COE for Electric Cars in Singapore: Category, Rebates & What to Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are a growing share of new car registrations in Singapore, and they need a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) just like petrol and diesel cars. But because EVs have no engine capacity, the way they’re classified — and the incentives that apply — work a little differently.

Which COE Category Do EVs Fall Into?

Petrol and diesel cars are split into Category A and Category B using two criteria: engine capacity (cc) and power output. EVs have no cc figure, so they are classified by maximum power output alone:

• Lower-powered EVs fall into Category A
• More powerful EVs fall into Category B

The power threshold for EVs differs from the one used for combustion engines, so an EV that feels “small” can still land in Cat B if its motor is strong. Always check the car’s rated power against the current LTA threshold before assuming a category.

Rebate Schemes That Affect the Price

The COE is only one part of an EV’s cost. Two schemes can meaningfully change the bottom line:

• VES (Vehicle Emissions Scheme) — EVs typically sit in the cleanest emissions bands, which can mean a rebate that offsets other registration costs.
• EV-specific incentives — Singapore has run incentives aimed at encouraging EV adoption; the details and amounts change over time.

Because these figures are periodically revised, treat any specific numbers you read online as a starting point and confirm the current values with the LTA.

Does the COE Cost More for an EV?

No — the COE itself is the same Quota Premium that every car in that category pays. An EV in Cat A pays the Cat A price; an EV in Cat B pays the Cat B price. What differs is the rest of the cost stack (rebates, registration fees), not the COE.

You can see how Cat A and Cat B prices have moved over time on their history pages, or compare them side by side in the latest results and the year-by-year summaries.

The Bottom Line

If you’re considering an EV, the key COE question is simply: which category does its power output put it in? That single fact often matters more than the badge on the bonnet.

The free COE Price Tracker app lets you watch Cat A and Cat B prices, set a price alert, and review long-term trends so you can plan around the category that applies to your EV.

This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. For the current EV classification rules and incentive figures, refer to the LTA.

Related reading: Cat A vs Cat B COE · What Is COE in Singapore?