Forum: Make it cheaper to charge EVs at HDB carparks
A s electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity in Singapore, many HDB residents rely heavily on slow-charging stations at public carparks to charge their vehicles overnight. Yet the current slow-charging tariffs at these HDB charging points are excessively high and unjustifiable, especially when compared with the much lower electricity costs enjoyed by those in landed properties who can charge their vehicles at home.
For example, slow charging at HDB carparks currently costs around 66 cents per kWh, more than double the prevailing home electricity rate of approximately 30 cents per kWh. This stark price disparity unfairly burdens EV owners living in HDB flats who often lack private parking and home charging options.
Furthermore, slow charging at HDB carparks typically occurs at night during off-peak hours when electricity demand on the grid is minimal. This should naturally result in lower energy costs, yet EV users are still charged premium rates that cannot be justified by supply costs or grid demand.
Such pricing policies are also counterproductive to Singapore's climate goals, as they discourage wider EV adoption .
The high fees at HDB carparks must be urgently reviewed and adjusted to reflect actual costs and off-peak usage patterns.
Making slow charging affordable and equitable for all residents – not just those with private chargers – will be a crucial step in ensuring that Singapore's green mobility ambitions are inclusive and effective.
Chia Wai Mun
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