survey was conducted on 100 drivers in Singapore. The results collected were then analysed via the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The findings of the study suggested vital recommendations that could potentially accelerate the adoption of EVs in Singapore. The first would be increasing government incentives, ranging from tax breaks to subsidies. Furthermore, introducing schemes such as Battery Swapping and Portable Charging offers a practical solution to address the concerns regarding long charging times as they provide drivers with a convenient and efficient means to replenish their EVs’ batteries. This study provides valuable insights into fostering a more conducive climate for EV uptake in Singapore by shedding light on drivers' opinions and identifying actionable recommendations in the future.