City Energy starts app-free EV charging in Singapore and Malaysia
This new system will let EV drivers drive up to charging stations, charge, and then leave, without the need to pull out their phones.
By Kenny Yeo -
Note: This article was first published on 17 July 2025.
Go by City Energy, the EV charging arm of City Energy, has just announced its new AutoCharge system. With this system, EV drivers will be able to pull up to supported charging stations and start charging without the need for an app—much like how ICE car owners fuel up at petrol stations.
Perry Ong, Chief Executive Officer of City Energy, said:
With AutoCharge, EV drivers only need to register their vehicle once on our app. After that, they can simply plug in and power up without touching their phones – no apps, no QR codes, no hassle. EV charging with Go by City Energy could now be the most intuitive and appealing experience for EV drivers.
This new feature helps solve a couple of pain points that EV owners face when it comes to charging, such as not knowing which app to use, not having the right app for the charger, and poor cellular connectivity in carparks.
How does it work?
Instead of relying on an app to authenticate a user and start the charging process, the AutoCharge system identifies users through the vehicle’s unique Charge Controller ID (EVCC ID). Once an EV is plugged in, the charging station looks for the vehicle’s EVCC ID and starts charging if it matches.
However, this does mean that there’s an onboarding process so that the particular vehicle can be added to the AutoCharge system’s database. Happily, the process only requires the vehicle’s unique vehicle identification number (VIN) and can be completed in minutes. Once the car is registered, it can pull up to any AutoCharger charger and start charging without the need for the City Energy Go app. It only takes the charging station about 20 seconds to identify the vehicle and initiate charging.
To end the charging session, simply unplug the connector, and drivers will receive their bill via the app. Drivers can also opt to end their charging session early via the app.
One thing to note is that the AutoCharge feature only works when using the DC charger and it currently only works with a select number of EV brands, and they are :
- Aion
- BYD
- Chery (Jaecoo and Omoda)
- MG
- Tesla
In Singapore, the feature is currently available at five locations, and they are:
- Pullman Singapore Hill Street
- Klimt Cairnhill
- Komo Shoppes
- North Gaia
- North Park Residences
Go by City Energy plans to roll this feature out to all of its charging stations islandwide.
This feature will also be available in Malaysia in collaboration with JomCharge, which has charging stations in Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang.