Singapore’s first EV fast chargers are now available for use at several Housing Development Board (HDB) open-air carparks around the country. These new fast chargers are in the neighbourhoods of Bedok Reservoir, Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, and Boon Lay.
NEIGHBOURHOOD CHARGERS
Singapore’s newest fast chargers are managed separately by different operators. The fastest of these chargers can charge an EV with a range of up to 100km in only 10 minutes.
The city-state’s existing EV chargers are considered overnight chargers, which are much slower in comparison. Additionally, these slower chargers can only be found in commercial buildings and parking buildings.
While these first four fast chargers are ready for use, 14 more are to be added in more open-air carparks over the next 6 months. Accommodating these fast chargers in open-air spaces is no easy task. According to operators, open-air car parks have complex layouts due to existing underground pipelines and communication lines.
OPERATORS
Fast charger operators include Charge+, SP Mobility, and Shell Recharge. Shell Recharge and SP Mobility were the first to install their fast-chargers in the neighbourhoods of Bedok Reservoir, Hougang, and Ang Mo Kio last 1 April. Charge+ followed with the official launch their fast charger at the Boon Lay Place Market last 16 April.
Fellow fast charging operator ChargEco announced that it will be installing 8 of its own fast chargers from July to October of this year. The company chose open-air locations among the city-state’s popular hawker centres, like; ABC Brickwords Market and Food Centre, Bendemeer Market and Food Centre, and more.
According to Charge+ CEO Goh Chee Kiong, “convenience and accessibility” were significant factors in choosing its fast charger locations. The locations were chosen based on driver needs, such as multiple charges in one day. For residential areas, however, Goh announced that quieter models will be installed as noise from fast chargers is “inherent.”
ChargEco general manager Richard Chin shared the same sentiments regarding the convenience of fast charger locations near hawker centres. “By placing chargers near well-frequented eateries, we aim to help drivers make the most of their charging time, whether by enjoying a meal or picking up takeaway,” he said.
Meanwhile, another operator CDG Engie, also intends to install fast chargers in HDB car parks. Owned by ComfortDelGro, the operator is arranging the installation of 8 fast chargers over the remainder of the year.
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