Tesla’s Singapore Splash: What’s the Buzz About?
When Tesla finally rolled into Singapore, EV buffs and neighbourhood drifters alike went a little mad. It isn’t hard to see why: these cars are the future rolled into one sleek package. The update‑on‑the‑fly tech, zero‑emission bragging rights, and that inner‑jeweler feel of owning a piece of tomorrow make them the car‑theorist’s dream.
Why the Hype Is Real
- Tech‑heavy chassis: Autopilot, over‑the‑air updates, and a battery that feels like it keeps the city alive.
- Green glam: No smog, no CO₂—just pure electricity that comes from the power grid’s very best.
- Style‑over‑utility: Many critics and fans swear the “need” is in the “want” – it’s a sweet spot between necessity and indulgence.
But Tesla Isn’t All Cake
Yes, Tesla rocks, but the brand ain’t flawless. Their design mantra leans plain‑vanilla, which can feel a tad bland when you compare it to the flashy, tongue‑in‑cheek styling of some rivals. Seat comfort, fit‑and‑finish, and the overall interior vibe occasionally bring back memories of 1990s budget cars.
So what’s the savage—if any—surprise? Well, we’re about to reveal some electric‑mobility contenders that rival, and sometimes even outperform, Tesla on certain fronts. Buckle up, because the electric revolution is wider than you think.
Prices Are All “Official” – Converted to Aussie Currency (SGD)
All figures below are pulled straight from each brand’s website and converted to Singapore dollars. While the numbers can flicker, the fact remains: you’re looking at real-world data.
1. Nio – ET7
<img alt="" data-caption="Clean and sleek, the ET7 is one of the best-looking EVs.
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Meet the Nio ET7: The Fancy Future‑Car In Disguise
Picture this: a sleek, almost whisper‑quiet sedan that looks like it’s cruising on air instead of a road. The Nio ET7 is all about that vibe—clean lines, a stomach of smooth curves, and headlights that cut into the sky like needles.
Inside the Box: Future Meets Comfort
Step inside and you’ll see a 12.8‑inch floating screen that’s basically the cockpit of a spaceship. The cabin’s decked out with Nappa leather and Karuun Renewable Rattan, giving you a feel that’s both cozy and eco‑friendly.
The dashboard is a zen garden: invisible smart air vents whisper away without breaking the minimalist flow—something most cars just don’t get.
Geeky Gear for the Win
- Aquila Super Sensing – 33 high‑performance sensors (yes, you read that right) that keep you and your car super safe.
- Ultra‑long‑range, high‑resolution LiDAR to make the car look like it has its own nervous system.
And the whole reason? Autonomous driving features that are powered by those high‑tech gadgets. Dream‑big, drive‑real.
Wizard‑Level Specs
- Power: 635 bhp (think Harry Potter, but with horsepower)
- Range:
- ½‑kilo‑mile – 500 km (70 kWh)
- Three‑quarters – 700 km (100 kWh)
- Full throttle – 1 kilo‑mile – 1000 km (150 kWh)
- Battery: 150 kWh solid‑state, the “big one” that lets the ET7 go the distance of a marathon.
- Price: Starts around $93,997 – good, if your wallet is willing to talk to a sci‑fi headliner.
When It’s Going Live
The ET7’s much‑awaited launch was slated for 2022. If you’re looking at the future of commuting, this car’s beating at the heart of it.
2. Xpeng – P7
<img alt="" data-caption="Opt for the P7 Wing and you'll get classy looks with a dash of flamboyance.
PHOTO: Xpeng” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e1a38f7d-4b8b-4e24-a925-0e70df0c9bee” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210819_car_xpeng.jpg”/>
Meet the Xpeng P7: China’s sleek EV that’s giving Tesla a run for its money
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through China’s Douyin, you’ve probably stumbled across the Xpeng (or Xiaopeng) P7. Think of it as a car that’s both a tech showstopper and a hesitant step into the market that feels oddly very familiar – a real‑time competitor to the Tesla Model 3.
Design that turns heads
- Classy executive sedan looks with a BMW 5 Series-sized footprint, but feel like you’re actually in a Model S.
- Minimalist interior of high‑grade materials, digital dash, and secretive side vents.
- Room‑y cabin that reviewers rave about – no tight seats here.
The “Wing” edition: fancy doors are the new black
The limited‑run P7 Wing sports electric scissor‑style doors that open via a phone app (or other techy tricks). All in all, fancy doors are apparently the new fashion statement for top‑tier Chinese electric cars.
Key specs you’ll love
- Range: 562 km (4WD high performance) – 706 km (RWD super long‑range Smart trim)
- Power: 263 bhp (RWD) / 424 bhp (4WD high performance)
- Price:
- RWD long range – Standard trim: $48,182
- 4WD high performance – X‑wings trim: $85,905
So if you’re looking for a hush‑hush, high‑tech ride that can shave off a few miles from the Tesla plaque, the Xpeng P7 is there with a whisper‑soft smile.
3. Lucid – Air
<img alt="" data-caption="The most powerful variant of the Lucid Air will produce over a thousand bhp!
PHOTO: Lucid” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”1b2afd5e-114f-4f1d-8465-b6e417ef1387″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210819_CAR_LUCID.jpg”/>
Lucid Air: The American Dream Car on Wheels
Picture this: a sleek, silent sedan that’s as bold as a startup founder at a board meeting. That’s the Lucid Air, the first electric luxury sedan that’s not just built in California but built with the kind of extravagance you’d expect from a high‑end automaker. While most EVs are fighting for eye‑catching design, Lucid has dropped the charts with minimalism that could pass for a futuristic coffee table.
