Overview of EV Charging Infrastructure in Singapore
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular in Singapore, as the government aims to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040. To support this transition, Singapore has been developing its EV charging infrastructure, which consists of both public and private charging stations. As of December 2020, there were about 1,800 public charging points across the island, and the government plans to increase this number to 28,000 by 2030. Private charging points are also available at residential and commercial buildings, as well as some car parks and hotels.
Major Players and Providers in Singapore's EV Charging Market
The EV charging market in Singapore is competitive and diverse, with several players offering different types of charging solutions and services. Some of the major players and providers in this market are:
Shell Recharge
Shell Recharge is a global provider of EV charging software and solutions, with operations in Singapore since 2009. Shell Recharge operates the largest public charging network in Singapore, with over 400 charging points, including fast and ultra-fast chargers. Shell Recharge also provides cloud-based software and mobile app for EV drivers and charging station owners, as well as consulting and installation services for EV charging projects.
SP Group
SP Group is a leading energy utility company in Singapore, which launched its EV charging service in 2018. SP Group has over 300 public charging points, including the first high-powered 350 kW charger in Southeast Asia. SP Group also offers a mobile app and a smart card for EV drivers to access and pay for its charging network, as well as a digital platform for charging station owners to manage their assets and operations.
BYD
BYD is a Chinese company that specializes in electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy solutions. BYD entered the Singapore market in 2017, when it partnered with local taxi operator HDT to supply 100 electric taxis. BYD also provides charging stations and services for its fleet of electric taxis, buses, and trucks, as well as for other EV owners and operators. BYD has over 200 charging points in Singapore, including some solar-powered chargers.
Quickcharge
Quickcharge is a Singapore-based company that focuses on fast and convenient EV charging solutions. Quickcharge operates a network of over 100 public charging points, mainly located at petrol stations, shopping malls, and car parks. Quickcharge also offers a mobile app and a RFID card for EV drivers to access and pay for its charging network, as well as a subscription plan for unlimited charging at a fixed monthly fee.
Evone
Evone is a Singapore-based company that provides smart and integrated EV charging solutions. Evone operates a network of over 50 public charging points, mostly located at hotels, restaurants, and office buildings. Evone also offers a mobile app and a QR code for EV drivers to access and pay for its charging network, as well as a cloud-based platform for charging station owners to monitor and optimize their assets and operations.
Keppelvolt
Keppelvolt is a Singapore-based company that offers innovative and customized EV charging solutions. Keppelvolt operates a network of over 40 public charging points, mainly located at residential and industrial estates. Keppelvolt also offers a mobile app and a NFC tag for EV drivers to access and pay for its charging network, as well as a modular and scalable charging system that can be tailored to different needs and spaces.
Noodoe
Noodoe is a Taiwanese company that provides smart and connected EV charging solutions. Noodoe operates a network of over 30 public charging points, mostly located at car dealerships, workshops, and showrooms. Noodoe also offers a mobile app and a Bluetooth key for EV drivers to access and pay for its charging network, as well as a cloud-based platform for charging station owners to manage and control their assets and operations.
Public Charging Stations: Accessibility and Distribution
Public charging stations are essential for EV drivers who need to recharge their vehicles on the go, especially for those who do not have access to private charging facilities at home or work. Public charging stations are also important for promoting the adoption and awareness of EVs in Singapore, as they provide convenience and confidence for potential and existing EV users.
The accessibility and distribution of public charging stations in Singapore are influenced by several factors, such as the demand and supply of EVs, the availability and cost of land and electricity, the regulations and incentives from the government, and the competition and collaboration among the charging station providers. According to a study by the Nanyang Technological University, the optimal number and location of public charging stations in Singapore depend on the type and usage of EVs, the travel patterns and preferences of EV drivers, and the technical and economic characteristics of the charging stations.
