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Long charging time and short travel range: Things you thought you knew about EVs
With improved technology and better infrastructure, driving an electric vehicle in Singapore is more convenient today
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As Singapore advances towards sustainable transportation, how prepared are drivers and the automotive infrastructure for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles? PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
Kyle Wong
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Myth #1: Electric vehicles (EVs) do not have enough range to be practical for use in Singapore.
The range of EVs has increased significantly over the years, due to improvements in battery storage and motor technologies.
From just a few kilometres, many models can now go over 400km – some can even exceed 500km – on a single charge, making them very practical for daily driving needs in Singapore’s context.
Furthermore, most – if not all – EVs now have the ability to recover energy lost during braking and store it in its battery, extending the car’s range by a small margin.
For most people’s needs, the range of an EV is more than enough, and for longer commutes, there is an increasing number of charging stations available across the island, as well as fast chargers that can recharge your car in less than half an hour.
Myth #2: EVs are not as convenient as regular vehicles because they take too long to charge.
While it is true that EVs take longer to charge than petrol-powered vehicles take to refuel, the charging time for EVs is decreasing as technology improves.
One way to improve charging time is to build EVs with 800-volt charging architectures, which allows the car to charge quickly without generating excessive amounts of heat. More automakers will soon include this architecture in their cars.
Additionally, EV owners can charge their vehicles overnight at home, which means they wake up to a full charge each morning.
Myth #3: EVs are not good for the environment because the electricity used to charge them is often generated by burning fossil fuels.
While it is true that the electricity used to power EVs come from fossil fuels, these vehicles are still cleaner than petrol ones because they emit zero tailpipe emissions.
Experts broadly agree that EVs create a lower carbon footprint over the course of their lifetime than cars and trucks with internal combustion engines.
In fact, a 2021 study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative found that the battery and fuel production for an EV generates higher emissions than the manufacturing of a regular car. But the study also found that those higher environmental costs are offset by EVs’ superior energy efficiency over time.
How to take care of your EV
They may require less primping and preening but there are still steps needed to maintain them
- It is essential to keep your EV battery charged to maintain its health and performance. Depending on your driving habits and the range of your EV, you may need to charge it every day or every few days.
- Depending on manufacturers, the recommended state of charge of an EV should be kept between 20 and 80 per cent, to prolong battery life. Only charge it to 100 per cent if you are going on long road trips – to Malaysia, for instance.
- Check your EV's tyre pressure regularly, as low pressure can reduce your ride’s range and performance by increasing rolling resistance. Also, make sure your tyres are rotated and balanced as recommended by the manufacturer to reduce unnecessary drag on the EV and potential loss of range.
- Just like any other vehicle, your EV needs regular maintenance and servicing. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule to keep your EV running smoothly.
- Avoid hard accelerations and sudden stops, which can put a strain on your EV's battery and components and cause you to lose more range than necessary. Also, try to drive smoothly and at a consistent speed to optimise your EV's range and performance.
The Car Expo will be held on October 14 and 15, at Singapore Expo Halls 4B and 5 from 10am to 8pm. Click here for the floorplan of the show. Read more about the latest cars and special deals at the show here.
