Counting down to the Lunar Chinese New Year! Our long-awaited CNY Car Rental Promotion is here again and various car types and models are available while stocks last.
Rental rates start from $738*. Find out more details with us and start planning your CNY trips early!
*T&Cs apply
You might have noticed electric commercial vehicles making rapid inroads into the local automobile industry of late, with the charge being led by companies such as BYD, Citroen and DFSK1 (Dongfeng Sokon Automobile) amongst others. Models such as the T3, e-Dispatch van and EC35 have become popular with businesses and are an increasingly common sight on the roads. Even large companies like DHL2 have switched to an eco-friendly delivery fleet, replacing their ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vans with electric ones.
The recent presence and prevalence of electric vehicles is neither an accident nor a modern phenomenon. Electric vehicles were already available at the dawn of the automobile age, with its invention going as far back as the 1830s3 and its commercial debut in the 1890s. These days, government incentives, lowered cost of ownership and heightened social consciousness are propelling this new phase of automobile electrification further and faster than ever before.
In Singapore, the long term goal4 is to achieve 100% of vehicles running on cleaner energy by 2040, and reduce peak emission levels by 80% within the next 10 years. The road map towards this objective has already begun with the installation of infrastructure such as charging stations across the island and a raft of financial inducements such as lower road tax and incentives like the EV Early Adoption Incentive (EEAI) and Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES). There are also campaigns to educate the public on the benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and the positive effects on the environment. Though the commercial sector has been slower in adoption, even here, the paradigm shift is underway.
For businesses, the impetus for change has always had a strong correlation with costs. The cost of petrol in Singapore has always been relatively high because of import costs as well as duties which range from 66 cents to 79 cents per litre for premium petrol (RON98 and up) and ‘regular’ petrol (RON 92 and 95) respectively5. Comparing the average cost of running an ICE and EV of a similar make, EVs can be up to 4 times cheaper to run6. According to studies by the LTA (Land Transport Authority), the average annual mileage of commercial vehicles is 40,000km.
Factoring in the current fuel rate of $2.71, and an average consumption of 1 litre for every 11.5km the annual running cost is $9,426.
40,000km / 11.5 (average L/km) x $2.71
Similarly for EVs, we consider that it can travel 6.4km per kWh, then multiply this with the current cost of $0.52 per kWh. The running cost is $3,250 annually.
40,000km / 6.4 (average kWh) x $0.52
This difference means that a savings of 65% in annual running costs is possible by replacing petrol or diesel vehicles with electric ones.
Another concern of most would-be EV owners is the availability of charging options, as well as the time needed to exchange EV batteries. Fleet managers would be worrying about whether time would be wasted searching for a suitable charging station or waiting many hours for an EV to be adequately charged. To businesses, any down time imposes an opportunity cost as these resources could have otherwise been productively deployed. In anticipation of future needs, a robust network of EV facilities and services is rapidly being set up. The current number of petrol stations stands at about 180 around the island. Planned EV charging points far outnumber this figure many times over. In HDB (Housing Development Board) estates, nearly 2,000 HDB car parks will each have a minimum of three charging points by 20259. By 2030, a total of 60,000 EV charging points are planned to be installed. A variety of different charging stations have also been installed.
Level 1 chargers
These charging points supply a 120 volt AC through a standard electrical outlet. A Level 1 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) cable which uses a regular 3-pin household plug on one end for the outlet. Level 1 chargers supply between 1.4kW to 3kW and would take between 8 to 12 hours to fully charge vehicle batteries.
Level 2 chargers
Level 2 chargers supply 240 volts AC and are referred to as public charging. These require specialised equipment to set up at home. Most Level 2 chargers are found in residential areas, public parking lots, and places of work or commercial settings. A charging session generally requires 1 to 11 hours with a charging rate of 7kW to 22kW with a Type 2 connector.
Level 3 chargers
Getting a full battery from a level 3 charger is the fastest among the 3 options and can take as little as 20 minutes to 1 hour with a charging rate of 43kW to 100+kW. Level 3 chargers also require installation and offer charging through 480V AC or DC plugs. The downside is that not all EVs are equipped with the required connectors so not everyone can make use of these charging points.
Making the switch to EVs may be daunting for individuals but make perfect sense for companies with a vehicle fleet. Assuming a commercial EV has a range of 300km11 and a commercial vehicle averages a daily mileage of a distance somewhere between that of a regular driver and a Grab driver of between 200-300km12, the commercial EV only needs to recharge its batteries fully at the end of a work day. This is the perfect arrangement for vehicles that are mostly used during office hours and returned to the same location afterwards. They can then be charged up ready for use the next day.
Factoring TCO (Total Operating Costs) for EVs over ICE vehicles, makes another compelling argument. Over the 10-year period of acquiring and operating a vehicle, the TCO is lower for EVs12. How much depends on the usage whereby the cost savings become greater with higher utilisation.
