At the 17th World Car Awards in New York in April, Hyundai stole the show. The South Korean carmaker's Ioniq 5 won in three categories: World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle of the Year, and World Car Design of the Year. The recognition was not only a win for Asian carmakers but also signalled endorsement of an industry rapidly evolving to phase out internal combustion engines (ICES). Our game-changing electric vehicle (EV) has made a strong impact on increasingly eco-conscious and demanding consumers around the world, and its success supports the acceleration of electrification of the automotive industry,” said president and CEO Jaehoon Chang in a statement.
With 2.45 million sales in 2020, Asia-Pacific is becoming a significant driving force in the adoption of electric vehicles, largely thanks to mainland China. With 1.34 million, the country accounted for the highest number of EVs sold in the world in 2020, due to the similar cost of EVs and ICEs. Since Tesla cars first went on sale in Singapore in July 2021 and became the top-selling saloon within two months, the city state has made a great push in EV adoption, boosting charging provision and trialling electric transport-from taxis and buses to postal service scooters and Grab bikes. However, Japan and South Korea accounted for only 31,000 and 54,000 EV sales respectively, which is being put down to the cars costing twice as much as non-electric models.
As well as being more sustainable than petrol or diesel-fuelled automobiles, EVs are often a more cost-effective option; in Hong Kong, for example, the government has offered generous tax breaks since 1994 to incentivize their purchase. While there is still a definite cachet attached to owning souped-up sports cars and luxury SUVs, in many places owning an electric vehicle, particularly a Tesla, has become synonymous not only with practicality but also with status and virtue.
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Tatler Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2022 edition of Tatler Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LIFE'S A BEACH
Tatler Asia gets an exclusive first look at Rosewood Phuket's new Houses, which include a colossal 21,000 square foot beachfront mansion
Making Memories
In planning the perfect wedding, the expert team at The St. Regis Singapore, with its dreamy ballrooms and bespoke service, ensures that your big day is replete with moments to cherish for a lifetime
GONE GLAMPING
Luxury experiential travel company and Beyond opens its first Asian lodge in Bhutan to showcase the country's natural beauty in its full glory
Under a Forest of Lights
For the discerning bride seeking an exclusive and bespoke celebration, JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach is certainly up to the task
BEYOND SINGAPORE
As the local dining scene gets more competitive, homegrown brands are expanding overseas with their innovative concepts
THE MAVERICK MINDSET
With the opening of his new exhibition in Japan, Takashi Murakami speaks to Tatler about his prolific and wide-ranging career
GIVING NATURE
From those leading Tamily to changemakers and fundraisers, these standout women in philanthropy share how they are making a difference through the causes they support
House Icons
Gabrielle Chanel wrote her own story in the world of jewellery-a tale that still lives on within the house of Chanel today through its contemporary creations and one-of-a-kind treasures in the Patrimoine collection
Wrist Action
Homegrown watch strap and accessories brand Delugs is making waves across the international watch scene. Co-founders Chia Pei Qi and Kenneth Kuan share how their passion project blossomed into a burgeoning business with an even stronger community
Chain Reaction
Dripping in diamonds and equipped with a dedicated in-house movement, Richard Mille's RM 07-01 Automatic watches are the paragon of innovation and stylish sophistication