The current distribution of public charging stations in Singapore is uneven and concentrated in certain areas, such as the central business district, the eastern and western regions, and some suburban towns. Some of the factors that contribute to this distribution are:
The demand and supply of EVs: The areas with higher demand and supply of EVs tend to have more public charging stations, as the charging station providers seek to capture and serve the existing and potential EV market. For example, the eastern and western regions have more public charging stations, as they have more EV owners and operators, such as HDT, BlueSG, and BYD.
- The availability and cost of land and electricity: The areas with more availability and lower cost of land and electricity tend to have more public charging stations, as the charging station providers seek to reduce their capital and operational expenses. For example, the central business district has more public charging stations, as it has more public and private car parks that offer space and power for charging stations.
- The regulations and incentives from the government: The areas with more favorable regulations and incentives from the government tend to have more public charging stations, as the charging station providers seek to comply with and benefit from the policies and programs that support the development of EV charging infrastructure. For example, some suburban towns have more public charging stations, as they are part of the government’s pilot projects and schemes, such as the Electric Vehicle Common Charger Grant and the Electric Vehicle-Ready Towns .
- The competition and collaboration among the charging station providers: The areas with more competition and collaboration among the charging station providers tend to have more public charging stations, as the charging station providers seek to gain and maintain their market share and customer loyalty, as well as to leverage on the synergies and economies of scale from the partnerships and alliances. For example, some petrol stations, shopping malls, and car parks have more public charging stations, as they are the locations of the joint ventures and collaborations among the charging station providers, such as Greenlots, SP Group, Quickcharger, and Evone
Challenges and Solutions in Singapore's EV Charging Journey
Singapore’s EV charging journey is not without challenges, as there are still some barriers and gaps that hinder the growth and adoption of EVs and EV charging infrastructure in the country. Some of the major challenges and solutions in this journey are:
- The lack of standardization and interoperability: The lack of standardization and interoperability among the different types and brands of EVs and charging stations poses a challenge for the EV drivers and the charging station providers, as it limits the compatibility and convenience of the charging process. For example, some EVs can only be charged by certain types of chargers, and some charging stations can only be accessed by certain types of payment methods. To overcome this challenge, the government and the industry have been working together to develop and adopt common standards and protocols for EVs and charging stations, such as the Type 2 AC connector and the ISO 15118 communication protocol . The government has also mandated that all public charging stations must be accessible by multiple payment methods, such as credit cards, mobile apps, and RFID cards.
- The high cost and low utilization: The high cost and low utilization of EVs and charging stations pose a challenge for the EV drivers and the charging station providers, as it affects the affordability and profitability of the EV charging business. For example, some EVs are still more expensive than their conventional counterparts, and some charging stations are still underutilized due to the low demand and supply of EVs. To overcome this challenge, the government and the industry have been offering various incentives and subsidies for EVs and charging stations, such as the Vehicular Emissions Scheme, the Early Adoption Incentive, the Electric Vehicle Common Charger Grant, and the Electric Vehicle-Ready Towns . The government and the industry have also been exploring new business models and technologies for EVs and charging stations, such as the battery swapping, the vehicle-to-grid, and the wireless charging .
- The low awareness and acceptance: The low awareness and acceptance of EVs and charging stations pose a challenge for the EV drivers and the charging station providers, as it affects the perception and preference of the EV market. For example, some consumers are still unaware of the benefits and features of EVs and charging stations, and some consumers are still reluctant to switch to EVs due to the range anxiety and the charging hassle. To overcome this challenge, the government and the industry have been conducting various campaigns and programs for EVs and charging.
Conclusion
Singapore is a leading country in the development and adoption of EVs and EV charging infrastructure, with a competitive and diverse market of EV charging station suppliers, a supportive and progressive government, and a growing and aware EV community. However, there are still some challenges and opportunities that need to be addressed and explored, such as the standardization and interoperability of EVs and charging stations, the cost and utilization of EVs and charging stations, and the awareness and acceptance of EVs and charging stations. By overcoming these challenges and seizing these opportunities, Singapore can achieve its vision of becoming a green and smart nation powered by EVs and EV charging infrastructure.
