Hybrids in Singapore

With petrol prices poised to cross the $2-mark into what many motorists will agree is the definitive 'ouch' zone, the time is truly ripe for alternatives that are less painful. On the menu then are cars that run on hydrogen, biodiesel, electricity and hybrid power. Among them, hybrids are currently the best bet because they have had a decent track record. And they are not dependent on third-party infrastructure, like specialised refuelling stations.

A hybrid, therefore, is like the proverbial cake that you can have and eat. But Singaporeans have not been biting. Since hybrids were introduced here in 2001, fewer than a dozen have been registered. Why? Because they are up to 30 per cent costlier than conventional cars. In fact, Toyota and Honda have since stopped importing them.

There is a glimmer of hope. The Government is expected to announce a more meaningful tax rebate formula for environmentally friendly vehicles. Environment Minister Yaacob Ibrahim gave a big hint early this year when he bravely acknowledged that the rebates introduced in 2001 'have not been sufficiently attractive'. He went on to say his ministry was working with the Finance Ministry 'to see how we can make it more attractive for environmentally conscious people to purchase green vehicles'.

If the scheme can allow a hybrid like the 1.5-litre Toyota Prius to be priced at $65,000 (about $5,000 more than an entry-level Corolla), and assuming its annual road tax can be halved to $437, it could become attractive.

Independent of incentives, at least one car agent is determined to re-introduce hybrids. Mr Vincent Ng, product manager at Honda agent Kah Motor, reveals the company will launch the new hybrid Civic in March next year because of 'an agreement with Honda Motor'.

Next year, Toyota will launch the Lexus GS450h, the first hybrid luxury sedan. The two Lexus hybrids [GS450h sedan, RX400h SUV] offer a slightly different proposition: more power, less guilt. Borneo Motors reveals that it will include it in its line-up next year.

Comments:

So I just add water? Or recharge the batteries?
Oh, first post too :)

Posted by gwunwai on October 03, 2005 at 02:36 PM SGT #

Well if you can find a car that runs on water, it could be instant front page news ;)

Current hybrids run on petrol just like conventional cars, they just use less of it because 1. braking energy is captured and re-used just like on the MRT trains and 2. their petrol engines are generally smaller (1.3L for Civic Hybrid) and designed from the ground up to be more efficient.

As for the water part, I suppose it *could* be done indirectly if 1. you live practically next door to a hydro-electric plant 2. you get a Prius 3. you "hack"/"mod" the Prius to enable its use as a PHEV (plug-in hybrid) ... :)

Posted by lowem on October 03, 2005 at 02:52 PM SGT #

Heh, can see that I know nuts about hybrids.
So how much distance per litre are we talking about? 15? 16? or in the 20s?
And no extra maintenance costs? How about inspection? Any workshop will do? *scratch head*.

Posted by gwunwai on October 03, 2005 at 05:16 PM SGT #

Should be in the 20's (km/l), roughly double that of an equivalent conventional car of the same class (say, 4-door 1.6L sedan).

Battery pack is usually covered by warranty for quite a long time/distance, electric motors are usually quite reliable. Inspection should be a breeze - the emissions output is only a fraction that of conventional cars.

As long as you don't touch the hybrid portions, the rest of the car should be maintainable by your ordinary mechanic (change engine oil, etc).

Posted by lowem on October 03, 2005 at 05:30 PM SGT #