Deloitte survey shows Singaporeans prefer hybrid models

In Deloitte's 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study: Southeast Asia Perspective report, which surveyed 6,029 consumers across six Southeast Asian countries (including more than 1,000 in Singapore), it found that consumers here showed a strong preference for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as their next car of choice.

To quote Family Feud's iconic catchphrase, the survey says that preference for ICE vehicles in Singapore rose from 38% to 41%, while HEVs held steady at 31% (as compared to 32% last year). In terms of consumer preference for HEVs, this places Singapore in the lead regionally.

Across Southeast Asia, consumers continue to favour internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles

When asked about their top reasons for choosing an EV as their next car, Singapore consumers cited lower fuel costs (62%), government incentives (48%), and a lower need for maintenance (47%). On the other hand, the report also highlights concerns about battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption, chiefly the time required to charge (47%), followed by a lack of charging infrastructure (44%) and safety concerns with battery technology (40%).

And in the case of BEVs, 44% of Singaporean consumers expect a single charge to deliver a driving range of at least 400km. In terms of the charging experience, consumers' top priority is charging time (34%), followed by accessibility and ease of finding charging stations (15%). Overall, these findings reflect a nuanced view of the pros and cons of EVs, and Singapore consumers' preference for flexible solutions that address practical usage requirements.

In addition, the three most influential factors that consumers prioritise are vehicle performance (62%), price (59%), and product quality (58%). These findings suggest that today's consumers base their purchasing decisions on tangible vehicle value propositions over brand name.

As buyers begin viewing vehicles as not just long-term investment assets, but as products that must address their current needs, Deloitte has said that this may foreshadow a future where automobiles are increasingly transforming into Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).