Guide to the Cheapest and Best Electric Cars in Singapore (2025)

With growing environmental awareness, attractive government rebates, and expanding public charging infrastructure, more Singaporeans are considering the switch to electric. But with COE prices still fluctuating and over a dozen models available, choosing the right EV can feel overwhelming. 

This guide breaks down the cheapest electric cars in 2025, and also highlights best-value models that offer impressive specs, space and range — all without breaking the bank. You'll also find updated rebate info, ownership cost comparisons, and where to charge your EV for less.

If you’re hunting for the lowest-cost entry point into EV ownership, a few models stand out in 2025 — particularly those in the compact and Cat A-friendly segment. These vehicles offer short-range efficiency and smaller form factors ideal for urban commuting, often coming in under S$160K with COE and rebates applied.

*Prices and numbers provided are estimates, based on an aggregation of specifics from official sites, Sgcarmart and Motorist.

1. Smart Fortwo EQ

• Price with COE: ~S$145,000

• Range: 123 km

• Battery: 17.2 kWh

• Charging time: ~6 hours (AC)

• Rebate eligibility: VES Band A1 + EEAI (up to S$45,000)

• Verdict: Cheapest for ultra-short city trips

2. MG4 Electric Standard

• Price with COE: ~S$158,000

• Range: 350 km

• Battery: 51 kWh

• Charging time: 7.5 hours (AC) / ~35 min (DC fast charge)

• Rebate eligibility: VES A2 + EEAI (up to S$40,000)

• Verdict: Best affordable all-rounder with decent range

3. BYD Dolphin Electric Dynamic

• Price with COE: ~S$159,000

• Range: 427 km

• Battery: 44.9 kWh

• Charging time: 6.5 hours (AC) / ~30 min (DC)

• Rebate eligibility: VES A2 + EEAI (up to S$40,000)

• Verdict: Budget-friendly with smart features and solid tech

These models represent great starting points for first-time EV buyers in Singapore who primarily drive short distances and are looking to maximise available rebates.

Not all budget-friendly EVs are created equal. Some pack in extra range, cabin space, or high-tech features that justify a higher price tag — especially when you compare them to petrol counterparts in the same class.

Deepal S07

• Price with COE: ~S$185,000

• Range: 475 km

• Battery: 79.97 kWh

• Charging time: 8 hours (AC) / 0.5 hours (DC)

• Rebate eligibility: Up to S$40,000

• Verdict: Best for long-distance drivers

Hyundai Kona Electric (Standard Range)

• Price with COE: ~S$178,000

• Range: 305 km

• Battery: 39.2 kWh

• Charging time: 6 hours (AC) / 0.75 hours (DC)

• Rebate eligibility: Full VES + EEAI

• Verdict: Best family EV under S$180K

BYD Atto 3

• Price with COE: ~S$179,000

• Range: 456 km

• Battery: 48.6 kWh

• Charging time: 5.25 hours (AC) / 0.72 hours (DC)

• Rebate eligibility: Up to S$40,000

• Verdict: Feature-packed with spacious interior

These models offer the best bang for your buck in 2025 — especially if you want more than just basic point-to-point commuting.

Switching from a petrol car to an EV can lead to serious long-term savings — especially on fuel and maintenance.

*Assumptions: 17,000 km/year, electricity cost ~S$0.25/kWh, petrol at ~S$2.60/litre. Prices and figures are estimates that have been rounded up in some cases.

Even without rebates, EVs like the BYD Dolphin can save you more than S$20,000 over five years.

>> MORE: Why is my car insurance so high?

If you’ve been sitting on the fence, 2025 is shaping up to be a smart year to buy. EVs now account for 40% of new car registrations — a clear signal that consumer demand and infrastructure are rapidly catching up. Importantly, major government rebates like the EEAI (up to S$20,000) and VES (up to S$25,000) are still in place, helping reduce your upfront cost significantly. But these rebates are under review and may not last beyond the year.

