Torque Shop #11

Before you buy an electric car in Singapore, read this Q&A to avoid any jolting shock to your drive life.

I am considering replacing my nine-year-old conventional car with an electric car. However, I have some concerns regarding electric vehicles, such as the charging and warranty. Are there major issues to consider and are there any driving tips that would be useful?

Currently, the only electric cars available here are the BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq and Renault Zoe. More models will arrive shortly.

A major component that may require replacement is the battery pack, which is largely covered by warranty. Most manufacturers offer a warranty of 100,000 kilometres, while Hyundai/Komoco gives a 10year one-to-one replacement warranty for its Ioniq.

Before buying an electric car, find out the terms and conditions by which a battery replacement can be evoked. In some cases, a replacement will be granted only if the battery fails completely. In others, a certain level of degradation qualifies for replacement. This is crucial because a battery that degrades by 20 percent will lead to your charging cost rising by as much.

Maintenance cost of an electric car is lower. For example, you do not need to change engine oil and oil filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, timing belt or radiator. Hence the regular service intervals for an electric car are more for keeping parts such as brakes, tyres, suspension and steering in good shape.

Electric vehicles are pleasant to drive. There is hardly any noise and acceleration is sparkling. But do bear in mind that frequent rapid acceleration will diminish battery-charge quickly.