MOBILIZING THE ENERGY REVOLUTION : CHARGING STRATEGIES FOR SMART ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Mobilizing the energy revolution – With the shift to a greener and more efficient energy production, the transportation sector is also heading towards a revolution. At present, a large number of technologies in the mobility sector are competing to become the main transport fuel of the future. The researcher of this dissertation focuses on the electric engine, as an economic and currently, the most reliable way of efficient mobility. This so called electric vehicle technology (EV) has advantages over hydrogen, compressed air and any other technology. It has already passed the developmental stage and is ready to become commercial, far ahead of its rival technologies. However, next to strong counter lobbyism from the petrol industry, there are still tech-knowledge obstacles which hinder the widespread introduction of this new technology. The non existing infrastructure to refuel these electric automobiles represents, next to the battery technology, the decisive weight. The city state of Singapore has been chosen for this case study based on feasible and workable EV charging solutions. Singapore has the perfect characteristics for the introduction of early state smart EV‘s. With the assistance of over 50 industry experts, the researcher evaluated the most feasible EV charging solutions for Singapore. Of the industry experts interviewed, 39% see residential charging as the most feasible solution for charging EV’s, leaving behind four other options. They valued the relatively low investment for the installation to a basic or smart residential charging network, and recognised that it can be materialise today. In addition, such an infrastructure can benefit from the non use of cars during office- / working hours or at night, as well as the energy rates being relatively lower during off peak / night time. Another important aspect is that future users of EV’s do not have to change their behavior, as they can charge at home, in an uncomplicated and more convenient manner. The industry experts agreed by 55%, that direct debit with cash- or credit cards is the preferred way of EV charging payment of future customers, as this goes in line with the existing road tax payment procedures of Singaporeans. An additional aspect for residential charging is the fact that EV‘s are and will be a niche market in the future. They may be well preferred for the next two decades, before another technology may overtake. Therefore, residential charging with its relatively low investment compared to inductive or fast charging stations is the most economical way to go in this fast changing world. In case the EV technology fails on a large scale, it won’t impact, as the investment was still reasonable at that time. Mentioning the investment for the EV infrastructure to recharge any electric vehicle, this is still the biggest burden at this moment in time, as it is not clear which party will take over these initial investment costs. However, further study should be done to find out about the importance and necessity of government investment into the EV infrastructure.