The EV Charging Guide for PHV Drivers in Singapore
Thinking of upgrading from petrol to EV for private hire driving?
Or maybe you are considering an EV PHV rental but still wondering whether charging is convenient enough for your daily Grab, Gojek, TADA or Ryde routine.
For many PHV drivers, the biggest concern is not the EV itself. It is the change in driving and charging habits.
The good news: once you understand when to charge, where to charge, and how to use AC and DC chargers properly, driving an EV for PHV work can be simple, efficient and cost-effective.
At Velocity Leasing we provide PHV rental and EV leasing in Singapore, with PHV-approved electric vehicles suitable for platforms such as Grab, Gojek, TADA, Ryde and Zig. Velocity’s current rental positioning includes EV PHV rental, low deposit from $800, maintenance support and EV charging discounts.
This guide explains everything PHV drivers need to know about EV charging in Singapore.
Why EV Charging Matters for PHV Drivers
For personal drivers, charging is usually simple: charge at home, at the office, or during weekend errands.
For PHV drivers, charging needs to fit around income.
Every hour matters. If you are driving for Grab, Gojek, TADA or Ryde, your charging routine can affect:
- How long you stay on the road
- How many bookings you can accept
- Whether you can take longer-distance trips
- Your daily operating cost
- Your confidence when driving an EV
That is why EV charging for PHV drivers is not just about finding the nearest charger. It is about building a smart daily routine.
AC vs DC Charging: What Is the Difference?
There are two main types of EV charging in Singapore: AC charging & DC charging
Both are useful, but they serve different purposes for PHV drivers.
AC charging is usually the slower type of charging. It is commonly found in HDB carparks, condos, malls, offices and overnight charging spots.
In simple terms, AC power goes into the car, and the car’s onboard charger converts it into DC power to store in the battery. Because the car has to do the conversion, AC charging is slower.
For PHV drivers, AC charging is best used when the car is parked for a longer time, such as overnight, during a long meal break, or when you are not planning to drive for a few hours.
DC charging, also called fast charging, sends DC power directly into the battery. This means the car can charge much faster.
For PHV drivers, DC charging is useful when you need to get back on the road quickly.
Thing to note: Frequent fast charging creates more heat and stress for the battery compared with slower charging, so it is better to use DC when you need speed, not as your only charging habit.
When Should PHV Drivers Start Charging?
As a general habit, do not wait until your EV battery is almost empty. Start planning your charge at around 30% or charge before the battery drops below 20%.
For PHV drivers, opportunistic charging is key
That means you should charge when you have the chance, not only when you are desperate.
This is important because PHV driving is unpredictable.
Your next booking may be a long-distance trip. The nearest charger may be occupied. A charging station may be temporarily unavailable. You may also end up in an area where chargers are less convenient.
Planning your charge early helps you avoid range anxiety and lost earning time.
Example: Daily EV Charging Routine for a PHV Driver
Let’s say you are driving a Dongfeng 007 200kw with up to around 650km of range, depending on driving conditions, load, speed, air-conditioning usage and road conditions.
You start your morning shift with a high battery level.
By lunch, after clocking around 200km to 250km, you may still have enough battery. But instead of waiting until the battery is very low, you use a short break to recharge.
A 30-minute DC fast charging session during lunch may give you enough range to continue driving comfortably for the rest of the day.
At the end of your shift, depending on your remaining battery percentage, you can use AC charging overnight if available. By the next morning, your Dongfeng 007 can be ready for another full day of PHV driving.
This is the kind of routine that makes EV PHV driving more manageable:
Drive → charge during break → continue driving → AC charge overnight if available.
Watch how one of our Velocity Leasing PHV driver partners handles his daily charging routine with his Dongfeng Box.
How Full Should PHV Drivers Charge Their EV?
Why Charging Slows Down After 80%For many EVs, a good daily charging habit is to charge up to around 80%.
This is because very high and very low battery levels can create more stress for lithium-ion batteries over time.
For PHV drivers, a practical approach is:
Charge to around 80% for normal driving days.
Charge to 90% if you expect a very long shift.
Charge to 100% only when you really need the full range, and start driving soon after.
