From lower daily running costs to long-term ownership benefits, the BYD by JC’s curated programme aims to make greener mobility a more practical choice for Singapore’s private-hire drivers.
For private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, every dollar saved on the road matters. Whether it’s fuel, maintenance or vehicle-related expenses, these costs can quickly add up when driving is part of your everyday livelihood.
With many PHV drivers clocking significantly higher mileage than the average motorist, choosing the right vehicle can make a considerable difference to their long-term operating costs.
This is where the programme comes into play, offering drivers access to selected BYD electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, alongside financing and ownership benefits designed with the needs of high-mileage drivers in mind.
But beyond the programme itself, just how much could PHV drivers potentially save by making the switch?
Lower Running Costs Could Mean More Savings
For drivers who spend hours on the road daily, fuel is one of the most significant recurring expenses.
According to cost comparisons provided for the programme, switching from a conventional petrol vehicle to a BYD EV or plug-in hybrid could translate into considerable savings over time.
Using an estimated driving distance of 7,500km per month, public charging at S$0.60/kWh and petrol priced at S$2.80 per litre, the comparison illustrates how much drivers could potentially save on energy costs alone.
| Vehicle | Estimated Monthly Energy Cost | Potential Monthly Savings vs Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional 1.5L petrol car | S$1,725 | — |
| BYD SEAL 6 EV | S$675 | S$1,050 |
| BYD M6 | S$825 | S$900 |
| BYD SEAL 6 DM-i | S$1,050 | S$675 |
| BYD SEALION 6 DM-i | S$1,050 | S$675 |
Figures are illustrative estimates based on 7,500km of driving per month. Petrol consumption is assumed at 12km/L, while BYD energy costs are based on the programme’s stated model-specific assumptions. Actual savings will vary with driving patterns, charging costs, fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
For a driver considering the fully electric BYD SEAL 6 EV, the estimated difference works out to approximately S$12,600 in annual energy-cost savings compared with the petrol vehicle in this scenario.
Over five years, that could amount to S$63,000 in potential savings on charging versus petrol expenses alone.
While actual figures will vary, the comparison highlights how reducing everyday operating costs can make a meaningful difference for drivers who rely on their vehicles to earn a living.
Buying Versus Renting: Looking at the Bigger Picture
Beyond daily energy expenses, another important consideration for PHV drivers is whether to rent or purchase their next vehicle.
Renting offers flexibility, but recurring rental payments can become a substantial expense over an extended period.
For drivers planning to remain in the industry for the longer term, vehicle ownership may be worth exploring.
Based on the programme’s illustrative calculations, the BYD M6 could offer approximately S$96,292 in savings over five years when comparing the modelled purchase-related payments, insurance and road tax with current rental rates for a brand-new equivalent vehicle.
Figures are calculated based on 40% downpayment, 60% loan.
The comparison also indicates potential savings across other participating models, including the BYD SEAL 6 EV, SEAL 6 DM-i and SEALION 6 DM-i.
These figures demonstrate how the cost of vehicle ownership can differ from renting over time, particularly for drivers intending to continue driving professionally.
However, ownership also comes with responsibilities, including maintenance, insurance and other vehicle-related expenses. Drivers should consider their expected driving duration, financial commitments and individual circumstances before deciding which arrangement suits them best.
Greater Peace of Mind for High-Mileage Drivers
Cost savings are important, but so is knowing that your vehicle can support the demands of daily driving.
For PHV drivers, who may clock thousands of kilometres each month, battery coverage and servicing arrangements can be especially relevant when considering an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Under the BYD by JC and GXS Bank programme, eligible drivers can benefit from:
- 8-year / 500,000km battery warranty, providing extended mileage coverage.
- 20 complimentary servicing packages, subject to the programme’s applicable usage limits.
Compared with the retail package outlined in the programme materials, which provides a 10-year/200,000km battery warranty and 10 complimentary servicing packages, the programme offers an additional 300,000km of battery warranty coverage and 10 more complimentary servicing packages.
For drivers covering an estimated 7,500km monthly, a 200,000km mileage limit could be reached in approximately 2.2 years.
The higher mileage coverage is therefore particularly relevant to those who depend on their vehicles for frequent, long-distance use.
What Do Private-Hire Drivers Think?
Beyond the figures, the practical value of such a programme ultimately depends on the drivers themselves.
ROADS.sg is gathering perspectives from Singapore’s PHV community on how lower running costs, longer-term ownership considerations and aftersales support could influence their next vehicle decision.
ROAD.sg team spoke to Wong Jun Qiang, 33, who has been a private-hire driver for 3 years, shared his thoughts on the potential savings.
“As a PHV driver, fuel is one of my biggest daily expenses, so the potential savings from switching to an EV are definitely attractive. Over time, these savings can really add up, especially when we’re driving long distances almost every day. It makes switching to an EV or hybrid something worth seriously considering.”
Daryl Fong, 42, who has been driving private-hire vehicles for 10 years, highlighted the importance of managing long-term vehicle ownership costs.
“Having driven private-hire for 10 years, I’ve learnt that it’s not just about the price of the car, but how much it costs to run and maintain in the long term. The potential savings on fuel, together with the extended battery warranty and complimentary servicing, are definitely appealing for drivers like us who clock high mileage daily. These are the kinds of benefits that can make a real difference over the years.”
Their perspectives can help shed light on how the programme’s benefits translate into the day-to-day realities of driving for a living.
Supporting Singapore’s Shift Towards Greener Mobility
The partnership also comes as Singapore continues its broader transition towards cleaner transportation.
For PHV drivers, however, making the switch to an EV or hybrid has to be more than an environmental decision. It must also make practical and financial sense.
“For many driver-partners, their vehicle is more than a means of getting around, it is essential to their livelihood,” said Ms Lai Pei-Si, Group CEO of GXS Bank.
“Making the switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle therefore has to make financial sense for them. Through our partnership with BYD by JC, we are making green vehicle ownership more financially accessible for our customers and supporting their transition towards greener mobility.”
Ms Jessica Ang, CEO of BYD by JC, similarly highlighted the collaboration’s goal of helping Grab drivers access affordable and reliable green vehicles that could lower daily operating costs and support their earning potential.
The programme covers a selection of BYD models, including the SEAL 6 EV, M6, SEAL 6 DM-i, SEAL 6 DM-i Touring, SEALION 6 DM-i and ATTO 3 EVO, giving eligible drivers a range of electric and hybrid options to consider.
Exploring Your Next PHV Vehicle
Beyond vehicle selection, BYD by JC will support interested customers throughout the purchase journey, from test drives and financing arrangements to aftersales services.
Eligible Grab driver-partners who are considering their next vehicle can visit the following showrooms:
BYD Teban Gardens
30 Teban Gardens Crescent, #01-02, Singapore 608927
BYD VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-140, Singapore 098585
Drivers can also learn more about the programme and register their interest through the BYD by JC programme website.
Ultimately, while every driver’s circumstances will differ, the collaboration highlights how the right combination of vehicle efficiency, ownership support and financing options could help make greener mobility a more practical and sustainable choice for Singapore’s PHV community.
Disclaimer: All cost comparisons are illustrative and based on assumptions supplied in the programme’s cost-savings materials. Actual savings may differ depending on vehicle usage, financing approval, energy prices, insurance, servicing and other ownership costs. Programme benefits are subject to eligibility and applicable terms and conditions.
