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Driver Concerns Highlight EV Adoption Challenges

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. r-concerns-highlight-ev-adoption-challenges.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 18:01 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
      Locale: SINGAPORE

Addressing Driver Concerns & Pilot Program

While the government's initiative has been generally welcomed, concerns remain among the driver community. The lingering high cost of EVs, despite the substantial subsidies, remains a significant barrier for many. Drivers point out that long-term expenses, particularly battery replacement, need to be factored into the equation.

Infrastructure limitations are another primary worry. The availability of public charging points, particularly during peak hours when demand is high, is a major source of anxiety. Drivers fear being stranded without a readily accessible charging location, potentially disrupting their ability to earn a living. This concern highlights the need for a continued and rapid expansion of Singapore's charging infrastructure network.

The most pressing issue for many drivers, however, is the potential impact on income. The time spent charging vehicles - which can be considerably longer than refueling a gasoline-powered car - directly translates to less time spent transporting passengers and therefore, reduced earnings. The EVA-ID program recognizes this and aims to provide support, but the impact remains a key factor in drivers' decisions to adopt EVs. This represents a delicate balance: promoting environmental sustainability while ensuring the financial viability of those who rely on private hire driving for their livelihood.

EVA-ID will be rolled out in phases, starting with a pilot program involving 1,000 drivers commencing in February 2026. This pilot phase will allow authorities to assess the program's effectiveness, address any unforeseen challenges, and refine the scheme before a wider rollout. Interested drivers can register through ride-hailing platforms Grab and Gojek beginning January 30th, 2026. This structured approach demonstrates a commitment to iterative improvement and responsiveness to the needs of the driver community.

Singapore's Broader EV Strategy

The EVA-ID is a crucial component of Singapore's ambitious long-term strategy to electrify the nation's vehicle fleet. The government's commitment is unwavering, with a firm target of ensuring that all new car registrations are electric vehicles by 2030. This initiative signals a significant investment in a greener future for Singapore, while simultaneously attempting to support the workers who are vital to the transportation ecosystem.