Nissan Electric Prototype (file photo)
SINGAPORE, 22 SEPTEMBER 2009 - Hong Kong is actively promoting the use of electric vehicles (EV) and a variety of models are expected on the streets next year. A steering committee is focused on making recommendations on the strategy and specific measures to this effect.
The secretary for the environment Edward Yau said the first registration tax for EV has been exempted for another five years. This means EVs will be sold tax-free in Hong Kong.
He said initially, these cars will be available at a relatively high price, but one has to focus on the recurrent savings compared to petrol cars. The government hopes the EV technology will help enhance air quality and combat climate change. He also expects prices to come down gradually.
Green initiative
According to Yau, the government is encouraging EV manufacturers to promote these machines and establish charging infrastructure. These manufacturers also like the favourable physical environment of Hong Kong for the use of electric vehicles and are designing supply plans.
Yau told the press that efforts are on to collaborate with EV manufacturers such as Nissan and BYD. Trials on Mitsubishi's EV 'i MiEV' have begun and have shown positive results.
Mitsubishi's 'i MiEV' will be seen on the roads before April next year. Yau said the government will use the first 10 i MiEVs for various bureaus and departments to test the performance of EVs comprehensively under different operational environment.
The new model of EV has a driving range of 100-160 km and covers the average mileage for most commuters in Hong Kong. The authorities also had no major problem while setting up charging points in Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong is the first market in Asia, other than Japan, where i MiEVs will be sold before April 2010. This is a good start. The supply will enable the extension of testing to the private sector,” said Yau. “It will also help expose a wider section of the community to the EV driving experience. We hope that more EV manufacturers will follow the example in pitching Hong Kong as one of the priority markets for the introduction of EVs.”
Incentives for manufacturers
Year 2010 will also see commercial EVs such as vans, mini-buses and trucks in the Hong Kong market. Yau said these EVs can also benefit from the tax waiver and expects this to encourage their adoption for commercial needs.
The government is also pleased with proposal of the two power companies that will launch charging facilities this year.
The EV manufacturers can expect even better times ahead as the government intends to set a budget for the promotion of EVs that is also part of the promotion of a green economy.
