Singapore recently added 10 double-decker electric buses to its fleet, in addition to the 15 single-decker electric buses that have been operating since early summer. Singapore bought 60 electric buses 2 years ago and is adding them to specific routes as it works out details of integrating them into the fleet.
Singapore plans to have an all electric bus fleet by 2040. It is also encouraging taxi owners and people with private cars to switch to electric vehicles, and is using tax policy and other incentives to encourage switching to EVs, as well as working with commercial groups to increase charging stations by more than 15-fold in the next 10 years.
The buses have a bigger upfront cost than diesel buses. But like all EVs, they will have vastly reduced maintenance costs and should eventually break even in costs or even save money.
This is a good example of how we can address air pollution and climate change – putting existing knowledge and solutions to work right now. We have a lot of technology and solutions already, we need smart policies and the will power to act on what is available right now. It is challenging, but we can do it!
