Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more widely-adopted as accessibility to charging infrastructure increases and EV technology matures.
Now the EV industry in Singapore hit a new milestone as Kia launched its first EV that was assembled in the country – the Kia EV5.
The brand-new Kia EV5 was announced at the Singapore Motor Show in January and officially unveiled at an event at the end of May. But how much will it cost drivers to own a Singapore-made Kia EV5? Let’s find out.
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Three Different EV5 Models
First off, the specifications of the Kia EV5 are important to establish. While the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is widely-recognised on the island, the EV5 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) that’s slightly smaller than the Ioniq 5.
The EV5 will also be released in three models, which are Air, Earth, and GT-Line. The most energy-efficient of them all is the EV5 Air, which comes equipped with a 134hp motor and allows it to be categorised as Category A for COE purposes.
That makes it relatively cheaper and the total cost of the Kia EV5 Air will set you back $193,000 (including the latest Category COE cost of $96,999) as of 6 June 2025, according to data from Sgcarmart.
Similarly, the EV5 Earth model qualifies for a Category A COE given it has the same motor as the EV5 Air. However, the Earth has a slightly larger battery which gives it a longer range (per full charge) of 540km versus 400km for the Air.
That bigger battery and range is reflected in the price – with the EV5 Earth going for $209,600 (including the latest Category A COE cost of $96,999) in early June 2025, according to data from Sgcarmart. Both of these Kia models – Air and Earth – are exclusive to the Singapore market and won’t be exported elsewhere.
Premium EV5 GT-Line
At the top of the EV5 range sits the GT-Line model, which possesses two electric motors and all-wheel-drive with a total output 308hp. That puts it firmly in the Category B for COE purposes and, with that, a higher price tag.
Its range is slightly lower at 470km, despite using the same larger battery as the EV5 Earth, but that’s down to the extra load in powering the dual motor architecture.
To get your hands on the GT-Line model, individuals will have to front up $261,000 (including the latest Category B COE cost of $113,000) as of early June 2025, according to data from Sgcarmart.
Charging Costs
One of the other additional costs to consider is, of course, the running costs of owning an EV5. Charging your EV at home will be substantially cheaper than utilising public charging infrastructure.
According to Kia Singapore, home charging takes around eight to 24 hours to reach full charge at a cost of around $10.50.
On the other hand, public charging stations offer DC Fast Charging where vehicles’ battery capacity reach 80% in 30 to 45 minutes at an average rate of $15 per hour. An hour’s charge will last you a driving range of 250km.
Looking To Go Local And Electric In Singapore
For those of us who would be proud of driving a Singapore-made automobile that’s unique to this market, then the obvious choices would either be the Kia EV5 Air or EV5 Earth.
Both of these are produced here and also available only in Singapore. Given range differential of 140km per charge might not matter so much in a city state like Singapore, it’s up to individuals whether the extra cost of the EV5 Earth justifies the cost of further range.
If cost is no impediment then individuals can also consider the GT-Line given the dual engine set-up and higher horsepower but they’ll also have to be willing to pay around 25% more for this model versus the EV5 Earth.
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