We talk to Dean Cher, head of mobility, sustainable energy solutions SP Group, to better understand Singapore’s charging infrastructure strategy
TES: What is SP Group’s role in rolling out charging infrastructure in Singapore?
Dean Cher (DC): SP Mobility was launched in February 2018 and was born out of the fact that SP Group runs the grid. The management saw that EV (electric vehicle) charging was going to be a thing of the future and since it was an adjacent business, SP Mobility was set up to focus on that.
It is our duty to help our country decarbonise. When we started, we wanted to be the leader in the EV charging space in Singapore, but with the space getting more competitive, our goal is now to be the number one player in the space.
We have done this (building charging infrastructure) for over six years now and the results today are promising — we have a network of more than 1,500 charging points in over 400 locations.
TES: What are some challenges SP Group faces in developing a widespread and accessible EV charging network in Singapore?
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DC: The main challenge is a commercial one. We install the charging infrastructure in public spaces. These chargers run the risk of underutilisation. It is not a “plug and play” infrastructure and we do not charge the landlords to install the chargers there. So, the costs can vary. It is not as straightforward as bringing a charger there.
Even with so many chargers around, how people regard the accessibility of such charging infrastructure is relative – it depends on where they live or work (and when they charge). We are still working on installing more. By next year, most estates will have chargers.
However, a growing pain is the three Cs: compromise, cost and convenience. This is where drivers are compromising by changing to a hybrid, which is still a petrol vehicle; being cost-conscious about purchasing an EV; and considering the charging and range convenience.
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TES: What are SP Group's targets for the next five years in terms of charging infrastructure?
DC: We will continue to develop our network and aim to build both a financially and environmentally sustainable business, as well as continue to have the largest network of fast-charging infrastructure.
While our main focus is making sure that the Singapore market is sufficiently served, we understand that Singaporeans also enjoy driving into Malaysia. We are also looking to have a solution for those drivers, as we work with our partners in Malaysia.
