Electric Vehicles Dominate Singapore October 2025

Executive Summary

Singapore's car market in October 2025 saw a remarkable shift towards electrification, with Electric Vehicles (EVs) securing over half of all new registrations. Hybrid vehicles also maintained strong popularity, collectively pushing traditional petrol cars to a minority share. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) continued their reign as the preferred body style, reflecting a broader consumer trend for versatile and spacious vehicles.

Key Highlights

• Electric Vehicles Lead the Charge: EVs accounted for a dominant 52.60% of all new car registrations, with 2,081 units registered in October 2025.
• Hybrids Remain Strong: Petrol-Electric (Hybrid) and Petrol-Electric (Plug-In) vehicles combined for 1,443 registrations, representing 36.48% of the market.
• BYD Tops the Brands: Chinese manufacturer BYD was the top-selling make, registering 1,050 vehicles, largely driven by its strong EV lineup.
• SUVs Continue to Dominate: Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were by far the most popular vehicle type, making up 60.54% of all new registrations with 2,395 units.
• Petrol Cars Decline: Traditional petrol-only vehicles made up a mere 10.92% of the market, reflecting a significant decline in their market share.

Data Tables

Fuel Type Breakdown

Vehicle Type Breakdown

Detailed Analysis

Fuel Type Trends

October 2025 data paints a clear picture: Singapore's car market is rapidly electrifying. Electric Vehicles (EVs) have crossed a significant milestone, claiming over half of all new registrations at 52.60%. This surge can be attributed to a combination of factors, including increasing model availability, advancements in charging infrastructure, and attractive government incentives such as the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) and the revised Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) bands. The continuous effort to expand the charging network across the island further boosts consumer confidence in EVs.

Parallel to the EV boom, hybrid technology remains a strong contender. "Petrol-Electric" (conventional hybrids) accounted for 34.15% of registrations, while "Petrol-Electric (Plug-In)" (PHEVs) added another 2.33%. Combined, these hybrid variants represent a substantial 36.48% of the market, appealing to buyers who seek fuel efficiency without full reliance on charging infrastructure.

In stark contrast, traditional petrol-only vehicles have been relegated to a niche market, making up just 10.92% of new registrations. This trend underscores a fundamental shift in consumer preference, driven by environmental consciousness, long-term cost savings, and supportive government policies.

Popular Makes and Models

BYD emerged as the undisputed market leader in October 2025, registering an impressive 1,050 vehicles. This performance highlights the brand's successful penetration into the Singapore EV market, particularly with its strong lineup of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPVs). Tesla also continued its strong performance in the EV segment.

Other notable performers include BMW and Mercedes-Benz, both making significant inroads in the electric and hybrid luxury segments, demonstrating that premium brands are also actively embracing electrification to cater to evolving consumer demands. The diverse range of brands, from established European marques to new Chinese entrants, reflects a highly competitive and dynamic market landscape.

Vehicle Type Preferences

The love affair with Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) in Singapore continues unabated, with SUVs accounting for a staggering 60.54% of all new registrations. Their popularity stems from their versatile nature, offering higher seating positions, ample cargo space, and a perceived sense of safety, which resonates well with families and urban adventurers alike.

Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPVs) also saw strong demand, securing 20.02% of the market. This indicates a consistent need for practical family vehicles that offer flexible seating configurations and generous space. Sedans, historically a dominant category, now represent 13.88% of registrations, showing a gradual decline as consumers shift towards SUVs and MPVs. Hatchbacks and other niche categories like Coupe/Convertibles and Station-wagons make up smaller portions of the market.

Market Implications

For prospective car buyers, October 2025 data signals a clear direction: the future is electric and hybrid. With increasing COE prices, the total cost of ownership (TCO) becomes crucial, and EVs, despite potentially higher upfront costs, often offer lower running costs through cheaper electricity and road tax incentives. The wide variety of electric and hybrid models now available, coupled with a robust SUV market, means buyers have more choices than ever before. Researching charging options and long-term battery health should be key considerations.

For the automotive industry, this trend necessitates continued investment in electric and hybrid R&D, manufacturing, and after-sales support. Dealerships must adapt their sales strategies to educate consumers about EV benefits and overcome range anxiety. The dominance of Chinese brands like BYD also signals a growing competitive threat to traditional automakers, pushing them to innovate faster and offer more compelling electric options.

From Singapore's environmental goals perspective, the strong embrace of EVs is highly encouraging. It directly contributes to the nation's "Green Plan 2030" targets for sustainable transport and a significant reduction in carbon emissions. Continued government support through incentives and infrastructure development will be crucial to sustain this momentum and accelerate Singapore's journey towards a greener automotive landscape.