I just finished reading a really interesting interview discussion published by the Asian Clean Fuels Association (ACFA) with Dr Sanjay Kuttan, Chairman of the Sustainable Infrastructure Committee at Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) about Singapore’s plans to phase out internal combustion engines by 2040 and paving the way for greater adoption of electric vehicles
Here are my key takeaways from their discussion:
➡️Singapore has set out a date to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, paving the way for greater adoption of electric vehicles in the intervening years.
➡️Consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, accessibility to charging infrastructure, reliability of the vehicle’s performance, battery warranty period, cost of purchase, cost of ownership, and their sense of responsibility towards fighting climate change; in that order of importance, are the main challenges to achieving this ambitious target.
➡️ Need for innovative tax schemes (a function of usage i.e., using technology, road taxes) for encouraging more prudent use of vehicles and equitable road taxation.
➡️ The primary cost associated with electric vehicles is the battery cost. In 2015 it was about 60% of the cost, with batteries at $209/kwh. The tipping point, where EV cost will be competitive with ICE is around $100/kwh which most experts anticipate will happen between 2023 and 2025. The cost reduction will not stop there and will continue to fall like the cost of PV solar as technology improves and scale of production increases.
➡️ Fight against climate change must be seen as an existential issue. In doing so, then the cost of survival and building a sustainable society not just for ourselves but for our generations to come, is put in proper perspective.
Full Interview link: http://www.acfa.org.sg/newsletterconversations20.php
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