Adopting EVs also has the ancillary benefit of future-proofing a company’s fleet before ICEs are inevitably made obsolete. The UNDP Global sustainability goals, to which Singapore is a party to, lists climate change and a governmental commitment to limit global warming to below 2 degrees celsius. Moving away from ICEs is listed as one of the steps to achieve this. For a company to pro-actively support these efforts, the options can range from positive brand perception to stronger brand loyalty or growing customer base.
However, this change does not come without disadvantages. Higher upfront costs to purchase a new EV is one such factor to consider. Maintenance costs, servicing or just general unfamiliarity also make it daunting to make the switch.
For those facing such reservations, a growing number of car leasing companies such as ETHOZ makes acquiring a commercial EV with confidence much easier. ETHOZ started offering EV for rent in 2021, right after Budget 2020 (on push to promote EV) was released. Renting or leasing an EV takes away the financial burden of having to fork out a large amount of cash in the beginning or taking a loan. Best of all, ETHOZ will take care of all EV-related operational and maintenance costs which are bundled as part of the monthly cost. Contact us to find out more of what we can provide you, customisation options are also available!
Reference:
3) https://www.energy.gov/timeline-history-electric-car
4) https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltagov/en/industry_innovations/technologies/electric_vehicles.html
5) https://www.motorist.sg/article/1394/why-is-petrol-so-expensive-in-singapore
6) https://www.lhnparking.com.sg/articles/2/IsCharginganElectricCarCheaperthanRefuelingPetrol
7) https://www.sgcarmart.com/news/events_features.php?AID=4307&GASRC=sgcm
11) https://sg.byd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/STE-updated-T3-Brochure.pdf
12) https://www.motorist.sg/ask-motorists/109/how-much-mileage-is-considered-as-a-39-high-39-mileage
14) https://val-byd.com.sg/cost-of-owning-an-electric-vehicle-in-singapore/
17) https://higer.sg/news-list/Which-EV-Commercial-Van-in-Singapore-Is-Right-For-You.html
The long-awaited Hari Raya Special Car Rental Package is here again! Head out in comfort and style for your visitations and gatherings. Our 3-day Special package starts at an affordable rate of just *$450. With our professional in-house maintenance team and 24 hour breakdown assistance, you can be assured of a hassle free driving experience. Choose from our wide variety of Sedan, MPV and SUV for rent. Early bird special rates end on 31 March! *T&Cs apply.
Book now to secure your preferred car model before stocks are gone.
For more enquiries, do call us at 6654 7788 to reserve your cars.
The Easter long weekend is around the corner again! Grab our Easter Special package and travel around in comfort and style! Special package starts from just *$238. With our professional in-house maintenance team and 24 hour breakdown assistance, you can be assured of a hassle free driving experience. Choose from our wide variety cars for rent. Book now to secure your preferred car model before stocks are gone. *T&Cs apply.
For more enquiries, do call us at 6654 7788!
Optimise your business operations with NV350 URVAN at low cost. Special rental rate start from $1,3XX. With our professional in-house maintenance team and 24 hour breakdown assistance, you can be assured of a hassle free driving experience. Choose from our wide variety of trucks and vans, fully customisable to your preference. Limited units available, enquire and book now to avoid disappointment! *T&Cs apply.
For more enquiries, do call us at 6654 7788!
Get around easy for your CNY visitations in comfort and style with our limited-time offer Car Rental packages! Our 5/ 10-day CNY Special package starts at an affordable rate of just $588.
With our professional in-house maintenance team and 24-hour breakdown assistance, you can be assured of a fuss-free driving experience. Choose from our wide variety of Sedan, MPV and SUV today. Book early by 15 December to enjoy early bird rates and you may even secure a brand new car of your choice! Stocks are available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
For more enquiries, do call us at 6654 7788!
Having a car to use is the ultimate expression of freedom. Being able to go anywhere, at any time is a kind of independence afforded to the more mobile. Renting a car is a good way to experience this at a low cost, especially if you are overseas on a holiday or on a long-term job posting. However, it can also turn out to be an unpleasant experience if you do not understand the fine print of the contract on a comprehensive level. Do not forget to do a quick scan of the details as the fine print may result in a rude shock involving hefty fees that could have been avoided. To shed light on these hidden costs, here is a list of some of the common fees.
Rental Car Insurance
Insurance charges1 can be a huge bugbear as well as a source of confusion at the same time. Most of these arise from not fully understanding what is covered and what is not. All cars must have motor insurance coverage to be used in Singapore. The basic minimum insurance required is a third-party cover. This covers your liability to other people involved in a collision but not car damage.
