What Are the COE Categories in Singapore?
Singapore’s Certificate of Entitlement system divides vehicles into five categories — A, B, C, D, and E. Each category corresponds to a specific group of vehicles, and the COE you bid for must match the vehicle you intend to register. Bidding for the wrong category means you cannot use that COE for your vehicle.
Here is a complete breakdown of each category, what vehicles fall under it, and how prices typically compare.
The Five COE Categories at a Glance
| Category | Vehicle Types | Engine / Motor Power | Typical PQP Range (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat A | Small cars (e.g., Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Mazda 3) | Engine ≤ 1,600 cc or electric motor ≤ 97 kW (130 bhp) | S$88,000 – S$96,000 |
| Cat B | Large cars (e.g., BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Tesla Model 3) | Engine > 1,600 cc or electric motor > 97 kW (130 bhp) | S$103,000 – S$115,000 |
| Cat C | Goods vehicles and buses | All engine sizes — diesel and electric commercial vehicles | S$67,000 – S$75,000 |
| Cat D | Motorcycles | All engine sizes | S$9,500 – S$12,500 |
| Cat E | Open category (any vehicle type) | Not applicable — can be used for any category | S$105,000 – S$118,000 |
Category A — Small Cars
Cat A covers smaller, more affordable passenger cars. The key threshold is an engine capacity of 1,600 cc or below, or an electric motor power output of 97 kW (130 bhp) or less.
Typical Cat A vehicles include the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Hyundai Avante, and most hybrid models like the Toyota Prius. Cat A tends to have the highest quota among passenger car categories, but demand remains consistently strong due to its popularity with first-time car buyers and families.
As of 2026, the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP) for Cat A sits around S$92,000 — the lowest among passenger car COEs, but still a significant cost.
Category B — Large Cars
Cat B covers larger, higher-performance passenger cars with engines exceeding 1,600 cc or electric motors above 97 kW. This includes luxury sedans (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class), high-performance electric vehicles (Tesla Model 3 Long Range, Porsche Taycan), and larger SUVs.
Cat B prices are typically S$10,000–S$20,000 higher than Cat A. The quota is smaller than Cat A, and demand from luxury car buyers and businesses tends to keep prices elevated.
Category C — Goods Vehicles and Buses
Cat C covers all goods vehicles and buses, regardless of engine size. This includes vans, lorries, tipper trucks, minibuses, and school buses. Both diesel and electric commercial vehicles fall under Cat C.
Cat C prices are generally lower than passenger car categories, reflecting the commercial nature of these vehicles. However, prices have risen in recent years due to increased demand for last-mile delivery vans and the broader shift toward electrification of commercial fleets.
Category D — Motorcycles
Cat D covers all motorcycles regardless of engine displacement. Motorcycle COEs are significantly cheaper than car COEs — typically in the range of S$9,500 to S$12,500.
The bidding process for Cat D follows the same rules as other categories, but the lower price point means lower bid deposits and a faster path to securing a COE.
Category E — Open Category
Cat E is the flexible option. A Cat E COE can be used to register any vehicle type — small car, large car, goods vehicle, or motorcycle. This makes it particularly popular with:
- Car buyers who want flexibility to switch vehicle types later.
- Dealers and importers who need COEs for multiple vehicle types.
- Bidders hedging against category-specific price surges.
Cat E tends to trade at a premium over other categories because of this flexibility.
Which Category Do You Need?
Ask yourself these questions to determine your category:
- What type of vehicle are you buying? Passenger car, commercial vehicle, or motorcycle?
- If a passenger car, what is the engine power? Under 1,600 cc / 97 kW means Cat A. Above means Cat B.
- Are you buying an electric car? Power output determines Cat A or Cat B, not engine size.
- Do you need flexibility? Cat E works for any vehicle but costs more.
If you are unsure, check the vehicle specification sheet or ask your car dealer. Registering the wrong COE category means you must forfeit the COE and bid again.
Once you know your category, you can apply for a COE loan to finance the premium. If you are ready to proceed, start your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Each COE category is specific to the vehicle type. A Cat A COE can only register a vehicle that qualifies under Cat A limits. For a larger car, you need Cat B or Cat E.
It depends on the motor power output. Electric cars with motor power of 97 kW (130 bhp) or less fall under Cat A. Above that threshold, they fall under Cat B.
No. COEs are not transferable between categories. A Cat B COE can only be used for Cat B vehicles. Use Cat E if you need cross-category flexibility.
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