The Top 13 Most Affordable Electric Cars in Singapore

Everyone is aware that Singapore holds the title for being the most expensive country when it comes to car ownership. Gone are the days when you could purchase a mid-sized sedan like the Toyota Corolla Altis or Honda Civic for less than S$100,000. Currently, the starting price for a Toyota Corolla Altis is a staggering S$165,000. In the year 2023, does it still make sense to invest in a gasoline-powered vehicle when the entire world is swiftly transitioning to electric vehicles? Let’s not forget that Singapore has declared a halt on the registration of new internal combustion engine vehicles starting in 2030!

You might assume that electric vehicles are more budget-friendly since they lack a traditional engine. However, this is not the case. Having owned vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Kia Cerato, and Volkswagen Touran, I’ve grown accustomed to gasoline-powered cars due to the convenience of refueling.

I’ve also had the opportunity to drive an electric car, specifically the ORA Good Cat, during my time in Thailand for a few days. I was genuinely impressed by how quiet, smooth, and responsive the electric car performed. The only aspect that gave me pause was the charging experience. While in Thailand, I needed to travel long distances to places like Khao Yai, which required frequent recharging. My recommendation would be to opt for an electric car with a range of 300km or more.

Having said that, it’s imperative that we begin to embrace the transition to electric vehicles, as it undeniably represents the future—unless Toyota’s Hydrogen Combustion Engine manages to spark a significant transformation.

We will be providing a list of the top 10 most affordable electric cars (priced below S$200,000) available in Singapore for your consideration. And yes, Tesla will not be included in this list.

#1 MG ZS EV

Price: S$159,888
Max Range: 320km
Battery: 51kWh
Power: 133bhp

The MG ZS Electric is the most affordable electric car in Singapore. You may think that this is an old model but the familiarity is because you have seen MG ZS around since 2020. With its simple yet design, it offers a pleasant and stylish exterior. The rear seats provide ample legroom, creating an open and airy feel. The ZS Electric also offers a competitive boot space and supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Overall, the MG ZS Electric is a well-designed and practical choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts.

#2 BYD Dolphin

Price: S$163,888
Max Range: 340km
Battery: 44.9kWh
Power: 94bhp

The BYD Dolphin is an affordable, cute, and stylish electric vehicle (EV) option in Singapore. If you are looking for the newest and cheapest EV, this is the one. This urban hatchback stands out with its unique design and spacious interior (comparable to Honda Jazz). It features a rotatable 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. While it may lack dynamic performance and wireless phone charging, it offers great value for money and competes well with other mainstream carmakers. Even though it is newly launched, I have already seen quite a number of them on the roads.

#3 Peugeot e-2008

Price: S$165,888
Max Range: 345km
Battery: 50kWh
Power: 94bhp3

The Peugeot e-2008 is Peugeot’s first electric car and offers a range of 345km. With its stylish exterior and unique features, this compact car is a visually appealing choice. The e-2008 also boasts a comfortable and stylish interior, making it a great option for first-time EV owners. Overall, the Peugeot e-2008 is a well-packaged electric vehicle that is worth considering for its design, range, and overall practicality.

#4 ORA Good Cat

Price: S$165,999
Max Range: 420km
Battery: 63kWh
Power: 141bhp

The ORA Good Cat is a retro-inspired electric city car manufactured by Chinese carmaker ORA. With its distinctive design influenced by classic cars like the Porsche 356, Fiat 500, and MINIs, it stands out on the streets of Singapore. It is designed by ex-Porsche designer Emanuel Derta, hence the familiar front. The interior boasts a well-built dual-tone color scheme and premium materials, offering good legroom and comfort for passengers. Although the boot is small, the car compensates with a range of features including a digital driver’s display and infotainment touchscreen. The ORA Good Cat provides a competitive and affordable option for electric vehicle enthusiasts in Singapore.

#5 BYD e6

Price: S$168,888
Max Range: 522km
Battery: 71.7kWh
Power: 94bhp

The BYD e6 is an impressive electric vehicle that offers a perfect blend of efficiency, versatility, and comfort. With its sleek and modern design, the e6 stands out on the streets of Singapore. Its spacious interior can comfortably accommodate up to five passengers, making it an ideal choice for families or those who value ample legroom. The e6 boasts an impressive range, allowing drivers to travel long distances without worrying about running out of charge. With its advanced features and eco-friendly nature, the BYD e6 is a fantastic option for those looking for a reliable and sustainable electric vehicle in Singapore. The downside is that it is used by many PHV drivers and also a model used by taxi operator, ComfortDelgro.

