Electric Vehicles On The Road

Where to Charge Your Electric Car in Singapore

byHemant
  • Dec 12, 2024
  • 6 mins
charging an ev

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in interest from car buyers for electric vehicles (EVs). The EY 2024 Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) indicated that a remarkable 73% of Singaporean car buyers surveyed are considering purchasing an EV in 2024, compared to 63% back in 2023.

This shift was due to a combination of EV’s superior performance compared to internal combustion engine cars, as well as environmental considerations.

As the demand for EVs surges, so too does the need for accessible charging options. Singapore is actively addressing this need by expanding its charging infrastructure across the island. For example, there’s been a more than 40% increase in EV charging spots in HDB car parks since 2023, with efforts being made to install more chargers in condominium residences as well.

However, just like petrol stations, not all EV charging stations in Singapore are the same. Understanding the compatibility between your EV and the charging station, including the type of connector and charging speed, is vital to avoid any surprises. To help you navigate this evolving landscape, let's explore the different types of EV chargers available in Singapore.

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There are three main types of EV chargers, with each having its own distinct set of characteristics:

Alternating Current (AC) Chargers

Alternating current (AC) chargers are the most common type of EV chargers in Singapore, mostly in part due to how EV batteries work. The electrical grids produce AC electricity, which would need to be converted into direct current (DC), which is the type of current stored in EV batteries.

To facilitate this process, EVs are built with an ‘onboard charger’, which acts like a bridge, allowing the AC power from the grid to cross over and become the DC power that your EV can use.

Most AC chargers use Type 2 connectors, which are compatible with most EVs. Due to the electric charge conversion, AC charging stations offer a slower charging speed of up to 22kW, making them suitable for overnight charging at home, work or in public car parks.

As a general guide, a typical AC charger can add 9-11 kilometres of range per hour of charging, but this varies depending on your EV model and the charger's power output.

Direct Current (DC) Chargers

DC chargers are the ideal choice if you're looking for a quick top-up on the go. Unlike AC chargers, they bypass the car's onboard charger to deliver direct current straight to the battery, enabling much faster charging speeds.

It ranges from 30kW to 350kW, easily adding around 100-200 kilometres of mileage in 30 minutes, depending on the charger's power output and your EV's maximum charging rate. This makes them extremely handy, especially when you’re stopping by shopping malls and other high-traffic areas.

In Singapore, DC chargers predominantly utilise Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors, which are compatible with most European and newer Asian EV models. While some DC chargers with CHAdeMO connectors exist, they are much less common.

Tesla Superchargers

Tesla Superchargers are among the most effective EV charging options, offering some of the fastest charging speeds available. As Level 3 DC fast chargers, they represent the quickest type of EV charging station currently in use. They also come in different versions (V1-V4), each with varying speeds. While a V3 Supercharger can deliver up to 321 km of range in 15 minutes, the latest V4, with its 350kW capacity, has the potential to add even more mileage in the same amount of time.

Strategically placed in shopping malls across Singapore, they offer convenient charging while you shop or run errands. While primarily designed for Tesla vehicles, a pilot programme now allows access to some non-Tesla EVs, but this is limited to CCS-enabled vehicles that fully comply with Tesla's communication and safety protocols.

Choosing the Right Type of EV Charger

Selecting the ideal EV charging station requires careful consideration of your individual needs and driving patterns, to ensure a seamless integration into your lifestyle and charging needs. Some key factors to consider include:

  • Battery Size: Your EV's battery capacity plays a crucial role in determining charging time. A larger battery takes more time to charge fully, which means overnight charging with AC chargers would need to be considered ahead of time. However, if you need to add mileage quickly, DC chargers are the better choice.
  • Charging Time: How quickly you need to recharge depends on your driving habits. If you have ample time for overnight or workday charging, AC chargers offer a convenient and cost-effective solution. But for those who are always on the move and need minimal downtime, the speed and flexibility of DC chargers are essential.
  • Location Accessibility: Consider the types of chargers available in your area. If you’re looking for charging at home or at a nearby carpark, AC chargers are ideal. But for quick top-ups while shopping or within the business district, opt for DC chargers (or Tesla Superchargers if your car is compatible).
ev charging stations in Singapore

Singapore's EV charging scene is rapidly evolving, with diverse providers like SP Group, Shell Recharge, Charge+ and Bluecharge blanketing the island with charging solutions.

As the largest public network, SP Group is known for its reliability and extensive coverage, offering AC and DC chargers readily available in commercial buildings and HDB car parks.

Meanwhile, Shell provides CCS Type 2 connectors for DC charging, as well as IEC Type 2 connectors for AC charging.

Rather than painstakingly searching for a charging station near you, Charge+ enhances the charging experience with a user-friendly app that simplifies finding stations and making payments, with their growing network focusing on convenient station locations like shopping malls and residential buildings.

At the same time, Bluecharge's comprehensive network ensures AC and DC charging access wherever you go, strategically positioned across shopping centres, business districts and major highways.

If you're curious about the number of EV charging stations in Singapore and the types of chargers that they offer, we've included a simple summary of the various providers below:

Provider No. of Stations Average Cost per kWh (S$) Charger Types and Notes
Tesla 12 S$0.50 to S$0.65 per kWh Superchargers (DC), exclusively for Tesla vehicles (with a limited pilot programme for non-Tesla CCS-enabled EVs)
BYD 11 40 kW and 80 kW AC chargers
SP Group 400+ Wide range of AC and DC chargers
Shell Recharge 22+ Both DC and AC charging options available
Charge+ 1000+ Wide range of AC and DC chargers; some private stations may require a monthly subscription
Bluecharge (by TotalEnergies) 207 Pricing is per hour, not per kWh. 5% discount with $60 annual membership
CDC Engie 500+ Good mix of AC and DC charging options
MeComb 16 Limited information on charger types available
Keppel Volt 121 Offers various DC charging speeds
QuickCharge 10+ NIL

 

Much like traditional cars, EVs represent a significant investment and just like any valuable asset, they deserve comprehensive protection. EV insurance offers peace of mind and safeguards you from unexpected financial burdens in the event of an accident, theft or damage to your vehicle.

Income Insurance's eDrivo Car Insurance is tailored specifically for EV owners, offering unique benefits that cater to the specific needs of their EVs:

  • Add on coverage for your private electric vehicle charging station. We cover up to $5,0001 for the cost incurred in the event of accidental damages, including fire and other external causes2.
  • Emergency Mobile Rescue3: If your car battery runs out of charge on the road, we’ll arrive at the scene and provide DC fast charging up to 20% capacity so you can drive to the nearest charging station. You can call +65 8102 6148 for 24/7 assistance.
  • Unlimited battery replacement: Get peace of mind with unlimited replacement for your battery4 in the event it is damaged in an accident.

Embrace the freedom of electric driving with the confidence of comprehensive protection. Explore Income's eDrivo Car Insurance and discover the worry-free experience that comes with safeguarding your prized vehicle.

Author(s):
Hemant is a writer with passions for a range of topics, dedicated to empowering readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. His experience spans diverse fields, from health and technology to finance and lifestyle. Hemant believes that well-crafted content can illuminate complex topics and inspire positive change, helping readers navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity.

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