Design & Looks
Lucid’s fresh take on sleekness is all about flow. The Air boasts a super‑low drag coefficient that gives it a smooth glide on the road, while the generous frunk (the front trunk) is one of the biggest of any EV around—think of it as a pocket for your groceries, snack stash, or even a small sofa.
Performance & Specs
- Power: Takes you from 473 hp (Pure) up to a mind‑blowing 1,065 hp (Dream Edition).
- Range: Depending on the model, you’re looking at 653 km (Pure & Touring) up to 832 km (Dream Edition). Think of it as a long‑haul gig without the pit stops.
- Charge: A quick 20‑minute boost gets you enough juice for a 483 km drive. That’s faster than filling up your coffee mug.
- Technology: Inside sits a 34‑inch 5K Glass Cockpit—essentially a windshield that’s a screen—and a 21‑speaker Surreal Sound System to fan the car’s interior like a rock‑star concert.
Variants & Pricing
- Pure: 473 hp | 653 km | $94,798
- Touring: 612 hp | 653 km | $118,668
- Grand Touring: 789 hp | 810 km | $178,340
- Dream Edition: 1,065 hp | 832 km | $219,026
With Lucid promising to be the fastest charging, longest‑range, and most powerful luxury EV, it’s basically the Elon Musk of the auto world—if Elon had a soft spot for high‑end leather and a style that’s more Beyoncé than blue‑sprayed paint.
4. BYD – Han EV
<img alt="" data-caption="The Han EV is not the BYD you are thinking of.
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Why the Han EV Is Turning Heads in China
When people talk about electric cars, BYD instantly comes to mind. Their first-gen e6 has been buzzing around as taxis and ride‑share wheels for ages, but the brand’s latest gem, the Han EV, is taking the spotlight by storm.
It Looks Like a Tesla, but With Extra Flair
The Han’s styling is a bold nod to Tesla’s slickness, yet it sports far more intricate curves and lines that give it a distinct personality. The car even snagged the 2021 iF Design Award—proof that its designer’s hard work paid off.
Built to be a Flagship Powerhouse
- Design, Features & Tech: The Han isn’t just another BYD model; it’s a completely new beast that redefines what a BYD EV can be.
- Ultra‑Safe Blade Battery: This battery is a game‑changer—still protective against accidental punctures, yet it lets the car zip kilometers on a single charge.
- DiPilot Intelligent Driving Assistant: Equipped with OTA updates to keep the driver’s experience fresh.
Performance Specs That’ll Make Your Friends Green Envious
- Extended Range: 605 km (NEDC) — Ideal for those those long, scenic road trips without a second for a charge.
- Flagship Range: 550 km — Still plenty for the everyday commute.
- Extended Power: 216 bhp — Enough juice to keep you cruising.
- Flagship Power: 480 bhp (363 kW) — Say hello to all‑wheel‑drive speed.
- ⏱ Acceleration: 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds — a blistering sprint that could leave a Ferrari blinking.
- Price: $44,554 (Extended Range) / $54,334 (Flagship) — For the price, you’re not just buying a car; you’re grabbing a piece of the future.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a covet‑the-pecuniary-ear-pulled‑into‑the‑future-enthusiast or just lookin’ for a pretty car that works hard, the BYD Han EV is the go‑to. With its award‑winning styling, rock‑solid battery safety, and speed that’ll leave your friends speechless, it’s the kind of electric ride that’s as practical as it is dazzling.
5. HiPhi – X
<img alt="" data-caption="Seven-seater? Nah, the HiPhi X is a seven-door luxury SUV!
PHOTO: HiPhi” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”5e1c9a02-9516-4f5e-bcbd-5300a1446b7e” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20210819_car_Hiphi.jpg”/>
Meet the HiPhi X: Shanghai’s Sweetest Electric SUV
Hey there, auto lovers! If you’ve ever dreamt of cruising in a vehicle that looks like it jumped straight out of a Jaguar design manual—and then realized it’s actually a Shanghai-grown electric SUV—then the HiPhi X is your new obsession.
Why It Looks Like a Jaguar
Turns out the slick styling isn’t a coincidence. Human Horizons’ chief technical officer, Mark Stanton, once helmed Jaguar’s SVO division. A subtle nod—and perhaps a bit of design wizardry—shows up in every curve and contour of the HiPhi X.
Seats, Doors, and A Dash of Luxury
You can choose between two seating plans: a six‑seater or a four‑seater limousine. Both come with an outlandish rear door system that’s like a cross‑breed of gull‑wing and suicide doors—so it’s basically a seven‑door SUV. Needless to say, pulling into the driveway feels like a mini transformation.
Inside, the driver and passenger seats face a futuristic dashboard that’s a relentless panoramic of high‑definition displays. Talk about feeling future‑tastic as you glide along.
Lights, Camera, Action—And Falloc
- Customisable matrix lighting system for mood lighting that even makes your phone jealous.
- Projection headlights that paint the road in a style that would make a sci‑fi director proud.
- Optional motorised champagne chiller for the rear passenger—because who doesn’t want a chilled bubbly while evaluating road conditions?
Performance & Price
- Range: 630 km on a single charge.
- Power: 264 bhp (single motor) or a whopping 528 bhp (dual motor) for those who crave speed.
- Price: $139,910 for the six‑seater; $164,360 if you really want the limousine experience.
Wrap Up
In a market where EVs are becoming as common as parking spots, the HiPhi X stands out as the most opulent electric SUV you’ll find today. It’s a blend of speed, style, and a touch of indulgence that’s hard to beat. Buckle up, pop a glass of chilled champagne, and enjoy the ride—because this isn’t just a car, it’s a statement.
