32% of car buyers plan ICE purchases as EV intent drops, report says

EV purchase intent fell to 58% in EY’s latest survey.

Singapore car buyers are shifting purchase plans towards internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with 32% indicating an intention to buy, according to EY’s 2025 Mobility Consumer Index (MCI) released on 9 January 2026.

The survey showed 32% of respondents in Singapore intend to buy an ICE vehicle in the next 24 months, up from 26% in 2024, EY said. EV purchase intent fell to 58% from 73%, while 10% of respondents remained undecided on vehicle type, according to the survey.

Charging-related concerns continued to influence buying decisions, with 56% of respondents citing public charger quality and interoperability as a barrier to EV adoption, EY found. Battery replacement costs and limited charging infrastructure followed, cited by 42% and 40% of respondents, respectively.

Dealerships remain the dominant final step in the purchasing process, with 49% of Singapore respondents preferring to complete their purchase in person, down from 65% in 2024, EY said. The firm said buyers continue to rely on in-person channels for guidance on vehicle selection and ownership considerations.

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