By Nazreen Daud, Malay web consultant and marketer in Singapore · Originally shared on LinkedIn, 15 October 2026
The short answer: on my recent trip to China, I was amazed by how common electric vehicles had become: cars, buses and taxis were practically everywhere, and the streets were noticeably quieter. My slightly controversial idea for Singapore: keep combustion cars at about 5% for the enthusiasts, and let the other 95% go electric.
What did I notice about EVs in China?
What genuinely amazed me in China was how common EVs have become. Cars, buses, taxis. They were practically everywhere.
And what surprised me most? The streets were noticeably quieter. No loud engines, no unnecessary revving. Just vehicles moving around peacefully.
We're seeing more EVs on Singapore's roads too. So it made me wonder: why can't we accelerate this further?
What is the "5% / 95%" idea?
Keep combustion cars at 5%, for the enthusiasts. Let the other 95% go electric.
To be clear, it's an idea, not a scientifically calculated target. Hear me out.
What are the benefits of EVs for Singapore?
| Benefit | What it means day to day |
|---|---|
| Cleaner air | Zero exhaust emissions while driving, so fewer harmful fumes along busy roads and in our estates |
| Less noise | More peaceful neighbourhoods, especially at lower speeds |
| Lower running costs | EVs are generally more energy-efficient; depending on charging costs, drivers could save compared with petrol cars |
| Less maintenance | Fewer moving parts and no engine oil changes, so potentially lower servicing costs |
| A more sustainable future | As Singapore adopts cleaner energy sources, EVs can further reduce transport emissions |
None of these is a miracle on its own. Together, they add up to a city that's cleaner and calmer to live in.
What about car enthusiasts?
Now, I know what some car enthusiasts are thinking.
"But bro, what about the engine sound?"
Fair enough. The roar of a V8, the sound of a turbo, the satisfaction of hearing an engine rev. I respect that. I've loved machines with character myself; I owned classic Vespas for years. That's what the 5% is for: the enthusiasts, the collectors, and anyone who appreciates the engineering of a traditional engine.
But most of us use our cars to get from A to B. To work. To fetch our children. To buy groceries. To get stuck on the PIE at 6pm.
Do we really need a combustion engine for all that?
Are EVs perfect?
No, and it's worth being honest about that.
- Battery production has an environmental footprint.
- Electricity generation still produces emissions.
- Charging infrastructure needs to improve.
But the technology is already here, and after seeing how widely China has adopted EVs, I genuinely believe Singapore can go further.
What does this have to do with business?
I'm a web consultant and marketer, not a transport planner. But the trip reminded me of something I think about in my own work: when a better option already exists and is proven at scale somewhere else, the question shifts from "does it work?" to "what's stopping us from using it?". That's a useful question for websites, marketing and business systems too.
Thinking about what's holding your own business back from the better option? Book a call with me.
The bottom line
Let the 5% enjoy their engine sounds. Let the other 95% enjoy cleaner air.
Sustainability isn't about taking away everything we love. It's about making better choices for the generations that come after us.
So, are you in the 5% or the 95%?
FAQ
Are electric vehicles common in China? On my trip, EVs were practically everywhere: private cars, buses and taxis. The most noticeable difference was how much quieter the streets felt without loud engines and revving.
What are the main benefits of EVs in Singapore? Zero exhaust emissions while driving, less noise in neighbourhoods, generally better energy efficiency and potentially lower running and servicing costs. As Singapore adopts cleaner energy sources, EVs can further reduce transport emissions.
What are the downsides of electric vehicles? Battery production has an environmental footprint, electricity generation still produces emissions, and charging infrastructure still needs to improve. These are real trade-offs, but the technology is already widely used, as China shows.
Next step
If you want to talk about your website, marketing or business systems, book a call with me. Read more about me, see the tools I use, or explore my ventures, including Roquepress and Mulacan.