Electric vehicles (EVs) now dominate Singapore’s new car market, making up 57.6% of all 13,322 registrations in the first three months of 2026. This milestone marks the first time EVs outnumber traditional petrol and hybrid models combined. Data from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) shows 7,679 EVs registered in Q1 2026, a sharp rise from 45% in full-year 2025, 18.1% in 2023, and just 3.8% in 2021. Chinese brands lead the charge: BYD captured nearly 24% of sales, followed by Tesla, with four Chinese marques in the top 10 bestsellers. Popular models include BYD’s affordable options and Tesla’s Model Y SUVs.
Government incentives fuel this boom. Changes to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system favor low-emission vehicles, while higher taxes hit polluting cars. The Singapore Green Plan 2030 pushes for zero-emission transport, backed by expanded charging stations now over 6,000 nationwide. February 2026 alone saw EVs at 55.8% of 4,007 registrations, with SUVs (57%) as the top vehicle type.
This shift reflects consumer demand for cost savings—EVs often have lower OMV (Open Market Value), reducing taxes—and better value amid rising fuel costs. Industry experts predict EVs could hit 70% by year-end, aiding Singapore’s net-zero goals. With hybrids at 34% in early 2026, over 90% of new cars now feature electrification, sidelining pure petrol models to under 10%.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
1. What share did EVs claim in Q1 2026?
EVs accounted for 57.6% of 13,322 new registrations, totaling 7,679 units, surpassing petrol and hybrids for the first time.
2. Which brands lead EV sales?
BYD holds nearly 24% market share; Tesla follows closely. Four Chinese brands rank in the top 10 bestsellers.
3. Why is EV adoption surging?
COE rebates, lower EV taxes, more chargers, and Green Plan 2030 incentives drive growth, plus lower running costs over petrol cars.