EV Charging Station Operator Must Know
Electric vehicle adoption in Singapore continues to accelerate, with government regulations ensuring that charging infrastructure meets rigorous safety and compliance standards.
Starting from 8 December 2024, all EV Charging Operators (EVCOs) must hold a licence to provide EVCO services and may face a fine of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months if they operate without a licence. (Source : LTA)
Many organizations mistakenly assume that EV chargers installed for internal use are exempt from oversight. However, under the Electric Vehicles Charging Act (EVCA), all charging operations, including owners/employees using their personal vehicles to charge, are considered open to the public and fall under Land Transport Authority (LTA) compliance requirements. Only a licensed EV Charge Operator (EVCO) can provide this service, ensuring that the infrastructure operates safely and efficiently.
Understanding the EVCA Licensing Requirement
All businesses operating EV charging stations in Singapore must comply with the EVCA Licensing Requirement. Key points for applying and maintaining an EVCO license include:
1. EVCO License Application and Costs
- Apply via the OneMotoring website
- Application fee: SGD 1,500 (non-refundable).
- EV Charging Operator license fee: SGD 15,000 (valid for 3 years).
- Operators must maintain third-party liability insurance covering at least SGD 2 million per incident.
(Source: LTA-OneMotoring)
2. Scope of License
Your EVCO license must clearly define the type and user profile of chargers:
- Fixed chargers
- Battery charge and swap stations
- Non-fixed chargers in restricted-access locations
3. Required Documents:
- General business particulars and Singapore-based point of contact
- Authorised business representative to act on behalf of the company
- Updated ACRA business profile (if applicable)
- Business proposal detailing company structure, scale, and EV charger operations
- Latest financial statements
- Proof of third-party liability insurance
- Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CSA-STAR or ISO 27001/27017/27018)
- Sample LTA Static Data Submission Template covering at least three charge points
(Source: LTA)
4. License Management and Compliance
EVCO licence holders must:
- Tag, modify, and renew their licence as needed.
- Submit ongoing compliance reports to meet regulatory standards.
- Ensure technical system readiness to minimize regulatory risks.
Direct licensing can involve high costs and administrative complexity. For businesses using EV chargers solely for internal use (employee or fleet charging), licensing may not be cost-effective.
The Smart Alternative: Partnering with a Licensed CPO
Partnering with a licensed Charge Point Operator (CPO) allows businesses to keep their EV charging stations fully compliant with the Electric Vehicles Charging Act (EVCA) without the cost or complexity of managing licenses in-house.
The CPO handles daily operations, regulatory reporting, billing, and payment processing, providing a hands-off, revenue-generating solution that lets you monetize your chargers while they manage all operational and compliance requirements.
Key benefits of partnering with a licensed CPO include:
Regulatory Framework Access (License Covered by CPO)
Your chargers operate under CPO’s established license, immediately satisfying LTA requirements without direct application or approval processes.
Professional Compliance Management
Licensing responsibilities, data submissions, and regulatory reporting are handled by experienced compliance specialists who stay current with evolving requirements.
Significant Cost Avoidance
Eliminate the SGD16,500 licensing investment plus ongoing compliance costs, redirecting resources to your core business operations and stetegic prorities.
Minimized Regulatory Risk
Transfer compliance responsibility to licensed professionals, protecting your organization from penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational exposure.
Choose Lim Kim Hai Electric as your Partner
Lim Kim Hai Electric, in partnership with licensed Charge Point Operator (CPO) – EV-mobility, delivers end-to-end solutions for businesses deploying EV charging stations.
- Hardware: We offer over 20 models of chargers for you to choose from.
- Installation: Carried out by a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW).
- Operational Support: Ongoing monitoring, fault reporting, and guidance to maintain compliance.
- Simplified Compliance: Professional management of licensing, data reporting, and regulatory responsibilities.
- Revenue Potential: Track usage and manage payments to monetize chargers for employees, tenants, or visitors.
- After-Sales Support: Technical assistance whenever you need it.
Through our end-to-end solutions, businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring EV charging stations are safe, compliant, and ready to deliver value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EV Charging Operator (EVCO) in Singapore?
An EV Charging Operator is a licensed entity approved under the Electric Vehicles Charging Act (EVCA) to operate and manage EV charging stations in Singapore. Only licensed operators are permitted to provide public charging services and ensure compliance with Land Transport Authority (LTA) requirements.
Are internal EV charging stations considered Public Charging?
Yes. Under the EVCA, EV charging stations used for staff, fleet, or internal purposes are classified as Public Charging and are subject to LTA regulatory requirements, even if access is restricted.
What is the role of a Charge Point Operator (CPO)?
A Charge Point Operator (CPO) manages the daily operations of EV charging stations, including system monitoring, billing, payment processing, and regulatory reporting, while ensuring compliance with EVCA requirements.
Do businesses need an EV charging operator licence to run EV charging stations?
Businesses operating EV charging stations in Singapore must either obtain an EV Charging Operator license or engage a 3rd party licensed EV charge point operators to meet regulatory requirements.
What are the EV charging station requirements under EVCA?
EV charging station requirements include real time and periodic charging data submission to LTA, safety compliance, third party liability insurance, system uptime performance and monitoring and adherence to EVCA licensing standards.
Why are EV charging operator licences costly for private businesses?
An EV charging operator licence requires an application fee of SGD 1,500, a licence fee of SGD 15,000 with renewal every three years, mandatory insurance coverage, and ongoing regulatory reporting, along with additional registration fees for each charger registered on the licensed operator platform. This makes direct licensing costly and complex for businesses operating EV charging stations.
How does partnering with a Charge Point Operator help with compliance?
Partnering with a licensed Charge Point Operator ensures that EV charging stations remain compliant with LTA regulations, as the operator handles reporting, system readiness, audits, and regulatory obligations on behalf of the site owner.
Can businesses avoid the EV charging operator licence fee?
- Yes. By operating under a licensed CPO, businesses can avoid direct licence application and associated costs.
Can EV charging stations in Singapore generate revenue
Yes. When managed by a licensed EV Charging Operator, EV charging stations can support paid Public Charging, allowing businesses to monetise charger usage while remaining compliant with EVCA requirements.
How does a Charge Point Operator ensure long term compliance
A Charge Point Operator ensures long term compliance by maintaining charging system connectivity, submitting required data to LTA, monitoring operational performance, and updating EV charging stations to meet evolving regulatory requirements.
Enquire Now
Enquire now to stay compliant and maximise your EV charging revenue with us. Simply submit the inquiry form below to get a no-obligation site survey today!