#6 Citroën ë-C4

Price: S$172,999
Max Range: 363km
Battery: 50Wh
Power: 130bhp

The Citroën ë-C4 is a new electric vehicle that brings together comfort, design, and practicality. With a focus on ride comfort, this car offers a unique driving experience. Its unconventional aesthetics and bold styling elements make it stand out on the road. The ë-C4 features comfortable seats and a dual-screen setup with an infotainment display for a modern interior. It also offers good connectivity options, including support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The spacious boot with a shallow load lip adds to its practicality. Overall, the Citroën ë-C4 is a stylish and comfortable electric car.

#7 BYD Atto 3

Price: S$174,888
Max Range: 565km
Battery: 100Wh
Power: 132bhp

The BYD Atto 3 is an impressive electric vehicle that stands out for its compact size and remarkable efficiency. With its sleek design and nimble handling, the Atto 3 is perfect for navigating the busy streets of Singapore. Despite its small stature, this car offers a surprisingly spacious interior, making it a great choice for urban dwellers. Equipped with a user-friendly infotainment touchscreen and advanced safety features, the Atto 3 ensures a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Furthermore, its impressive battery capacity and affordable price make it a compelling option for those looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective mode of transportation.

#8 Nissan Leaf

Price: S$180,800
Max Range: 311km
Battery: 40Wh
Power: 148bhp

The Nissan Leaf is known for its usability, likability, and affordability, the second generation of the Leaf addresses the weaknesses of its predecessor. It offers improved speed, range, appearance, and technology upgrades.The Leaf also boasts high reliability and safety features, making it a reliable choice for eco-conscious drivers in Singapore.

#9 MG5 EV

Price: S$185,888
Max Range: 316km
Battery: 50.3Wh
Power: 161bhp

The MG5 EV is a practical and functional electric vehicle available in Singapore. The station wagon prioritizes functionality and driving experience over its electric features. The exterior design is simple and restrained, while the interior is well-made with soft-touch materials and leather for touchpoints. The MG5 EV offers good steering feel and responsive handling, ensuring a solid driving experience. The downside is that it is used by taxi operator, Strides.

#10 Opel Mokka-e

Price: S$186,500
Max Range: 363km
Battery: 50Wh
Power: 130bhp

The Opel Mokka-e is a stylish electric vehicle that offers a compelling option for those looking to go green in Singapore. While facing tough competition in its price range, the Mokka-e stands out with its distinctive design. Although there have been concerns about its practicality in terms of space, it compensates with ample power and a comfortable driving experience, including a sport mode for quick acceleration. Opel, although relatively new in Singapore, is a popular brand in its domestic market. The Mokka-e exudes a premium feel with features like carbon fiber styling, a responsive infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. Despite some drawbacks, such as the lack of aircon vents, the Mokka-e exceeds expectations for its price and is highly recommended as a five-star choice for entry-level EV enthusiasts.

#11 MG4 EV

Price: S$189,888
Max Range: 450km
Battery: 64Wh
Power: 130bhp

The MG4 EV is a compact electric vehicle that offers great value for money. Built on the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), it allows for multiple battery and motor configurations, giving customers options to suit their needs. With a modern and attractive exterior design, the MG4 EV also features a digital display for instrumentation and a large infotainment screen in its modernized interior. This electric car showcases MG’s commitment to providing a stylish and practical option in the EV market.

#12 Hyundai Ioniq 5

Price: S$198,800
Max Range: 384km
Battery: 58Wh
Power: 143bhp

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an exceptional electric vehicle available in Singapore. Built on Hyundai’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it offers faster charging, increased driving range, and more. In 2022, the IONIQ 5 was recognized as the World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year. One of its standout features is its incredibly roomy interior, thanks to the skateboard-like layout designed for dedicated electric cars. With its cutting-edge technology and spaciousness, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 is a top choice for electric vehicle enthusiasts in Singapore.

#13 Kia Niro Plus

Price: S$199,999
Max Range: 427km
Battery: 64Wh
Power: 143bhp

The Kia Niro Plus EV is a purpose-built electric vehicle designed for taxi firms and private-hire companies in Singapore. It offers practicality and a spacious backseat, making it suitable for passengers. The car features an offbeat design with a higher roofline, providing improved interior headroom. With a powerful electric motor producing 143bhp and 395Nm of torque, the Niro Plus EV delivers zippy and responsive performance. While the Niro Plus EV excels in practicality and performance, its unique styling and price may not appeal to everyone since it is used by many PHV drivers and taxi operator, Premier Taxis (Silvercab).

With a total of 13 options at your disposal, which one aligns with your preferences? Are you leaning towards design, prioritizing range, or seeking unmatched power? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!