Tax Rebate Eligibility for Electric Cars

19 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Transport (a) what are the criteria to assess whether an electric car is eligible for tax rebates; and (b) how long does it take to process the tax rebate application.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: An electric car is treated no differently from any other car under the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS). Even though electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, the process of generating the electricity they consume emits carbon. This has to be taken into consideration when we assess whether to give them a carbon emissions rebate or levy a surcharge. If it is assessed to produce equivalent low carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, it is eligible for a rebate off its Additional Registration Fee. If it is assessed to produce high equivalent CO₂ emissions, a surcharge is levied.

For new cars, its CO₂ emissions for the purposes of CEVS are based on requisite test reports from the manufacturers. On the other hand, used cars imported into Singapore will need to undergo testing at accredited vehicle testing centres to determine their CO₂ emissions.

The rebate or surcharge is applied immediately at the point of registration.