Charging to 100% is not wrong, but it is usually best reserved for days when you really need the full range. If you do charge to 100%, try to start driving soon after instead of leaving the car sitting full for a long time.
Why Charging Slows Down After 80%
Many new EV drivers wonder why the car charges quickly at first, then slows down near the top. This is normal.
Think of it like filling a cup of kopi to the brim. You can pour quickly at the start. But near the top, you slow down to avoid spilling. EV batteries work in a similar way. The car reduces charging speed near a high state of charge to protect the battery.
For PHV drivers, this matters because time is money.
If you are using a DC fast charger, it is usually more efficient to charge from about 20% to 80%, then go back on the road.
Waiting for 80% to 100% can take much longer and may not be worth it unless you really need the extra range.
Regenerative Braking: Free Range When You Slow Down
One of the best things about EVs for PHV driving is regenerative braking.
In a petrol car, when you brake, much of the car’s moving energy is lost as heat through the brakes.
In an EV, regenerative braking allows the motor to work like a generator. It captures some of that energy and sends it back into the battery.
For PHV drivers in Singapore, this is very useful because there is a lot of stop-start driving in Singapore: traffic lights, expressway jams, CBD traffic, carparks, school zones and pickup/drop-off points.
However, it is also good to note that regenerative braking will not magically recharge your car from empty to full, but it helps reduce wasted energy and can improve efficiency over a full day of PHV driving.
How to Charge Your EV: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time PHV Drivers
If you are new to EVs, the charging process may feel a bit unfamiliar at first. But after doing it once or twice, it becomes quite straightforward.
Step 1: Download a Few Charging Apps
In Singapore, different chargers are operated by different providers, so it is useful to have more than one charging app installed. Some common examples include:
SP app — lets drivers search for nearby available charging points, monitor charging sessions and pay through the app. SP Mobility says its app supports finding available chargers, session updates and seamless payment. (SP Digital)
CDG ENGIE app — useful for finding and navigating to CDG ENGIE charging stations. ComfortDelGro Engineering says the app also helps drivers find nearby amenities while the car is charging. (CDGE)
Shell Recharge — suitable for on-the-go charging, with Shell saying its Singapore chargers support CCS Type 2 for DC charging and IEC Type 2 for AC charging. (Shell Singapore)
Charge+ — another EV charging provider in Singapore and Southeast Asia. (Charge+)
You do not need to use all of them every day, but having a few apps ready helps when one location is full, down, or too far from your next pickup area.
Step 2: Check Charger Type Before You Go
Before driving to a charger, check whether it is AC or DC.
Choose AC charging if you are parking for a longer break, such as makan, resting, or charging overnight.
Choose DC fast charging if you are in the middle of your PHV shift and need to get back on the road quickly.
Also check whether the charger is available. Do not assume that every charging lot will be free when you arrive.
Step 3: Park Properly and Check the Connector
Once you reach the charging station, park fully within the EV charging lot. Make sure the charging cable can reach your car’s charging port.
Most modern EVs use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC charging in Singapore.
Step 4: Start Charging Through the App
Open the charging app and follow the instructions. Usually, you will need to:
Scan the QR code on the charger, or select the charger number in the app.
Confirm the charger and connector type.
Plug the cable into your car.
Start the session from the app.
Check that the car dashboard or app says charging has started.
Do not just plug in and walk away immediately. Wait a few seconds to confirm the session is active.
Step 5: Stop Charging at the Right Level
For normal daily PHV driving, try to stop around 80% unless you really need more range.
This is especially true when using DC fast charging. Charging from 20% to 80% is usually much faster than charging from 80% to 100%. After 80%, many EVs slow down charging speed to protect the battery, so waiting for the last 20% can waste valuable driving time.
A practical PHV habit is:
Short break: charge from around 30% to 60–70%.
Meal break: charge from around 20–30% to 80%.
Before a long shift: charge to 80–90%.
Only charge to 100% if you really need the full range.
Step 6: End the Session, Unplug and Move Off
When charging is done, stop the session in the app first if required. Then unlock the car and remove the charging cable.
*Do note that there are some apps that have an “idle fee” after a full charge. So remember to unplug in a timely fashion.
Some EVs lock the cable during charging,so if you’re done charging remember to be courteous and unplug in a timely fashion so that others may use it.
