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We have implemented idle fees since 1 December 2023, starting as a pilot at 8 public charging locations with the aim to deter hogging and reduce waiting times for EV drivers. We have since expanded the number of sites in our network where this feature is implemented, including, from 31 January 2024 onwards, to all our retail mall locations.
During this time, we have journeyed together with you and we have received your feedback about what works and what does not. From 1 July 2024, we will be making certain changes to how idle fees work.
1. Timing change for your convenience
- Before 1 July 2024: 0700 hours to 2230 hours
- From 1 July 2024: 0900 hours to 2300 hours
We understand that 0700 hours may be too early for users to move their cars, so we have changed to 0900 hours for users’ convenience.
There is no change to the idle fees timing at petrol stations, which continue to apply throughout the whole day.
Push notifications will continue to be sent via the SP app once users’ charging sessions end. There is still a grace period of 30 minutes for users to move your EV from the charging lot.
2. Increase of maximum cap
- Before 1 July 2024: $20, which is equivalent to 40 minutes
- From 1 July 2024: $40, which is equivalent to 80 minutes
Beyond the 30 minutes grace period, idle fees at $0.50/minute will continue to apply, up to the maximum cap per session.
The previous maximum cap was $20, which is equivalent to 40 minutes. This 40 minutes refers to the additional 40 minutes that a user continues to hog the parking lot, after the end of the 30 minutes grace period.
The change is that the maximum cap is now $40 per session, which is equivalent to 80 minutes. A user who is charged $40 is someone whose charging has completed, leaves the car plugged in for the 30 minutes grace period and continues not to move the car for another 80 minutes.
This increase is to deter users from continuing to remain in the EV charging lot.
3. Increase in locations
Idle fees will now be extended to all HDB locations on our charging network, as well as some new commercial locations.
Click here for a list of locations where idle fees are implemented. For your convenience, locations where idle fees apply will also be indicated on the SP app.
We understand that more EVs are on the roads now and charging resources are increasingly in demand.
We hope these changes will continue to encourage considerate charging etiquette, improve charger availability and enhance the charging experience for all EV drivers. Kindness begets kindness!
Please see our FAQs below for more details on idle fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are idle fees?
Idle fees are fees that will apply after a charging session has ended and the vehicle is still plugged in after the end of the grace period, which is 30 minutes.
2. What time will idle fees apply?
Idle fees will apply between 9:00 AM and 11:00 PM daily, except at petrol stations where idle fees will apply all day.
3. Are idle fees imposed on all SP EV chargers?
No. Idle fees do not apply to all SP EV chargers.
Click here for a list of locations where idle fees are implemented.
In addition to the list of locations stated, idle fees will continue to be implemented for selected locations in private condominiums. Please check on the SP app whether idle fees apply at your charging location.
4. Why is Changi Airport Terminal 3 categorised as a retail mall location?
For simplicity in messaging, we have categorised it together with the retail malls.
5. Will idle fees be automatically implemented for your new retail mall and HDB sites?
In general, this will be the case. Please do check on the location tag in the SP app for information on whether idle fees apply for a location.
6. Why are idle fees only applicable for these selected locations? What about other locations on the SP network?
Idle fees are implemented at locations where we see a need to reduce waiting times and improve availability of the chargers. As EV adoption increases in Singapore, we will continue to roll out idle fees to more locations based on data and feedback received.
7. What is the idle fee rate?
The idle fee rate is charged at $0.50 per minute, up to a maximum cap of $40 per session. The idle fee starts after a 30-minute grace period once the charging session ends.
8. Is there a grace period before the idle fee is imposed?
Yes, there is a 30-minute grace period which starts once your charging session is completed.
9. When is a charging session complete?
The charging process is completed when the charging has stopped, and the vehicle no longer draws power from the charger. The charging may be stopped by (a) the user; (b) the vehicle; or (c) the charger. When charging stops, your vehicle may or may not be 100% charged at that point in time. It is important to look out for the notifications pushed out by the SP app informing you that your charging session is complete.
10. How will I be billed for the idle fee?
The idle fee will be billed through the same payment method used for EV charging payment. Corporate fleet drivers may be required to set up a credit card in the SP app for the payment of idle fees. A sample screen shot of the transaction screen is set out below:
11. Is there a maximum cap on the idle fee charged?
Yes, there is a maximum cap of $40 per session. We recommend moving your vehicle once your charging session ends to allow for other vehicles to use the chargers and avoid idle fees.
12. How do I know when I've incurred an idle fee?
Users will receive the following push notifications:
- 1st notification when the charging session is complete;
- 2nd notification at the 15-minute interval; and
- 3rd notification at the end of the grace period when idle fees have started.
Do remember to enable push notifications for the SP app to ensure you are notified.
To enable push notifications, you will have to go to the settings on your phone and look for the SP app. Thereafter, you should select the allow or show notifications radio button. A sample screen shot of how this may look on your phone is set out below:
Please note that different phone makes and models may have varying settings and the above screen shots are set out simply for reference only.
13. What if I do not have push notifications activated?
Idle fees will still be applicable. Please do remember to turn on your push notifications for the SP app.
14. Do idle fees apply if there are other EV charging lots still available?
Yes, idle fees are specific to each charging lot.
15. Do idle fees apply while the vehicle is actively charging?
No, an idle fee is only applicable after the charging session is completed. Once the vehicle's charging session is completed, there will be a 30-minute grace period before idle fees start.
16. I started charging at 10:59 PM and the charging session ended at 3:00 AM the next day. I plugged out at 9:00 AM the next day. Will I have to pay any idle fees?
No, idle fees will not be applicable in this case except at petrol stations where idle fees apply all day, 24/7 with no blackout period.
17. I started charging at 10:59 PM and the charging session ended at 3:00 AM the next day. I plugged out at 9:05 AM the next day. Will I have to pay any idle fees?
Yes, idle fees will be applicable for the period of 9:00 to 9:05 AM. The grace period started at 3:00 AM and ended at 3:30 AM and idle fees start to apply from 9:00 AM onwards.
Note that the above answer is not applicable for petrol stations where idle fees apply all day, 24/7 with no blackout period.
18. The clock on my phone is 5 minutes slower than your system's clock. Do I get an additional 5-minute grace period?
No, idle fees are centrally managed by our system and we are unable to accommodate specific instances of timing mismatch on users' phones.
19. I plugged out 30 seconds after the grace period ended. Am I still charged idle fees?
Yes, 1 minute of idle fee will be applicable. Please note that our smallest unit of idle fee charging is on a per-minute basis.
20. What should I do if I face any problems with idle fees?
You can contact our customer support hotline at 6916 7799 during our operating hours for any questions or inquiries. Our hotline operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 11 pm, and weekends, 9 am to 1 pm, except for public holidays. Alternatively, you can email us at emobility@spgroup.com.sg.
