Chinese EVs are making inroads in Singapore, and here's why
EV ) brands, but still had lingering concerns about their quality.
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But the 30-year-old said her experience driving a
Tesla in the
US raised doubts about the brand's battery life and durability, leading her to consider Chinese rival
BYD , which was offering incentives such as a 20 per cent discount on charging for three years and support for
Singapore 's notoriously expensive Certificate of entitlement (
COE ).
'It is Chinese technology, but that's never really been the problem; the technology out of
China has always been good,' she told This Week in Asia, adding that her main concern was whether the manufacturers were cutting corners during production.
Koh eventually settled on a BYD in January for S$164,888 (US$127,000), and said she has been pleasantly surprised by its performance and features, including keyless start, a 360-degree camera system and assisted driving.
Her decision is emblematic of a broader trend on Singapore's roads, where Chinese electric cars are quickly gaining traction and, often surpassing traditional competitors from
Japan
Europe , and the US.
Financial adviser Winnie Koh bought her BYD Atto 3 in January after being influenced by the vehicle's affordability and the charging promotions available. Photo: Winnie Koh
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