Impact of Recent Recall of EVs on Singapore Car Owners

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for Transport in light of BYD's recall of nearly 97,000 electric vehicles (EVs) for a manufacturing fault that can lead to fire risks (a) whether LTA has been notified by BYD on the recall of EVs which are related to the affected EVs; and (b) whether LTA is conducting its own testing and inspection of the affected vehicle models.

Mr Speaker, the Road Traffic Act stipulates that vehicle manufacturers or dealers must, upon becoming aware, notify the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and affected vehicle owners of any safety-related defects in vehicles manufactured or sold by them.

BYD Singapore Private Limited has informed LTA that BYD vehicles sold in Singapore, are not affected by the recent recall affecting about 97,000 BYD vehicles manufactured in China. LTA will continue to monitor the situation and will take appropriate action if any safety concerns are identified.

Thank you, Speaker. Just one supplementary question for the Minister of State. In relation to the last part of my Parliamentary Question (PQ), I understand from the Minister of State's response that the dealer will have to do its own monitoring. But on the part of LTA or the Ministry of Transport, does it also conduct its own independent checks, given that these particular models are quite popular in Singapore? And more generally, there has been various cases of such electric vehicle (EV) recalls for different brands for different models. Similarly, are there independent, random checks that are being put in place to ensure that there is a certain reliability assurance?

Sir, in response to the hon Member Mr Chua's questions, as far as reference to the last part of his PQ is concerned, he was asking the question as to whether LTA is conducting its own testing and inspection of the affected vehicle model. So, in context, that does not arise because the vehicles in Singapore are not subject of the recall.

But to his more general question as to whether LTA conducts independent testing and inspection, I would respond as follows. All vehicles, including EVs, are required to meet internationally recognised vehicle safety standards, such as the United Nations regulations, before they can be used on our roads. All vehicles are also required to undergo periodic inspections, to ensure that they meet roadworthiness requirements.

LTA does not conduct additional testing and inspection for vehicles affected in recalls, but requires motor dealers to promptly report any safety-related recalls initiated by vehicle manufacturers to LTA. Once reported, dealers are provided with the contact details of the affected vehicle owners. Motor dealers must then notify these owners and make arrangements to rectify the defects as soon as possible.