In previous years, MOT pointed to chargers being available in the vast majority of HDB carparks. We are now in February 2026, and while the "coverage" is high, the "quality of access" remains unequal across our estates.
The Ministry’s primary defence for the current pace of scaling is that the average utilization rate remains low.¹ However, "average" utilization is a misleading metric that may mask peak-hour reality. For the HDB resident returning home at 9 pm, a low "average" rate is cold comfort when all 3 charging lots in their MSCP are occupied.
More crucially, we must scale up now for the eventuality that most vehicles in our carparks will be EVs—a goal we should strive to see earlier, in line with our 2030 and 2040 goals. If registrations continue to rise, when will "scaling up" reach all our heartland carparks?
Furthermore, there is a "two-speed" transition occurring. Residents in newer BTOs often have more access to higher-power chargers, but many mature estates remain stuck with slow 7.4kW chargers.²
I would like to ask the Minister:
- What is the specific peak-hour utilization threshold that triggers the installation of additional chargers in HDB carpark?
- When will MOT commit to a "Mature Estate Fast-Charge" mandate to ensure residents in older estates including in some parts of Hougang SMC, are not left behind?
- How will MOT intend to mandate "idling fees" across all public charging operators to prevent lot-hogging?
Endnotes
¹ Low Average Utilization Defence: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has historically cited average utilization rates of approximately 10% (2024/2025) to justify current deployment speeds. However, by early 2026, peak-period demand in high-density estates has outpaced these "average" figures. Ref: Written Reply by Minister for Transport, Oct 2025; LTA EV Roadmap Update, Jan 2026.
² Two-Speed Transition & 2040 Goals: Under the Electric Vehicles Charging Act (EVCA) and TR25, standard HDB points are 7.4kW AC. Newer developments benefit from "Passive Provision" mandates for higher electrical loads, while older estates face legacy infrastructure constraints. To meet the 2040 target of 100% cleaner-energy vehicles, infrastructure must transition from "overnight-only" to higher-throughput models. Ref: Singapore Green Plan 2030; Electric Vehicles Charging Act 2022.
