Two new stations set to accelerate electric vehicle adoption for cleaner energy
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has inaugurated two innovative battery “swap and charge” stations for electric motorcycles, marking a significant step towards promoting cleaner energy vehicles in Singapore. The announcement was made on September 2 during the Land Transport Industry Day by Transport Minister S Iswaran.
These stations are part of trial sandboxes run by Taiwanese company Gogoro and Singapore-based MO Batteries. The pilot programmes aim to provide a seamless experience for electric motorcycle users, allowing them to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones in seconds. The focus will be on delivery services, with Gogoro partnering with Jardine Cycle & Carriage to facilitate last-mile deliveries, and MO Batteries collaborating with SingPost and security company Prosegur for their trials.
The Gogoro sandbox will feature 20 electric motorcycles and 100 swappable batteries at two GoStations, while MO Batteries will deploy six electric motorcycles, 30 swappable batteries, 14 chargers, and two swap stations. The trials will run for a period of 12 months.
Minister Iswaran reiterated the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of Singapore’s broader strategy to reduce its carbon footprint. The goal is to achieve 100% cleaner-energy vehicles by 2040, a challenging target that requires a shift away from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Preparing the Workforce for the EV Transition
As Singapore pushes towards a greener future, it is also taking steps to equip its workforce for the transition to electric vehicles. In partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore, the LTA has introduced the National Electric Vehicle Specialist Safety certification. This initiative aims to provide technicians with the skills necessary to work safely in high-voltage EV environments. Three courses are already available for enrolment at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, and the Institute of Technical Education.
LTA is also working with Workforce Singapore (WSG) to offer salary support for technicians training under the WSG Career Conversion Programme, which focuses on developing EV specialists. These efforts aim to ensure that Singapore’s workforce is well-prepared for the shift to electric vehicles and the new skills required.
Update on Forward Singapore
During the event, Minister Iswaran also provided an update on the Forward Singapore initiative, which seeks to review and refresh Singapore’s social compact. This year-long exercise is divided into six pillars, with Iswaran leading the “Build” pillar, which focuses on improving the home and living environment.
A key focus of the initiative is creating a renewed compact for land transport that balances choice, cost, and climate. Public consultations on proposed EV charging legislation have garnered strong support from stakeholders, and Iswaran highlighted the importance of adapting the transport system to changing societal needs, including new mobility trends accelerated by the pandemic, such as remote work and active mobility.
Iswaran stressed that the ongoing engagement sessions would focus on listening to the needs of various demographic groups to shape a transport system that meets both current and future demands. He concluded that the transition to a sustainable land transport system would require collective efforts from all sectors of society.
