BYD e6
Max Power: 121hp
Max Torque: 450Nm
0-100km/h: N/A
Top Speed: 140km/h
Range: 400km
VES Band: A1 (-$20,000)
Distributor: E-Auto
Perhaps the most sighted EV of all, the BYD e6 is commonly seen plying our roads as a taxi or private-hire car. This seats five and has oodles of boot space, even when compared to other regular crossovers. It uses a proprietary iron-phosphate battery for up to 400km and can last for up to 4,000 charging cycles.
BYD claims that the battery, with one charge cycle each day, will work for at least 10 years. The battery is also made from environmentally-friendly raw materials and can be recycled with minimal environmental impact. It has a two hour charging time. For arguably the lowest-priced EV in Singapore, the e6 has some creature and safety features, six airbags, stability control, ABS system from Bosch and a basic sound system. If you just need a car to get around, the e6 fits the (small) bill nicely.
KIA Niro EV
Max Power: 204hp
Max Torque: 395Nm
0-100km/h: 7.8 seconds
Top Speed: 167km/h
Range: 455km
VES Band: A1 (-$20,000)
Distributor: Cycle & Carriage Kia
KIA’s first EV has much going for it. Crossover practicality, intelligent technology and an eye-catching design, it also features the same suite of advanced driver assistance systems as its petrol brethren. The Niro EV is differentiated from other Niro models through exterior and interior design elements. The dashboard features a light blue trim, as with the exterior, while the design of the centre console has been simplified to accommodate the car’s shift-by-wire drive selector.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen human-machine interface (HMI) has new EV-specific features. The new infotainment system enables owners to locate nearby charging points and monitor the level of charge and range remaining from the battery pack. The unique instrument cluster allows for simultaneous driving and EV powertrain information display.