The car rental company will already have purchased the rental car insurance before providing the car for rental. This insurance coverage comes with an Excess that is payable by the Hirer when the rental vehicle is involved in a collision. The excess amount is determined by the rental company and the Excess amount varies depending on several factors such as location of the accident (Singapore or Malaysia), age and the type of rental car. If your rental car is damaged during the rental period, you are liable to pay the excess amount to cover the cost of damage and repairs.
Other additional insurance options you could be offered when renting a car are: (1) collision damage waiver, and (2) personal accident insurance.
Collision damage waiver (CDW) is an additional insurance coverage that a rental company offers you when you rent a car. This waiver is optional, and the cost of the waiver depends on the type or engine capacity of the rental car and where the car is being driven. This waiver limits your financial obligation if the rental car is damaged in a collision. Should you decide to include the collision damage waiver in your rental package, an additional daily fee on top of the rental car fee applies.
The Personal Accident Insurance provides coverage for medical costs, emergency care and accidental death during the rental period. However, it may cover either the driver or both the driver and passengers.
Additional Driver Fee
An additional driver can be any person registered and permitted to drive the rental car during the rental period in addition to the renter. To register an additional driver, many rental companies charge an additional driver fee.
The additional drivers must meet the same requirements as those of the renter which includes the driving license and age eligibility criteria to drive the rental car. The additional drivers’ names must also be added to the rental agreement.
The most important thing to note is that all additional drivers must be approved by the rental company. There will be no insurance coverage for any additional driver(s) not approved by the rental company.
Security Deposit
Majority of the rental car companies charge a refundable security deposit. The deposit is a determined sum of money requested by the rental company just to ensure the renter takes good care of their car. If the car is returned very dirty or with scratches, the company may use the money to repair the car. It is simply a guarantee to the company just in case something goes wrong during the car rental period. After the rental contract expires and the car is returned, this sum of money will then be fully refunded.
Costly Extras
Need a child seat or GPS device? Be prepared to factor these into the daily car rental rate3. The price of this convenience could well cost as much as buying them to begin with. Therefore it is recommended that you plan ahead and calculate your sums and make a comparison to a direct purchase of these extras to see which option makes more economic sense.
Peak Timings
Peak periods such as weekends and public holidays drive rental rates higher. Planning early to book in advance or to avoid the peak periods can help to save money significantly. However, do not write off peak timings entirely. Do keep a look out as car rental promotions are advertised for festive periods from time to time.
Damage Charges
That paint chip when you hit the door while opening it, the scratch on the windscreen caused by a pebble that was kicked up by the truck in front or even a deep gash on the paintwork can rack up the final bill, even if it was someone else’s fault.
Sometimes, renters might dispute these charges which then makes it important to have documented the condition of a vehicle’s interior and exterior upon acceptance of the car. This would help to provide proof in the event of any disagreement. So do remember to take photos for reference before taking over the car and at the end of the rental.
Convenience Charges
To top it all off, there is a catch-all category of service charges and convenience charges that could apply. These include sending the rental vehicle to a specified pick-up location or if the rental car is returned at a place that is different from where it was collected. Of course, there are always some exceptions that some rental companies do go above and beyond for enhanced customer satisfaction. They may offer complimentary collection and delivery of the rental car or delivery of replacement vehicle when the rented car requires servicing or when an accident occurs.
Most rental contracts require the renter to fill up the fuel tank at the end of the rental period. This is usually full or to the same level when the car is collected at the beginning of the rental period. It is also clearly stated in the contract that the renter is fully responsible for all fines incurred during the length of the rental contract. If these terms are not abided by, the cost of fuel top up or fine will be charged to the renter with a service fee.
When COE premium hits sky-rocket high, renting a car in Singapore has become much more affordable than owning a car. The allure of a low daily base rental price is often enough to convince a potential customer to go ahead with car rental. To be fair, it can often be a great option that does not break the bank. Comparing rental or leasing to traditional car ownership further highlights its benefits. There is no need for a hefty down-payment, no loan or upfront payments of one’s hard-earned cash. This gives a renter greater financial flexibility for other much needed priorities.
What differentiates an excellent car rental company from the masses is in its level of customer service. A customer centric company quickly rises above the rest and it would be no surprise that satisfied customers make choices that benefit them the most. A prudent, savvy customer should not only know about the additional fees involved but also which is the right company to rent from. Being a market leader with over 40 years of dedicated car leasing experience since 1981, its experienced teams are well equipped to advise clients on solutions customised to suit their needs. ETHOZ is a one-stop service centre for both corporate clients and individual clients. With one of the widest range of available car makes and models under one roof, ETHOZ is definitely the multiservice, and trustworthy choice for anyone who wants to lease or rent a car in Singapore.
