The recent measures that have been taken to increase electric car adoption in Singapore are laudable. However, the devil is in the details, which are essential to close the loop, from buying to finally disposing of the vehicle. First, the cost of ownership. Reducing the ARF and the OMV of the car does reduce the cost of buying it. Second, there are important infrastructure design issues to be addressed. Singapore has to make sure charging points are not all at some remote location, and that there are enough of them. Singapore must also adopt a single universal plug that it mandates all electric cars use, to avoid having to make multiple connectors. Third, safety is paramount. The increase in household fires with the advent of PMDs shows that people may resort to cheaper and uncertified equipment to charge their machines. This will also be the case with electric cars, as some will try to pay less for chargers and batteries. Last, and most important, is battery disposal. Right now, the recycling and disposal industry here is still in its infancy.... Continue Reading