Singapore plans to launch an ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charger in the fourth quarter of 2025.

This charger, developed by Huawei, will be located at a public carpark at Temasek Polytechnic in Tampines and can add over 200 kilometers of driving range in just five minutes.

This new charger is nearly ten times faster than current fast chargers, which typically require over 40 minutes to provide the same driving range.

It will feature at least four charging points and will integrate into SP Mobility’s existing network of 20 charging points at the polytechnic.

The charger will support not only electric cars but also larger vehicles such as commercial EVs and private buses.

With a maximum power output of 480 kilowatts (kW), the ultra-fast charger can either charge a single EV at full capacity or be shared among multiple vehicles.

In comparison, Singapore’s current charging infrastructure offers power outputs ranging from 3.7 kW to 250 kW. However, the actual charging speed will depend on the compatibility of the EV.

Representatives from SP Mobility and Huawei explained that the new installation will function as a strategic transport hub for Singapore’s eastern region.

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🔗 Source: The Straits Times

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ EV charging speed evolution: from hours to minutes

Huawei’s ultra-fast 480kW charger represents a significant milestone in the progression of charging technology that has evolved dramatically over the past century.

When electric vehicles first gained popularity in the early 1900s, they relied on rudimentary charging infrastructure like General Electric’s “Electrant” stations in New York City, which took many hours to charge vehicles 1.

The introduction of DC fast charging in the 2010s reduced charging times to approximately 40 minutes for significant range, with companies like Tesla developing Superchargers capable of adding 5-15 miles of range per minute 2.

This new 480kW charger, nearly twice as powerful as Singapore’s current fastest 250kW chargers, demonstrates how charging infrastructure is now approaching the convenience of traditional refueling experiences.

This advancement directly addresses “range anxiety” and lengthy charging times, which research consistently identifies as primary barriers to EV adoption, especially in dense urban environments like Singapore.

2️⃣ Singapore’s strategic approach propels remarkable EV adoption

Singapore has achieved extraordinary electric vehicle adoption rates through a coordinated ecosystem approach combining vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and commercial vehicle electrification.

EV market share in Singapore has grown exponentially, reaching 40.2% of new car registrations in Q1 2025, up from 33.6% in 2024 and just 18% in 2023 34.

This growth is supported by substantial government incentives, with tax breaks of up to $40,000 for electric vehicles scheduled to continue through December 31, 2025 3.

Beyond passenger vehicles, Singapore is specifically targeting commercial fleet electrification through programs like the Heavy Vehicle Zero Emissions Scheme, which provides additional incentives of $40,000 over three years for zero-emission heavy goods vehicles 4.

The strategic placement of Huawei’s ultra-fast charger at Temasek Polytechnic in Tampines illustrates Singapore’s focus on developing charging infrastructure in key transportation hubs, enabling both public and commercial vehicle charging.

3️⃣ Commercial vehicle electrification requires specialized charging solutions

The specific design of Huawei’s charger to accommodate commercial vehicles and buses highlights an often overlooked segment of the EV transition that requires specialized infrastructure.

Commercial electric vehicles are gaining traction in Singapore due to their lower maintenance costs, but have faced barriers including limited charging options because of vehicle weight and size restrictions in standard public carparks 5.

Singapore’s government is directly addressing this challenge through initiatives like the Electric Heavy Vehicle Charger Grant, which co-funds up to 50% of charger installation costs specifically for electric heavy vehicles 4.

The 480kW capacity of Huawei’s system enables practical charging times for larger commercial vehicles with bigger batteries, a critical requirement since commercial operators face significant financial pressure from vehicle downtime during charging.

This development reflects the broader global trend of expanding EV charging infrastructure beyond personal vehicles to include delivery fleets, buses, and other commercial applications that are essential for comprehensive transportation electrification.

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