With its well-refined, majestic lines, a Mercedes car has always evoked desire in both drivers and passengers alike. The epitome of a superior, classy, almost aristocratic continental car, Mercedes has always been particularly adept at turning heads, from the understated elegance of an A-class to the stately S-class. However, the exclusive standing which it confers to its owners comes with a lofty price tag. Owning a Mercedes often costs more to acquire, when compared to Japanese makes of the same vehicle class. There is a premium on the cost price, servicing and repairs are likewise more expensive. A routine servicing for Mercedes under Service A and B costs between SG$250 to SG$500, while major servicing costs up to SG$1,200.
With repair expenses taking up a large proportion of the cost of owning a Mercedes, looking for a reliable Mercedes Benz servicing workshop is paramount. The difference between a trustworthy garage versus one that is not, could well be a wallet that is several thousand dollars lighter. The primary concern of all workshops is to generate profits and some may employ methods that range from the ubiquitous upselling marketing spiel to short changing customers on the services it offers.
Here are some ways that your Mercedes workshop could be overcharging you.
Topping off Fluids
Changing the engine oil is recommended for every 10,000km travelled or every 6 months, whichever is earlier. However, this rule of thumb has not kept up with advances in oil and lubrication technology. These days, engine oil can last between 10,000km to 15,000km before it has to be replenished, even for a continental car like the Mercedes which can run up to 20,000km between oil changes if synthetic oil is used. This, however, is not the main ruse. Since most cars come in on a regular basis to change the engine oil, it’s the perfect time to package the sale and refill other fluids such as coolant flushes, trans flushes, power steering flushes…. That is where the cost adds up.
It is important to recognise that the customer can choose to reject these services and if they are accepted, it is perfectly alright to request to have the empty bottles afterwards. This is to ensure that the specified genuine brand and quality of fluids are used, and that a new bottle was opened for this purpose. Otherwise, a cheaper alternative brand could be utilised or in certain cases, the leftovers from previous customers could be re-used.
Unnecessary Changes
Most people send in their Mercedes for servicing and choose between one of the three packages. However, each of these contain a predetermined list of items to replace. These include the oil filter and the air filter which may not be totally worn out yet. It is also at this point that other items such as the spark plugs, brake pads, gaskets, drive belt or even tyres are accessed and recommended for replacement.
Asking for the replaced items just to check the state of wear and whether it is appropriate to be discarded, as well as knowing some basic knowledge about car maintenance would go a long way to determine if the workshop is trying to make a little more money out of you.
Installing New Parts
Often, being informed that certain car parts have to be changed are accompanied by unpleasant warnings of what further damage could result if the same parts are not changed. Sometimes, this can be innocuous like driving with a damaged CV boot which initially manifests itself as an irritating squeaking sound when the car is driven but can result in much more serious and expensive damage. Changing the items outright is the most conservative solution but there are several other options that are much cheaper such as repairing the damaged part or sourcing for generic replacements.
How many times have drivers gone into a workshop for minor issues and been diagnosed with multiple expensive problems? It is not uncommon amongst dishonest mechanics to fabricate phantom car problems. Often, seeking a second opinion is a good way of putting one’s mind at ease as to which decision to take.
Harvesting Parts
The stories recounted read like an urban legend. When visiting an unfamiliar workshop, a dishonest mechanic could swap out your newer parts with older ones, only to sell yours at a higher price later on. Similarly, inferior parts or refurbished parts could also be installed and your newer ones taken out. A different spin on this trick is installing used parts and selling them as brand new.
Phantom Charges
Charging for work not done is one of the most egregious examples of dishonesty that can happen. This can apply to the charge for parts that were allegedly installed when none were put in and also for the labour charges on work that was not done.
The only way to avoid such scams is to visit reputable Mercedes Benz workshops or build up a relationship with a trustworthy car workshop offering Mercedes Benz services.
Overcharging
This is a little hard to justify but being aware of competitors’ rates can help with making a choice on which workshop to visit. In many instances, overcharging is most effective when you are caught in a situation without an alternative. For instance, vehicle towing services are required when there is an accident, or if roadside assistance is necessary due to a faulty battery. In this case, the driver will have no choice but to accept any brand of battery, even if the price is inflated.
At the very heart of the matter, is trust. With shady mechanics, they first confuse you, then they distress you, and finally they overcharge you. Very often, most would be none the wiser therefore, it always pays dividends over the long run when you entrust a vehicle to a dependable workshop. ETHOZ, having offered Mercedes-Benz servicing for many years, prides itself on being a credible, knowledgeable and quality-assured automotive partner. At its service centers, Mercedes-Benz owners can be assured of premium service at reasonable package rates, with even more savings and perks as a member. Its comprehensive, up to 39-point vehicle health check has the same stringent standard applied to its large fleet of vehicles that has formed a significant portion of its leasing business for over 40-years. It is this long-standing assurance of excellence provided by ETHOZ’s skilled team of automotive experts that sets every client’s mind at ease.