In 2025, almost half of all new vehicles hitting the road sported an electric engine under the hood. While it’s a far cry from the total EV world domination fearmongered upon by petrol purists, that slice of the pie is only going to grow.
Despite the pricier insurance costs, there are ways to make driving an EV worthwhile in the long run. New EV purchases are subsidised by the government, require less maintenance, cost less to refuel, and don’t require oil changes (duh).
Additionally, whenever you end an EV booking with GetGo, you’ll get a promo code for your next booking based on the vehicle’s remaining battery level. It’s a good way to help make the next driver’s booking just a little smoother, while saving money in the process.
Curious? Thankfully, I know a thing or two about electric vehicles. The number of EVs has increased over 25% globally in the last year alone, and in Singapore, monthly sales records were smashed in August 2025, with new registrations surpassing the entire total of 2024 combined. And with the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) offering rebates of up to S$15,000 until the end of 2025, there has never been a better financial window to make the switch.
Electric vehicles that are great for first-timers
1. Volkswagen id 4: for the driver who can’t decide between style and comfort and sceneries at Lakeside Park
If you want the solidity of German engineering with a futuristic twist, the Volkswagen ID.4 is your best bet. It manages to balance a sporty exterior with an incredibly spacious interior, thanks to its modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform which eliminates the bulky transmission tunnel found in petrol cars.
The standout feature here is the ID. Light—an intelligent LED strip running across the dashboard that communicates with you visually. It glows to show navigation cues, charge status, or incoming calls, making the car feel like a co-pilot rather than just a machine. With a range of up to 550km on a full charge, it handles cross-island runs without breaking a sweat. It’s not the flashiest sprinter off the line, but for a smooth, composed ride that feels premium, it’s hard to beat. And to ensure that the sophistication doesn’t stop, GetGo’s ID4s are livery-free, making your drives feel as refined as this SUV’s curves.
2. Hyundai Ioniq EV: The reliable all-rounder
Whether you’re looking at the classic Ioniq Electric liftback or the retro-futuristic Ioniq 5, Hyundai has cemented itself as a staple of Singapore’s EV landscape. The Ioniq series is renowned for its efficiency and user-friendly regenerative braking system, which allows you to control how much energy the car recovers (and how quickly it slows down) just by using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.
It’s the perfect entry point for drivers new to EVs. The cabin is intuitive, and avoids the "spaceship" learning curve of some other models, while still offering plenty of tech like ventilated seats and wireless charging. It’s the Goldilocks of the fleet: not too big, not too small, and efficient enough to handle a full day of errands on a single charge.
3. BYD T3: for the guy who’s got a big move coming up
It’s been a while since I’ve reviewed it, but I’m pleased to report that the BYD T3 has stood the test of time. Previously, I loved it for blending road-readiness with creature comforts that longer drives a breeze. I recently took out one of our T3s for another spin, and found that its range and handling still held up over the years.
Despite the electric engine’s association with souped-up sedans, an electric van makes more sense than you’d think; even with a full load, the T3 drives butter-smooth, making it perfect for hauling anything that isn’t as large and finicky as a baby grand.
4. BYD e6: The marathon runner
If range anxiety is your primary concern, the BYD e6 is the cure. This MPV is a workhorse, widely favoured by Singapore’s legion of private-hire drivers for a reason: it features BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery, which is incredibly durable and safe. The e6 boasts a staggering range of up to 522km (WLTC), meaning you could (theoretically) drive from Changi to Tuas and back five times before needing to plug in. While I haven't verified that claim myself, my test drive of the e6 saw me travelling a healthy distance in both style and comfort.
Inside, it’s all about minimalism. The dashboard is dominated by a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen that controls almost everything, keeping physical buttons to a minimum. While it doesn't have the sporty acceleration of the ID.4, it offers a cavernous 580L boot space, making it the ideal choice for family airport runs or grocery hauls.
5. Dongfeng box: cute and functional
Looks aren’t everything, but when you’re rocking a silhouette and shape that’s a dead ringer for a high-end European supermini, it certainly helps. Also known as the Nammi 01, the Dongfeng Box punches well above its weight class in terms of interior finish. We’re talking quilted leatherette upholstery and a drawer-style glovebox that slides out like a piece of fine furniture.
Don't let the "cute" size fool you; it packs a respectable 430km range and supports fast charging that can get you from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. It’s nimble, easy to park in tight HDB lots (even I was surprised by how tightly this car hugged corners during my test drives), and arguably the most stylish way to zip around the city on a budget.
