Consumers driven back to ICE vehicles as EV enthusiasm cools

• 32% of Singapore car buyers (global 50%) plan to choose internal combustion engines, a 6-point jump as electric vehicle demand softens
• Charging gaps and expensive battery replacement fuel growing hesitation toward electric vehicles
• Consumers prioritize essential connected features, with 43% (global 39%) citing high service costs as a barrier

SINGAPORE, 9 JANUARY 2026. Singapore car buyers are putting the brakes on adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with many shifting back to internal combustion engines (ICEs) and reassessing EV ownership, mirroring the global trend. This is according to the EY 2025 Mobility Consumer Index (MCI), a global survey examining sentiment and buying intent across major automotive markets, which includes about 300 car buyers in Singapore.

Consumers shift gears back to ICE as EV buzz fades

When asked about their car buying intent in the next 24 months, 32% of Singapore respondents (global 50%) indicated they are likely to purchase an ICE vehicle, an increase from 26% in 2024 (global 37%). Notably, the intent to purchase EVs has weakened: 58% of Singapore car buyers (global 43%) expressed interest to buy an EV, compared to 73% (global 57%) last year, while 10% of Singapore respondents (global 5%) are still undecided about the types of vehicles they intend to buy.

Globally, the percentage of consumers who say they want to buy an ICE vehicle rose by 12 points in the Americas, 11 points in Europe and 10 points in Asia-Pacific, while battery EV buying intent fell across all major markets. Policy shifts, including the removal of US EV tax credits and evolving emissions targets, are shaping these trends. At the same time, major automakers are renewing focus on ICE and hybrid portfolios and moderating EV programs in response to changing consumer demand.

Charging concerns and expensive battery replacement continue to impact consumer confidence

In Singapore, apprehensions over charging gaps continue to be one of the top barriers driving car buyers to choose ICE over EVs:

• 56% (global 25%) cite concerns with public charger quality and charging interoperability as a top concern
• 42% (global 28%) point to high battery replacement costs
• 40% (global 28%) highlight the lack of charging infrastructure

Sriram Changali, EY-Parthenon Asean and Singapore Industrials Leader, says:

“While last year’s MCI results reflected a strong optimism around EV purchase, this year’s survey reveals that Singapore car buyers are reconsidering ICE options. That said, EVs still remain the preferred car choice overall.

The cooling of EV enthusiasm suggests that consumers are taking a more cautious, practical view of ownership, weighing real-world considerations such as charging reliability and interoperability, and total cost of ownership. This is despite government efforts to expand charging infrastructure across Singapore. With registrations for new ICE car set to cease by 2030, it is important for consumers to feel confident in the transition ahead. Beyond expanding access, sustained public education that addresses how charging works across different networks, battery performance, long-term costs and good charging habits will be key toward Singapore’s cleaner mobility future.”

Consumers seek practical value with connected features

Consumers are increasingly considering connected technologies in their vehicle choices, but their priorities remain clearly defined. Safety, security, navigation and maintenance-related services top willingness-to-use and willingness-to-pay lists, ahead of comfort, entertainment and higher levels of autonomy. However, the high cost of connected services remains a key barrier (Singapore 43%, global 39%).

Comfort with advanced autonomous capabilities remains limited. Only a third of Singapore respondents (global 26%) feel comfortable with Level 3 or above^[1], with accident risk (Singapore 72%, global 60%), technology failure (Singapore 58%, global 51%) and loss of control (Singapore 46%, global 50%) cited as the top concerns.

Changali adds:

“With the emergence of software-defined vehicle platforms, connected features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will increasingly shape consumer decisions. These technologies offer original equipment manufacturers significant opportunities to enhance safety and deliver more personalized vehicle experiences.”

Dealerships remain the dominant final step in the car-buying journey

Despite rising digital activity, dealerships continue to play a decisive role in vehicle purchases and are still the leading channel. Almost half of Singapore respondents (Singapore 49%, global 41%) prefer to complete their purchase in person, down from 65% (global 61%) in 2024.

ICE car buyers (Singapore 34%, global 32%) remain slightly more inclined toward online channels than EV buyers (Singapore 25%, global 27%). EV buyers continue to favor in-person engagement due to the need for guidance on charging, battery life and new technology features.

Changali concludes:

“Dealerships play a pivotal role in guiding car buyers through the transition to EVs. By providing clear information and hands-on experience, they can help consumers build confidence in new technologies.”

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