Singapore's Gen Z Makes EVs 77% of New Car Registrations

Kennedy Yong never has to climb into a scorching hot car anymore, even after hours parked in the blazing Singapore sun. The 28-year-old real estate agent simply taps his phone to pre-cool his electric vehicle before he even leaves the building.

His experience represents a major shift happening across Singapore. In the first half of 2026, electric vehicles accounted for 62.4% of all new car registrations, marking the first time EVs have overtaken petrol and hybrid vehicles in the city-state.

Young drivers are leading the charge. A February 2026 survey of 1,055 car owners found that 77% of Gen Z drivers (ages 18-29) believe EV technology is reliable, the highest of any age group. Another 76% said EVs are practical for everyday use.

But it's not just about going green. Yong switched to his BYD Sealion 7 six months ago because of features his previous petrol car couldn't offer. Through an app, he monitors battery levels, checks tire pressure, locks doors remotely, and tracks charging status in real time.

"In my first week with the EV, I brought the keys out with me," Yong says. "Then I slowly realized it was just an extra thing I had to carry in my pocket."

Content creator Silvy Wang, 27, agrees the technology feels natural. "I like being able to monitor things like battery range and charging through the app," she says. "It just makes everything feel more seamless and convenient."

Julian Kho, general manager of automotive platform Sgcarmart, has noticed the pattern. "Younger drivers often judge vehicles like consumer electronics: user interface, connectivity, app functions, driver assists, over-the-air updates, digital keys," he says. "These features can outweigh traditional badge value."

The Ripple Effect

The shift goes beyond individual convenience. Eighty-five percent of Gen Z respondents believe EVs will help reduce carbon emissions, showing environmental awareness layered onto practical benefits.

For Wang, who became a mother in March, sustainability has taken on new meaning. "Becoming a mother has definitely made me more aware of the kind of environment my child will grow up in," she says.

Singapore's entire transportation landscape is transforming. BYD, a Chinese EV maker, is now the top-selling car brand in Singapore, accounting for one in four new cars registered in early 2026. New petrol-only vehicle registrations will cease by 2030, aligning with Singapore's goal of cleaner vehicles by 2040.

The next generation of drivers isn't choosing between technology and sustainability—they're getting both in one package that fits seamlessly into their digital lives.