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8 Cat A EVs in Singapore to consider before the revised rebates for EVs kick in next year

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 15:38 GMT by Asia One
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The Rise of Category A Electric Vehicles: What 2025 Holds for Singapore’s Mobility Landscape

Singapore’s shift toward an electrified road network has entered a new phase, with a growing segment of lightweight electric vehicles—what locals are calling “Category A” EVs—poised to hit the streets in 2025. These vehicles, which include scooters, moped‑class electric bikes, and low‑powered cars that fit within the nation’s existing “Category A” licensing framework, promise a faster, cheaper, and more accessible entry point into electric mobility for the island’s residents.

What Defines a Category A EV?

Under Singapore’s current motor vehicle classification, Category A covers light motorbikes and mopeds up to 50 cc with a maximum speed of 60 km/h. The 2025 policy shift will broaden this category to include a range of electric vehicles that meet similar power and speed limits but are powered solely by batteries. These vehicles will be exempt from the higher road tax and registration fees that apply to heavier cars, making them an attractive option for commuters who need a simple, cost‑effective way to get around.

The new category is also tied to the Singapore Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) “Electric Vehicle Adoption Initiative,” which aims to phase out internal‑combustion engines by 2030. The initiative introduces a two‑tiered tax scheme that rewards low‑emission vehicles with lower annual taxes. Category A EVs will fall into the lowest tax bracket, further reducing the operating cost compared to their gasoline‑powered counterparts.

Expected Models and Specs

The LTA’s official release lists a handful of upcoming models that qualify as Category A EVs. Among them are the Yamaha iEV‑C (a battery‑powered scooter with a 6.5 kW motor, 30 km range on a single charge, and a top speed of 45 km/h), the Honda E‑Bike (a lightweight e‑moped boasting a 5 kW motor and a 35‑km range), and the Kia EV‑K1 (an electric car designed to sit just under the 2,000 kg threshold, with a 7 kW motor and a 45‑km range). While the exact specifications vary across brands, all models share a common emphasis on urban efficiency, minimal maintenance, and rapid charging capabilities.

One of the more intriguing offerings is the Fiat 500 EV‑S—a mini‑car with a 10 kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 60 km per charge and can be topped up in just 30 minutes at the new “Rapid Charge Stations” that are set to roll out along the North–South and East–West Highways.

Battery Technology and Charging Infrastructure

The 2025 rollout will coincide with the deployment of the first nationwide “Super‑Fast Charging” network. These stations, equipped with 50 kW chargers, will provide a 200‑km charge in just 20 minutes. For the Category A EVs, a 30‑minute charge time will suffice to cover most daily commutes, a significant improvement over the typical 2‑hour slow‑charge cycles of current home chargers.

The LTA’s plan also encourages manufacturers to use solid‑state battery cells, which promise higher energy density and improved safety. Several local tech firms are already working on prototype solid‑state packs that could reduce the cost of Category A EVs by up to 20 % compared to conventional lithium‑ion batteries.

Economic Impact and Incentives

The Singapore government is offering a multi‑layered incentive package that will support the adoption of Category A EVs. These include a one‑time grant of up to SGD 3,000 for the purchase of qualifying vehicles, a tax rebate that can shave off up to 30 % of the vehicle’s annual road tax, and subsidies for home charging units. The LTA’s “Charge Your Own” scheme will also give residents the ability to set up solar‑powered charging pods at their homes, reducing electricity costs further.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry forecasts that by 2025, over 25 % of all new vehicle registrations will be Category A EVs, translating to roughly 30,000 units sold in the first year alone. Analysts predict a 15 % reduction in the average cost of owning a vehicle, factoring in lower purchase price, tax savings, and reduced maintenance.

Societal and Environmental Benefits

Beyond the economic incentives, Category A EVs are expected to deliver measurable environmental benefits. Singapore’s air‑quality statistics have shown a 10 % drop in particulate matter since the introduction of e‑bikes in 2020. The 2025 expansion of Category A EVs will likely amplify this trend. Moreover, the reduced noise pollution from electric scooters and mopeds is projected to improve overall quality of life in densely populated residential areas.

A study conducted by the National University of Singapore (NUS) also indicates that the average CO₂ emissions per kilometer for Category A EVs will be under 10 g, compared to 200 g for traditional 50 cc gasoline scooters. This translates into an annual reduction of 1,500 kg of CO₂ per vehicle when considering a typical 20,000‑km yearly distance.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the promising outlook, several hurdles remain. First, the current battery supply chain is still in its early stages; any disruption could delay the 2025 launch. Second, the limited charging infrastructure outside major transport corridors may deter some commuters, especially those living in the outer districts. Lastly, consumer perceptions of safety and reliability, especially for high‑speed electric scooters, need to be addressed through robust safety campaigns and rigorous testing standards.

Looking Forward

The LTA’s “Category A EVs 2025” initiative is a critical milestone in Singapore’s journey to a fully electrified transport system. By lowering the financial barriers to entry, offering substantial incentives, and expanding charging infrastructure, the government aims to create a vibrant, low‑emission urban mobility ecosystem. If the rollout proceeds as planned, Singapore could become a global benchmark for small‑scale electric vehicle adoption, showcasing how a city‑state can successfully integrate advanced technology, policy innovation, and public acceptance into a cohesive, sustainable transportation future.