SINGAPORE - Singapore electricity retailer Red Dot Power is investing $500,000 to install at least 50 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the city state by the end of next year, in a partnership with Finnish charging technology specialist PlugIT.

The charging stations will be installed over two phases and cater to the different charging standards used by EVs from Japan, Europe and the US, according to Red Dot Power.

In the first phase, which will be completed by the end of this year, it will install 10 stations with 22 kilowatt alternating current (AC) Type 2 chargers, used for slow charging that is most suitable for plug-in hybrid EVs.

In the second phase to be carried out next year, it will install 40 charging stations that have 24 kilowatt multi-standard chargers, which can be used for both fast and slow charging.

The charging network will also allow EV users to discharge electricity into the power grid, a concept known as 'vehicle to grid'.

Red Dot Power plans to install solar panels at the charging stations, in order for the cars to be truly zero-emission.

These will be complemented by battery storage solutions which will help to alleviate future stress on the electricity grid by a growing EV population, the firm said.

Chief executive Vijay Sirse told The Business Times that the firm will first install the stations at the premises of its commercial and retail customers.

PlugIT will provide the technology support and maintenance for the network.

The use of EVs is growing in Singapore, with port operator PSA Singapore expected to launch a tender for its first fleet of electric and driverless vehicles this year following a trial that lasted more than a year.

Nanyang Technological University will test a fully electric 22-seat shuttle from the second half of this year, which will ply between the university and neighbouring CleanTech Park.