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If you own an EV and worry about where to charge it, we sourced for a couple of public locations. Find out where they are, how they work and how much it costs.
Category: Car Ownership Advice
With the government slowly phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040, it is no surprise that drivers are taking advantage of the EV Early Adoption incentives and quickly switching to electric vehicles (EVs).
That's when it hits them - how are they going to charge it? Where even is the nearest EV charger? We get it. Not all HDB or condominium carparks come equipped with the necessary infrastructure.
But that's changing. Fast. What if we told you that EV charging stations are pretty accessible in Singapore? Here, we'll dive into the current list of EV charging providers (and their stations) you can tap on.
But first… a recap: Fast (DC) versus slow (AC) charging
AC/DC (but not the band): Just like our smartphones, there's fast and slow charging for our EVs
You know how our smartphone batteries are topped up at different speeds depending on whether we plug them in to fast chargers or normal ones? The same applies for EVs.
Ranging from 3.7kW to 43kW locally, AC (alternating current) chargers have lower power ratings, and are more suited for long charging sessions spanning across multiple hours.
On the other hand, DC (direct current) chargers have significantly higher wattages - from 50kW to 120kW on our shores currently - and typically get the job done in under an hour.
Duration aside, the second large consideration is cost. Because of their lower power ratings, AC chargers also cost less to use (although as mentioned, 43kW AC chargers now exist, and are more expensive).
Finally, there's the issue of battery longevity that you'll want to keep in mind. If we treat our cars the same way we do our smartphones, fast charging should be employed with some restraint.
The five big players at the moment:
1. SP Group
2. Shell Recharge
3. Charge+
4. CDG ENGIE
5. Blue Charge
The five big players at the moment:
1. SP Group
2. Shell Recharge
3. Charge+
4. CDG ENGIE
5. Blue Charge
1. SP Group
Types of charging stations available: AC, DC
Cost of charging: $0.5250/kWh (AC), $0.5880/kWh (DC)
Most of its charging points can be found throughout the island, including busy areas such as Sentosa, Raffles Place, Orchard and various Capitaland malls.
If you already use the SP Utilities app, finding charging stations will be a breeze - the map to locate them is housed under a dedicated section within it. Payment can also be made directly here.
It launched the Porsche Destination Charging (PDC) network with Porsche last year, which still stands today as the largest manufacturer-branded network locally.
More recently, SPC also announced that it would be rolling out its first ever charging points at it service stations in collaboration with SP Group. These will include Singapore's fastest ever public charger yet - rated at 150kW - when completed in Q1 2023.
2. Shell Recharge
Types of charging stations available: AC, DC
Cost of charging: $3.00/hour (AC), $0.40-$0.55/kWh (AC), $0.55/kWh (DC)
While starting out mostly with Shell petrol stations, it has since branched out into malls and HDB and JTC carparks.
Its 100-120kW chargers can power up EVs within 30 minutes, but this also depends on the battery architectures of specific makes and models. Drivers can link their credit cards to their Shell Recharge/Greenslots card to utilise the charging stations.
Among all the providers on the list, prices for Shell Recharge outlets vary the most - charging is priced both hourly and according to energy usage - so do take note before you plug in! BMW EV drivers will also be most familiar with its services, since BMW Asia has tie-ups with the energy provider locally.
3. Charge+
Types of charging stations available: AC, DC
Cost of charging: $0.5238/kWh (AC), $0.5582/kWh (DC) (prices before GST)
Cost of charging: $0.5238/kWh (AC), $0.5582/kWh (DC) (prices before GST)
Within just two years, however, it has rapidly grown its presence to become one of the most prominent providers in Singapore.
As of the time of writing, Charge+ has more than 600 charging stations island-wide. It also worked with Audi Singapore earlier this year to launch the marque's first Destination Chargers locally.
As of the time of writing, Charge+ has more than 600 charging stations island-wide. It also worked with Audi Singapore earlier this year to launch the marque's first Destination Chargers locally.
Most notably, until SP Group's 150kW DC charger is rolled out at SPC Bukit Batok, Charge+ and Shell share bragging rights for the fastest publicly-available chargers in Singapore: The former's 'Turbo' chargers are also rated at 120kW, and are relatively widespread.
4. CDG ENGIETypes of charging stations available: AC, DC
Cost of charging: $0.52/kWh (AC), $0.56/kWh (DC)
After an initial period of testing, CDG ENGIE broke ground for its network in March this year with its first charging point at a HDB carpark in Jurong.
For reasons unclear, CDG ENGIE works with international provider, Virta, to process payments for its charging points.
Weirdly, each has decided to run its own app in Singapore, but you'll find that the list of charging stations is mirrored across both of them.
5. Blue Charge by Total Energies (BlueSG)
Types of charging stations available: AC (3.7kW)
Cost of charging: $1.00 for first three hours, $2.00 for every hour thereafter (on top of $20 annual subscription)
EV owners may charge their EVs at BlueSG's charging stations, but they must move their vehicles once charging is complete or face a fine.
In the same way that BlueSG cars are used, spots must also be reserved in advance prior to a charging session via the app.
A key point to note is that drivers must pay a subscription fee of $20/year to utilise the charging network on BlueSG's website or app. Another potential pain point: The network is comprised solely of 3.7kW AC chargers.
Tesla Supercharger network
Types of charging stations available: DC (250kW)
Cost of charging: TBC
Cost of charging: TBC
That's because Tesla remains the only EV-maker to date that's gone out to stake full claim over its charging stations. Thus far, it has built and maintained its Superchargers without relying on collaborations with other service providers.
The Superchargers have power ratings of up to 250kW, and since the complex battery architecture of Teslas allow for charging at up to 170kW, a Model 3 can regain more than 400km in just 25 to 30 minutes.