Not just one - but five.
That is the number of charging point operators (CPOs) with which new BYD-owners can potentially enjoy discounted charging rates, as they embark on their respective journeys of electric vehicle (EV) ownership.
The news was revealed by BYD Singapore to members of the media on the afternoon of 15 March 2024, and saw representatives from Singapore's five largest CPOs - Charge+, CDG ENGIE, Shell, SP Group, and Volt - coming together at BYD by 1826 (Boat Quay) for a grand signing ceremony.
This latest development follows BYD's announcement earlier this year of offering discounted charging with Charge+, but now broadens the field of selection for customers quite significantly.
The mechanics of the partnership are a bit more complex, though, so here's where you'll want to pay attention.
Two sets of discounts are now being offered simultaneously, following the establishment of the partnerships. Within the first set, customers will be granted the choice of one CPO from a total of four - Charge+, CDG ENGIE, Shell Recharge, and SP Group - following which they will get to enjoy a 20% discount on charging rates.
It's worth noting that the discount rates do not apply to all the providers simultaneously; the discounts will be effectively "locked" into their selected CPO. Additionally, this privilege is being extended solely to new BYD passenger car-owners with vehicles registered in 2024.
Running in tandem, the second set of discounts applies to BYD's remaining partner, Volt. Although the discount rate when using Volt's charging points is lower - at 5% - the upshot is that this privilege will be extended to all existing and new BYD passenger car-owners.
As for when these discounts are set to kick in, Charge+'s discount program has already been in effect since January this year, while the discount programs for the rest of the CPOs will commence in April. Looking ahead, BYD says it is already in the midst of inking a partnership with a sixth CPO.
BYD's clear push to further bolster its ecosystem for customers and new buyers comes as it consistently hits new milestones in Singapore.
The brand overtook Tesla to register the most passenger EVs in 2023, and with a whopping total of 424 units registered in February, has continued to hold firmly on to its leading position thus far in 2024.
The signing ceremony for this new venture was also of significance, as BYD continues to expand its network of automotive lifestyle outlets in Singapore. Since BYD by 1826 opened its doors at Boat Quay in June 2023, four more outlets have sprouted up around the island - at Suntec City, Balestier, Tanjong Pagar and Hillview.
The brand has grand plans still for the future, including the appointment of a new dealer, Harmony Auto, the opening of new showrooms, as well as the introduction of new models. Cryptically, BYD Singapore has teased that an electric MPV will arrive in Singapore at some point - although this will not come from the main-BYD brand itself.
Speaking on the news, Mr. James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines, reiterated the brand's dedication to providing its customers with an "exceptional ownership experience", saying, "We aspire for this initiative to enable electric vehicle owners to fully appreciate the advantages of lower running costs while transitioning seamlessly into the 'EV' lifestyle."
