Forum: Study battery swop technology to build future-ready transport system
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During one of my Future Ready course projects a few years ago, I proposed that Singapore should convert existing petrol stations into battery charging and swopping stations.
The idea was simple: Instead of building everything from scratch, why not repurpose the well-distributed network of petrol stations across our island?
The critical step, however, is not just infrastructure _ it is standardisation.
If the Government were to mandate a common electric vehicle (EV) battery standard, Singapore could accelerate its EV adoption while avoiding fragmentation.
This concept is being brought to life by China’s EV brand Nio, which is entering Singapore with its compact hatchback, Firefly, in early 2026.
Nio is renowned for its battery swop technology, which allows drivers to exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one in under five minutes. The company already operates more than 2,000 swop stations in China and has installed more than 60 in Europe.
This is the way forward. Singapore, being compact and efficient, is uniquely positioned to become a model city for battery swop infrastructure.
By converting petrol stations into multi-purpose EV energy hubs, we can keep pace with global innovation while ensuring our transport ecosystem remains resilient and future-ready.
Foo Siang Yian