EV Charging Tips for PHV Drivers in Singapore
Here are some practical habits that can make EV PHV driving easier.
1. Plan Charging Around Breaks
Instead of treating charging as wasted time, plan it around your normal routine.
For example:
- charge while eating lunch
- charge during a kopi break
- charge during admin time
- charge while waiting for peak-hour demand
- AC charge overnight if available
This helps you reduce downtime.
2. Know Your Usual Charging Areas
After a few weeks, you will likely know which chargers are convenient for your driving pattern.
Keep a mental list of chargers near:
- your home
- common pickup zones
- CBD
- airport
- malls
- rest stops
- high-demand PHV areas
- your preferred makan places
This gives you backup options when one charger is full.
3. Avoid Waiting Until the Battery Is Too Low
Do not wait until 5% or 10% before looking for a charger.
For PHV drivers, this creates unnecessary stress and limits the bookings you can accept.
Start planning at around 30%.
Charge before it drops below 20%.
4. Use DC Charging During Shifts, AC Charging During Downtime
DC charging is useful when you need speed.
AC charging is useful when the car is parked for longer.
A simple rule:
DC for active PHV shifts.
AC for downtime and overnight charging.
4. Use DC Charging During Shifts, AC Charging During Downtime
DC charging is useful when you need speed.
AC charging is useful when the car is parked for longer.
A simple rule:
DC for active PHV shifts.
AC for downtime and overnight charging.
Why Rent an EV PHV from Velocity Leasing?
Switching from petrol to EV can feel like a big step, but the right PHV rental partner makes the transition easier.
With Velocity Leasing, drivers can enjoy:
- PHV-approved EV rental options
- low deposit from $800
- cars suitable for Grab, Gojek, TADA, Ryde and Zig
- maintenance support
- same-day collection for selected models
- EV charging discounts
- guidance for first-time EV drivers
EV Charging Is Easy Once You Build the Right PHV Routine
EV charging may feel unfamiliar at first, especially if you are switching from petrol or hybrid vehicles.
But for PHV drivers, the key is simple:
- Do not wait until empty.
- Charge when you have the chance.
- Use DC charging when time matters.
- Use AC charging when the car is parked longer.
- Avoid waiting for 100% unless you really need it.
Once you build the right routine, EV driving can fit naturally into your PHV schedule.
If you are looking for PHV car rental in Singapore, Velocity Leasing can help you choose a PHV-approved EV that fits your driving habits, budget and income goals.
Ready to start driving an EV for Grab, Gojek, TADA, Ryde or Zig? Contact Velocity Leasing today to check available PHV rental packages.
FAQ
Is EV charging convenient for PHV drivers in Singapore?
Yes, EV charging can be convenient for PHV drivers if you plan your charging routine properly. The best habit is to charge before the battery gets too low, use DC fast charging during active shifts, and use AC charging during longer breaks or overnight parking.
Should PHV drivers use AC or DC charging?
PHV drivers should use both. AC charging is better for overnight charging or longer breaks. DC fast charging is better during a PHV shift when you need to get back on the road quickly.
When should PHV drivers start charging their EV?
A good rule of thumb is to start planning your charge at around 30% battery and try to charge before the battery drops below 20%. This gives you more flexibility if your next booking is far away or nearby chargers are occupied.
Should I charge my EV to 100% every day for PHV driving?
Not always. For many EVs, charging to around 80% is enough for normal daily driving. PHV drivers may charge to 90% or 100% when expecting a long shift, but charging from 80% to 100% is usually slower.
Why does EV charging slow down after 80%?
EV charging slows down after 80% because the car reduces charging speed to protect the battery as it becomes fuller. This is normal and is part of the EV charging curve.
What EV charging apps should PHV drivers use in Singapore?
PHV drivers can consider installing several apps, such as SP Mobility, CDG ENGIE, Shell Recharge and Charge+. Having multiple apps gives you more charging options when one station is full or unavailable.
Is an electric car good for Grab, Gojek or TADA driving?
An electric car (EV) can be suitable for Grab, Gojek or TADA driving if the car is PHV-approved and the driver has a good charging routine. EVs can be especially attractive for drivers who want a quieter drive and lower fuel-related running costs.
