Tesla Fails To Penetrate Singapore Market Despite Major Global Popularity

Tesla has long been a popular electric carmaker internationally. While Europe, China, and U.S. consumers are very accepting of Tesla’s products, Singapore doesn’t seem to be receiving Elon Musk’s brand that well. Other than not supporting Tesla’s stance on safer energy sources for vehicles, the country has a specific legislation regarding vehicle ownership.

Tesla’s cars in Singapore appear to be uninteresting to consumers in the country according to a report from Bloomberg. Singapore minister for water and environment resources Masagos Zulkifli said that Tesla wants to introduce a lifestyle into the country. But Zulkifli is interested in making solutions that will help reduce and solve climate problems.

Aside from the government’s statements, Singapore is known to have strict laws when it comes to owning vehicles in the country. With the taxes and permits owners have to obtain, owning a secondhand Model S would cost more than $250,000 in Singapore which is exponentially higher than its $20,000 to $65,000 price range for secondhand Tesla Model S vehicles in the U.S. Owning a car in Singapore is also treated as a luxury for most of the country’s residents.

Moreover, the country has a slow adoption rate of electric car recharging stations in which Tesla can’t enforce its lead from other electric cars. In its dominant markets, Tesla is focused on adding Supercharger refilling stations that enable its electric cars to charge up easily.

Tesla’s recharging station infrastructure is larger and more widespread, so it’s easy to attract more consumers who want the convenience that Tesla vehicles give its owners. With that advantage unavailable in Singapore, consumers are less likely to get a Tesla vehicle. Lastly, the country is known for its advanced public transportation infrastructure which easily helps people travel easily within the country.

Though Singapore is out of the picture, Tesla still has the lead in other larger markets. Tesla has been enjoying the lead as seen in its tremendous sales growth in the second quarter. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if Tesla will come up with vehicles that would allow the company to penetrate countries that have many car ownership laws.