Singapore's first electric car sharing program blooms to 150

The relatively shorter range and long charging time are limiting factors for electric cars. These, however, did not stop Tom Lokenvitz from starting up Smove - the first electric car sharing program in Singapore.

The company inaugurated in November 2011, with just one car. The fleet of has since grown to six, with the addition of 30 electric bicycles available for sharing. Charges are computed based on time: 39cents/min of driving, 19cents/min when parked, and capped at $75 per 24-hour period. Members will also pay a one-time $19 registration fee.

The scheme is currently available to those living or working in the west region, with 'docking stations' in Pixel Building, Biopolis, Fusionopolis, the Insead Campus and Ayer Rajah Crescent. The program has since attracted more than 150 members.

Despite the relatively small fleet of cars, members find no problem in booking one when they needed. Speaking to the Straits Times, Zhang Wei Liang, 25, commented that the system is easy to use. His work requires him to travel to Tuas regularly, which he finds hard to get taxi on many instances.

The program currently utilises only one car model - the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, a fully electric subcompact five-door hatchback. Under normal usage, the car returns a range of 100-120km on a full charge. Mr Zhang, however, has admitted that he is able to clock close to 150km on some instances, with regulated use of air conditioning in the car.

With the results it has garnered, Smove is currently looking at further expanding its fleet, as well as stretching its reach into other areas on the island.

*The Straits Times has reported on 3 June 2020 that Smove is currently undergoing liquidation, with its assets scheduled for disposal. We advise those looking for car sharing options to look for alternative platforms here.