At the same time, COE prices are rising steadily, and more EVs are entering Category B due to performance enhancements, which means fewer affordable Cat A options might be available in the future. The best-value models with full rebate eligibility could become harder to secure. Buying now ensures you take full advantage of incentives and wider model selection, before policies shift or prices climb further.

As of 2025, buyers of electric vehicles in Singapore can benefit from up to S$45,000 in combined rebates. This includes the Electric Vehicle Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI), which provides up to S$20,000 off the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), and the Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES), which adds another S$25,000 if your EV falls into Band A1 or A2. Together, these rebates significantly reduce the upfront cost of eligible EVs.

Example breakdown:

• MSRP: S$160,000

• COE: S$85,000 (Cat A)

• Total before rebate: S$245,000

• After EEAI + VES: S$200,000

• Final with rebates: ~S$200,000

Models under Cat A (≤110kW power output) often enjoy better value due to lower COE and full rebate eligibility.

>> MORE: EV tax credit: Rules for new and used electric vehicles

Buy now

Charging infrastructure in Singapore is improving quickly, with more than 3,600 public charging points now available and a goal of hitting 60,000 by 2030. The top networks include:

• SP Group: ~S$0.4143/kWh (AC), ~S$0.4949/kWh (DC)

• Charge+: ~S$0.5238/kWh (AC), S$0.5545/kWh (DC)

• Shell Recharge: S$0.55/kWh

• Tesla Superchargers: Estimated $37.44 for a full charge

*Prices and figures are estimates that have been rounded up in some cases.

These providers offer both AC (slower but cheaper) and DC (fast-charging) options, with rates ranging from around S$0.41 to S$0.50 per kWh. Depending on your battery size, a full charge may cost between S$15 to S$25 — much less than a full tank of petrol.

For those living in condominiums or landed properties, home charging is also an option. Condo dwellers may need MCST approval, but government co-funding is available to support installation. For frequent drivers, fast-charging hubs such as those in malls and petrol stations offer added convenience. You can locate chargers via apps or the LTA EV Charging Map, which is updated regularly with new station data.

The DBS Woman's World Card stands out for its exceptional rewards on online spending, offering up to 10X DBS Points (equivalent to 4 miles per S$1) on online purchases, capped at S$1,500 per month. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals planning significant online expenditures, such as purchasing an EV or related accessories. Additionally, the card provides 0% interest instalment plans for up to 24 months, facilitating manageable payments for big-ticket items.

Learn more

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Every car in Singapore — including electric ones — needs a Certificate of Entitlement (COE), and the cost of this certificate significantly affects your total vehicle price. COEs are split into categories, with most entry-level EVs falling under Category A (≤110kW) and higher-performance or luxury EVs under Category B (>110kW). Choosing a Cat A EV can mean tens of thousands in savings due to lower COE premiums.

However, many newer EVs are becoming more powerful and now fall into Cat B, which typically carries a higher COE price. That said, there are still several models — such as the BYD Dolphin and Hyundai Kona Electric (Standard) — that remain in Cat A. For budget-conscious buyers, targeting Cat A models with full rebate eligibility remains one of the most effective ways to keep EV ownership affordable in 2025.

>> MORE: Electric vs petrol cars in Singapore: Which is right for you?

• Annual Interest Rate: 2.78  %

• EIR: 5.59  % p.a.

• Total repayment: S$ 32,502

• Monthly repayment: S$ 903

Product details

• Min. loan amount of S$10,000

• Choice of tenor from 1 to 7 years

• Min. annual income: S$30,000

• Not applicable to off-peak car scheme and China-made cars

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• Cheapest Overall: Smart Fortwo EQ — best for short daily drives.

• Best Value Under S$160K: MG4 Electric — affordable with solid specs.

• Best for Families: Hyundai Kona Electric — practical, efficient, rebate-eligible.

• Longest Range: Deepal S07 — a long-range pick under S$200K.

Your ideal EV depends on your driving habits, parking situation, and whether you value size, speed or savings most. Use this guide to narrow your shortlist — and don’t forget to factor in COE and rebates when comparing real costs.