A quick step by step walkthrough for people who wish to become a PHV driver in Singapore; hope it helps you :)
• There are a few options:
• Register for PHV member at all petrol stations, then you don’t need to think about which petrol station to choose since, after you become PHV members at all petrol station, you can get petrol discount at all petrol stations which are about the same, not much difference. Then to maximise your petrol discount, you can choose a credit card to go along with it, a credit card that pairs with the specific petrol station or a % cashback credit card.
OR
• Register for PHV member at your desired one or few petrol stations brand (ESSO, SPC, SHELL, Caltex) and choose a credit card to go along with it, a credit card that pairs with the specific petrol station or a % cashback credit card
OR
• Using the PHV ride hailing app given petrol discounts
• Comparing the options, the % petrol discount difference is not very big, so just choose the options which you prefer, based on the petrol stations near where you stay/study/work or the PHV ride hailing app that you use.
• You should consider starting off with a petrol station based discount first because you may need some time to become more experienced first before applying for the ride hailing app that you decided to go long term with, to put yourself in a better position to get the app’s PHV new joiner incentives.
• Personally, I use the PHV temporary licence to register for PHV membership at ALL petrol stations, so as to know the perks at all the different petrol stations, then to better choose the petrol station brand to go to eventually and to choose the credit card to apply for, that pairs with the petrol station brand that I prefer.
* Besides petrol discount, it is advisable to refill your tank when it's closer to empty (like ~20% left) rather than topping up frequently. This can help you maximize the benefits of any discounts or rewards tied to minimum spending amounts.
• CALTEX -
• Grab has partnered with Caltex to give selected Grab driver-partners 29% to 31% discount off your petrol
• Caltex PHV member 23% discount + 6% cashback POSB everyday card = 29% discount
• ESSO -
• Esso PHV member 22% discount + 6% cashback OCBC 365 or 8% cashback OCBC FRANK = 28-30% petrol discount
• Esso PHV member 22% + 8% Citi cashback = 30% petrol discount
• SPC -
• SPC PHV member 25% (22% standard discount + 3% extra for every X litres pumped per week) + 6% cashback POSB everyday card = 31%
• SPC PHV member 25% + 6% cashback OCBC 365 = 31% petrol discount
• SINOPEC -
• Sinopec discount for PHV drivers is up to 30% (during promo period)+ 1.5% AMEX Cashback card with no minimum spend = 31.5%
• SHELL -
• Shell PHV member 22% + 5% HSBC Live+ Card = 27%
• Shell PHV member 22% + 8% Citi cashback = 30% petrol discount
• Shell PHV member 22% + 6% cashback POSB everyday card = 31%
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• Alternatively, you may also choose to drive an Electric Vehicle (EV) car instead of a petrol car if you want greater fuel costs savings.
• After changing to EV, it will cost approximately less than 50% price of petrol to travel the same distance as petrol car but the con/disadvantage of driving an EV car is the charging time / may take a long time to recharge the batteries.
Time is money so the long charging time may result in downtime for your work as a PHV driver, which will in turn results in lower earnings/income.
• In Singapore, EV charger stations can mainly be categorised into 2 different types:
1.Mennekes (Type 2) Charger: This charger uses alternating current (AC) to charge electric vehicles. It is commonly found in many charging stations across the country.
2.Combined Charging System 2 (CCS2): Unlike the Mennekes charger, the CCS2 charger utilises direct current (DC) for faster charging.
• There are also two charging options, managed by licensed charge point operators:
Private Charging: Private charging refers to charging your EV at home or in private premises such as condominiums or landed properties.
Public Charging by Licensed Charge point Operators: Public charging stations are operated by licensed EV charger station operators in Singapore and offer both AC and DC Fast Charging. These operators are responsible for managing and maintaining the charging infrastructure across various locations, including public car parks, shopping malls, and commercial buildings.
•120kw fast EV chargers – 10-15 mins for 40% charge
• 22-30KW 50 mins – 1 hour for 40% charge
• Approx. $35-40 for full charge for 800V architecture car that allows it to charge to 350KW
• EV charging routine/lifestyle:
• For shorter charging duration (~10 to 15 mins), you can consider taking a toilet break or a short rest while waiting for your EV car to charge
For longer charging duration (~1 hr), PHV drivers cant wait so long, to charge the batteries during working hours
Because it will take too long and eat into your earnings/money making hours.
Therefore you should consider:
• Charging during meals, if the nearest EV station from your house/place is too far for night-time charging
• Charging at night after you go home/stop working
• Gojek - 10% EV charging discount w/ CDG ENGIE
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