In October, Hong Kong’s Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing spoke of plans to phase out all fossil fuel vehicles over the next 10 to 20 years and switch to electric modes of commercial and public transport to improve air quality. This is a welcome prospect, but what are the likely hurdles to successful implementation?
The main challenge would be the charging stations in Hong Kong, which are grossly inadequate. Second, chargers are in poor condition. Third, the financial incentives provided by the government so far have not proved very attractive. Fourth, Hong Kong’s hilly terrain and humid climate, which a pose heavy load on engines and batteries, are also negative factors.
In his 2009 policy address, then Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen declared that Hong Kong planned to lead the way in Asia on electric vehicle use. Ten years on, the results are not satisfying and roadside pollution, with its attendant health impacts, is still serious. In contrast, all public buses and taxis in Shenzhen are electric.
Hence, the Secretary for the Environment’s announcement in October of HK$2 billion (US$254.9 million) in support for old private estates to upgrade parking facilities to support electric vehicles was a timely move. But there is no regulation in Hong Kong now requiring charging stations in car parks to be used exclusively by electric vehicles. I suggest that the government establish regulations to restrict their use for non-electric vehicles.
The core technology behind charging stations and electric vehicles must also be upgraded. Taxis, in particular, require a network of quick-charging stations, which can charge a vehicle in less than two hours.
With widely distributed and adequately maintained charging stations, and quick charging technology, people will be more willing to switch to “green” cars and also do their bit for sustainable development.
Wang Ziyi, student, Master’s degree programme in Public Policy, HKUST