Reader Response # Draft 1

In the article, “Electric vehicles will take over Singapore”, Kuttan (2020) stated that by 2040, Singapore targets to phase out internal combustion vehicles and move towards the wider adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The article mentioned factors like lack of national charging infrastructure, high cost of EVs, the driving range and charging time is of concern. Despite that, the Singapore government has set a goal of creating 28,000 charging points, with the participation of private-sector authorities. 

The author also stated ways to expedite the adoption of EVs through measures like creating a separate Certification of Entitlement (COE) and having sufficient technical personnel with relevant skills to upkeep the ecosystem. Additionally, offering incentives in early conversion schemes can aid in the speed of rolling out EVs. Kuttan concluded Singapore was on the right track but the road to success would need more than just the government’s efforts to come through. In order for Singapore to completely adopt EVs, private-sector incumbents and land developers must participate in this EV revolution actively.

Land Transport Authority (LTA) reaffirmed Singapore's dedication to the wider adoption of EVs as part of the Nationwide EV Car-Sharing Programme in early 2018. As part of the country's ongoing transition to a more sustainable and greener transportation system, for example, "BlueSG, the first large-scale EV car-sharing service in Singapore, has seen high membership and rental figures, with more than 3,300 registered members and 5,000 rentals and has announced ambitious plans of a 1,000-strong electric vehicle fleet and 2,000 charging points by 2020." (Kuttan,2019)

Having a broad and dependable charging base is critical to the success of more EVs on Singapore roadways. SP Group presently offers 340 charging outlets at 71 places around the island, including retail malls, business parks, and industrial areas, with one-third of them being high-speed DC chargers (Abdullah,2021). Other than the companies to put in the effort to increase the charging stations, the building or land developers must also be involved in this endeavour to prepare for the future. Rewarding the parties for allotting space and sustaining charging infrastructure. One prominent example is the accessibility of charging-point-equipped carparks.

Furthermore, the Green Mark system by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority, which encourages building owners to adopt ecologically sustainable measures,  by granting extra points to those who assign carparks in buildings with such infrastructure. By 2030, the government expects to have 60,000 charging stations in public parking lots and private buildings, more than double its initial target of 28,000. Over the next 5 years, the government will set S$30 million for electric vehicle-related initiatives.

Another important key is the interoperability of charging access cards. For instance, using one card across different EV operators. By doing so, users would be able to cross charge among different operators and increase the availability of all the charging stations. The rolling of EVs helps Singapore to achieve numerous advantages in the transportation and building sectors, leading to a more sustainable Singapore.

However, just the effort of private-sector incumbents and land developers are still not enough. The initial cost of the electric vehicle in Singapore is still the main concern.“Hyundai Ioniq Electric” is a type of EV that cost $150,000 as compared to the hybrid version which cost $100,000 (Abdullah, 2021). Cost is the major factor for most buyers when considering a new vehicle. In general, EVs cost more than petrol cars. But with the various incentives and rebates in Singapore, prices can be similar. For instance," the MG HS, a petrol sport utility vehicle, costs S$130,000 with a Certificate of Entitlement. The MG ZS electric vehicle costs S$129,000 after factoring in a S$20,000 EV Early Adoption Incentive and a S$25,000 rebate under the Vehicular Emissions Scheme" (Neo &Siong,2021. 

Nonetheless, EVs, on the other hand, are critical in reducing global warming. It's a brave step forward since it acknowledges the existential threat posed by climate change. Singapore will be one of the first few beneficiaries of the EV revolution, with adequate charging infrastructure, knowledge, and regulations in place.

Kuttan, S. C. (2020, May 4). Commentary: Electric vehicles will take over Singapore. But here’s what must happen first. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-budget-2020-electric-vehicles-ice-ves-hybrid-car-2040-1338746

Kuttan, S. C. (2019, April 14). Commentary: Where are all the Electric Vehicle Charging Points? CNA. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-electric-vehicle-adoption-charging-stations-coe-catego-895041. 

Abdullah, A. Z. (2021, May 28). SP Group partners with SMRT subsidiary to provide Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions. CNA. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/strides-sp-group-smrt-electric-vehicle-1414646. 

Neo, C. C., & Siong, O. (2021, June 19). Electric vehicles may be fast and low-maintenance, but are they a real climate solution? CNA. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/electric-vehicles-may-be-fast-and-low-maintenance-are-they-real-climate-solution-2030271. 

Abdullah, A., 2021. Obstacles remain in electric vehicle adoption despite incentives, say transport experts and drivers. [online] CNA. Available at: <https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/obstacles-remain-electric-vehicle-despite-incentives-transport-359331> [Accessed 5 October 2021].