LTC Irwan Khusaini takes us through his journey from diesel engines to electric motors, sharing why he made the leap to a BYD Atto 3 and how it transformed his daily drive.
For over two decades, LTC Irwan Khusaini has relied on his cars to support a busy schedule. From juggling professional responsibilities — including his role as a member of HomeTeamNS’ Branding & Publicity Committee — to making time for family and personal pursuits, Irwan’s mobility choices have always revolved around one thing: Practicality.
His motoring journey began in 2000 with a modest Toyota Belta, bought fresh out of school. Each upgrade since has been shaped by a need for fuel efficiency and function over flash. Among them, one car stands out: The hybrid Kia Niro. “That car was with me when I met my current wife. It even ferried us to our wedding!” he shares.
Now 45, Irwan swears by his latest ride: The fully electric BYD Atto 3. For him, the benefits are clear — lower running costs, improved comfort and an unexpected level of convenience. “I’m surprised by the technological feats of Chinese-made cars,” he enthuses. “They are no longer what we perceive them to be. Their R&D is truly a powerhouse now.”
Having moved from petrol to hybrid and now electric vehicles (EV), Irwan sees EVs not as a passing trend, but as a meaningful shift in the way we drive.
From the start, Irwan chose his cars based on what best fit his lifestyle. “With the modest salary I had then, it was a means for me to get from point A to point B,” he recalls.
Weekends were spent visiting parents and in-laws, and regular grocery runs across the Causeway meant that fuel efficiency was always top priority.
That pragmatic mindset soon led him to a diesel-powered SUV, which helped him save about $200 a month in fuel. But when government regulations began phasing out diesel vehicles, Irwan pivoted to a hybrid and before long, found himself eyeing something new entirely.
Irwan had long kept an eye on the EV space, but early concerns about charging infrastructure held him back. Still, Singapore’s growing push towards electric mobility kept him optimistic. “I knew this would change over time with improvements in battery range and technology. And because the government was very pro-EVs — with incentives for early adopters — this would be my next target!”
The Regional IT Lead finally made the switch when he saw newer models from Chinese EV maker BYD — including the Seal, Dolphin and Atto 3 — boasting ranges of over 420km. “Once I saw that, as well as the growing EV infrastructure near my home and the incentives offered by my workplace for using an EV, I knew the time was right to take the leap,” he says.
When it came time to choose, the BYD Atto 3, an electric Sports Utility Vehicle, stood out for its generous space, solid pricing and rising reputation.
While early EV adopters feared range anxiety and limited chargers, Irwan has found ways to adapt seamlessly. “We should always be adaptable, so long as we’re aware of the benefits. When charging the car, I’d go for meals or shopping — it became a way to make use of time positively. All major malls have charging stations, and with more coming to our HDB heartlands, this didn’t concern me anymore.” With a growing network of EV chargers including those conveniently located at all HomeTeamNS clubhouses, it is now easier than ever for drivers like Irwan to fit charging into their daily routines. Plus, members enjoy 10% off charging rates.
One of his favourite features of the BYD Atto 3? “Using the mobile app to turn on the aircon before entering the car,” he says. “It gets really hot parked outdoors, so this feature makes a big difference. And with zero emissions, I don’t mind letting the kids stay inside with the aircon running.”
The cost savings have been another highlight. “With an EV now, I spend a lot less on consumption. A full charge on a fast DC charger is about $45, while a slower AC charge costs about $25. That’s a fraction of what I used to spend on petrol,” he shares. Though EV ownership comes with slightly higher road tax and insurance premiums, Irwan feels that the savings on daily running costs far outweigh the extra fees.
He’s even optimistic about cross-border drives. “I’ve heard from friends that there are charging stations along the North-South Highway, so KL road trips are definitely in the pipeline.”
Now almost two years into EV ownership, Irwan is more convinced than ever that he made the right decision. His lifestyle hasn’t been disrupted, his wallet thanks him and he’s no longer spending time at petrol stations. “If you’re considering it, do your research and understand your own driving habits. You’ll find that an EV fits better than expected — especially with how quickly infrastructure is improving,” he says. “And remember, buses and taxis are making the switch too. That shows how EVs are becoming the norm on our roads.”
HomeTeamNS is celebrating 20 years — and one lucky member will drive home a brand-new BYD Dolphin, sponsored by Vantage Automotive Limited! The more you sign up, join in, or spend with us, the better your chances.
Contest period: 6 September 2025 to 31 March 2026
How to increase your chances in our lucky draw:
This lucky draw is open to Ordinary, Associate, and Family members of HomeTeamNS and all entries are tied to your member ID. Don’t miss out — you can find more information on this website.
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