620 charging stations, across 200 public carparks, within 12 months. 

These were the numerical targets laid out by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier on 3 September 2021 as the government follows up on its plan to make charging - and Electric Vehicles (EVs) - a more normal part of everyday life.  

According to a report by The Straits Times, the 600 over charging stations form part of a pilot tender that was announced late last year. Perhaps only one of the upcoming operators may sound familiar - ComfortDelgro; the remainder comprises newer and smaller energy players. The Central area will be the biggest beneficiary this time round, with 210 chargers, while the West follows with 140.

Apart from installing charging points in the Central Business District, the pilot marks the first time ever that public housing dwellers are getting almost immediate access to EV-infrastructure. Because close to 80% of Singapore's population lives in HDB flats, reaching public housing estates is crucial in encouraging EV adoption.

While 620 may feel like a large sum right now, this number is merely the tip of the iceberg. 

Singapore is aiming to set up at least 40,000 charging points island-wide by 2030, in line with the more aggressive recognition of climate pressures laid out in the SG Green Plan. 

Previously, LTA had also singled out eight towns as EV-Ready by 2025: Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong West, Punggol, Queenstown, Sembawang and Tengah. All carparks in an EV-Ready town will offer charging points.