A Study of Travel Patterns in Electric Taxis, Private Vehicles, and Private Hire Vehicles in Singapore

Electric vehicles (EV s) are gaining popularity as a greener alternative to conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in several nations, including Singapore. With the goal of electrifying all vehicles by 2040, Singapore aims to significantly reduce emissions from its transportation sector. However, the large-scale integration of EV s will have substantial implications for the electrical grid. This thesis investigates the potential of different vehicle types for grid integration and services through a comparative analysis of travel patterns among conventional taxis, private vehicles, and private hire vehicles in Singapore. An online survey, administered via Qualtrics, was used to collect detailed travel data from a representative sample of drivers. The analysis reveals distinct driving patterns across the three vehicle categories. Based on daily driving distances, departure and arrival times, and parking locations, this study evaluates the additional load demand and identifies trends in EV availability for grid operations. The findings indicate that private vehicles exhibit greater availability for grid services when parked outside the home, compared to private hire vehicles and taxis. This study provides critical insights into identifying the most suitable vehicle types for grid integration and highlights their potential role in supporting a sustainable energy future.