You’ve just picked up your first EV, and standing next to it, you realise you’re not sure what actually needs looking after anymore. No oil to change, but is there anything else?
EV ownership in Singapore changes three things the most: running costs, servicing, and tyres. Charging usually costs less per kilometre than petrol, and LTA and NEA figures show cleaner energy models made up 80% of new car and taxi registrations between January and August 2025, with about half of those being fully electric. Servicing is lighter too, since there’s no engine oil, filters, or exhaust system to maintain. Tyres are the part most owners don’t expect: EVs go through tyres noticeably faster than petrol cars, mainly because they’re heavier and deliver full torque the moment you touch the accelerator. Everything else, insurance, road tax, and parking, stays broadly similar to owning a petrol car.
What Does EV Ownership in Singapore Actually Change?
Charging replaces petrol stops, and running costs usually come out lower per kilometre. Servicing is lighter too, since there’s no engine oil, spark plugs, or exhaust system to maintain regularly.
This change in what needs maintaining is exactly why more EV owners are asking servicing questions that petrol car owners never had to, especially about tyres. With cleaner energy models now making up the majority of new registrations in Singapore, more drivers are working this out for the first time.
How Long Do EV Tyres Typically Last in Singapore Driving Conditions?
Shorter than most owners expect. Independent testing organisation Emissions Analytics found that tyre wear rises by roughly 20% for every extra 450kg a car weighs, about the weight of six extra adults. EV battery packs add close to that much weight on their own. EVs also deliver instant torque the moment you pull away from a standstill. Tyre makers, including Michelin, have acknowledged that this can make EV tyres wear out around 20% faster than the same tyre fitted to a petrol car.
In Singapore’s stop-start traffic, with frequent hard acceleration away from traffic lights, that wear pattern tends to show up sooner rather than later. Pitstop Auto Club’s EV tyres and rims specialists can check for uneven wear early, since catching it sooner costs less than waiting for a full replacement.
How Do You Maintain EV Tyres to Get the Most Out of Them?
There is no way around the physics: a heavier car plus instant torque means EV tyres wear faster than petrol car tyres, and there’s no getting around it. No tyre eliminates that, though the right EV tyre maintenance habits and tyre choice slow it down.
Regular rotation, correct tyre pressure, and gentler acceleration off the line all help stretch tyre life. Choosing a tyre built specifically for EVs, rather than a standard petrol-car tyre, also makes a real difference, since EV-specific tyres are built to handle the extra weight and torque without wearing as unevenly.
The most common hesitation new EV owners have is whether tyre costs will wipe out the fuel savings. Tyre wear is genuinely faster, but checking pressure and alignment regularly, and fitting the best EV tyre for the car rather than a generic one, keeps that cost predictable rather than a surprise.
Not sure whether your EV’s tyres are wearing as they should? WhatsApp Pitstop Auto Club at 8809 8484 and their team can check tread wear and recommend the right tyre for your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EVs really need more frequent tyre changes than petrol cars?
Yes, generally. Industry data suggests EV tyres wear around 20% faster than tyres on an equivalent petrol car, mainly due to extra weight and instant torque.
What’s the best EV tyre for my car?
It depends on the EV model and driving style, but a tyre built specifically for EVs is generally a better fit than a standard petrol-car tyre, since it’s designed to handle the extra weight and torque.
Does servicing cost less for an EV than a petrol car?
Servicing is generally lighter, since there’s no engine oil, spark plugs, or exhaust system to maintain, though faster tyre wear can offset some of that saving.
Is charging really cheaper than petrol in Singapore?
Charging usually costs less per kilometre than petrol, though the exact saving depends on the electricity rate and driving pattern.