Urban sustainability is no longer a distant ambition; it’s a present-day necessity. Cities like Singapore are leading the way with robust public transport, expanding green infrastructure, and forward-thinking environmental policies. But when it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), the change we need is not just technical.
Soh Ming, Founder and Managing Director, Volt Auto
This conversation around sustainable mobility is especially timely. Under the Singapore Green Plan, the country has committed to phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040, with an earlier 2030 deadline for ceasing new registrations of ICE cars. The policy direction is clear: The future of urban mobility must be cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable.
The roads and infrastructure are largely in place. Government incentives are encouraging adoption. Yet many Singaporeans remain hesitant about switching to EVs, not because the technology isn’t ready, but because behavioural habits haven’t caught up.
- WHY MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN MOTORS
- PRACTICAL HABITS FOR FIRST-TIME EV DRIVERS
- IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SPECS, IT’S ABOUT BEHAVIOUR
- VOLT AUTO’S ROLE IN NORMALISING THE EV EXPERIENCE
- SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Why Mindset Matters More Than Motors
If sustainability demands we rethink how we live in cities, then how we move through them must evolve too. Transitioning from internal combustion to electric isn’t just about emissions, but also adopting a new rhythm and relationship with driving.
EVs offer a quieter, smoother, and more energy-efficient driving experience. But many still worry about range, charging time, or resale value, concerns often rooted in outdated assumptions.
Take range anxiety. In Singapore, where most daily commutes are around 30 kilometres and charging stations are never far away, it simply doesn’t hold up. With the growth of fast-charging hubs, finding a charger is as routine as locating a car park. Volt Auto has taken EVs across the Causeway, from Singapore to Perlis, the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, and back, with no issues. If that’s possible, the average commute here is well within reach.
The bigger shift is in fuelling behaviour. Traditional drivers wait for their tank to run low before searching for a petrol station. EV drivers, on the other hand, learn to charge opportunistically, during meals, meetings, or errands. Once that habit forms, driving electric quickly becomes second nature.
(Related: Recommerce with a purpose)
- WHY MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN MOTORS
- PRACTICAL HABITS FOR FIRST-TIME EV DRIVERS
- IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SPECS, IT’S ABOUT BEHAVIOUR
- VOLT AUTO’S ROLE IN NORMALISING THE EV EXPERIENCE
- SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Practical Habits for First-Time EV Drivers
EVs don’t just change what you drive, they change how you drive. Through Volt Auto’s roadshows and community engagement, I’ve seen how small changes in driving habits can enhance quality of life. For those new to EVs, here are some key strategies:
Plan smarter trips
Combine errands and appointments to reduce distance travelled and make better use of charging stops. Many shopping centres, supermarkets, and business parks now provide convenient charging points, allowing you to “top up” without extra trips.
Charge while you rest
Whenever possible, plug in at home, the office, or during longer stops like meals or meetings. This turns charging into a background activity rather than an additional task.
Drive more calmly and consistently
EVs perform best at steady speeds. Use regenerative braking to capture energy when slowing down, which not only extends your range but also makes for a smoother ride.
Use apps proactively
Charging apps like Charge+, SP Mobility, and PlugShare help you locate available chargers, check real-time status, and compare pricing, especially useful in areas with fewer chargers.
Keep an eye on your state of charge
Unlike petrol cars, where you might wait until the fuel light comes on, it helps to maintain a buffer of 20–30% charge so you’re never in a rush to plug in.
Consider your parking routine
If you have access to reserved charging bays at work or home, plan your schedule to take advantage of lower-demand times (such as evenings or early mornings).
These aren’t just driving tips; they’re reflections of a more deliberate way of engaging with urban life. Many of our customers tell us they feel more in control of their routines and more aware of how they move through the city.
- WHY MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN MOTORS
- PRACTICAL HABITS FOR FIRST-TIME EV DRIVERS
- IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SPECS, IT’S ABOUT BEHAVIOUR
- VOLT AUTO’S ROLE IN NORMALISING THE EV EXPERIENCE
- SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND THE WHEEL
It’s Not About the Specs, It’s About Behaviour
Despite increasing model variety, improved pricing, and better infrastructure, EVs are still often treated as niche products, luxury novelties, or “not yet for me.” Ironically, it’s the most common option for practical users, private-hire drivers, small logistics operators, and budget-conscious families, who immediately recognise the benefits. Lower maintenance, reduced fuel costs, and fewer mechanical issues make the economics clear.
Yet it’s often wealthier, multi-car households, and those who are able to adopt early who resist. Their concerns tend to be rooted in habit, not fact. But once drivers experience an EV for themselves, many of those doubts disappear.
(Related: Bold push for EV adoption in Singapore)
- WHY MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN MOTORS
- PRACTICAL HABITS FOR FIRST-TIME EV DRIVERS
- IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SPECS, IT’S ABOUT BEHAVIOUR
- VOLT AUTO’S ROLE IN NORMALISING THE EV EXPERIENCE
- SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Volt Auto’s Role in Normalising the EV Experience
Volt Auto’s mission is to make EV ownership approachable and seamless, not just through sales, but through education, access, and lived experience. In the past year, we’ve run more than 20 roadshows and test-drive events across Singapore, giving drivers first-hand experience with EVs in everyday settings.
About 40% of Volt Auto’s customers are either first-time EV buyers or first-time car owners, with many choosing Dongfeng as an accessible entry point to electric mobility. Customer feedback often points to the cars’ practicality, manageable running costs, and ease of use.
- WHY MINDSET MATTERS MORE THAN MOTORS
- PRACTICAL HABITS FOR FIRST-TIME EV DRIVERS
- IT’S NOT ABOUT THE SPECS, IT’S ABOUT BEHAVIOUR
- VOLT AUTO’S ROLE IN NORMALISING THE EV EXPERIENCE
- SUSTAINABILITY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Sustainability Behind the Wheel
Singapore’s public transport system is among the best in the world, and it should remain the backbone of urban mobility. But for those who do require a car, there’s no reason it shouldn’t be electric.
The real gap isn’t technical. It’s cultural. What’s missing is consistent messaging, relatable stories, and a shift in how we frame car ownership, from fuel-dependent to future-ready.
This isn’t about asking drivers to sacrifice convenience. It’s about showing that sustainable choices can be the more convenient ones, too. When we adopt EV habits, planning ahead, charging smart, driving calmly, we don’t just cut emissions. We reshape our daily lives in subtle, positive ways.
And ultimately, that’s what urban sustainability is really about: Better habits, not just better tools.
Back
