Electric Vehicle Models to be Introduced into Hong Kong Next Year

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Melissa Ng / David Hsieh at 212-752-3320
Daniel McAtee at 202-238-6360
Wing Yan Tong at 415-835-9315

September 21, 2009 - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today announced that a variety of electric vehicle (EV) models would be introduced into Hong Kong next year, reflecting the keen interest of overseas vehicle manufacturers in the Hong Kong market.

The Steering Committee on the Promotion of EVs, chaired by Hong Kong Financial Secretary, held its second meeting today. Hong Kong Secretary for the Environment Mr. Edward Yau said after the meeting that EV manufacturers had been incentivized by the strong policy push from the HKSAR Government for the promotion of EVs and the setting up of charging infrastructure. They are also encouraged by the favorable physical environment of Hong Kong for the use of electric vehicles. Many of them have already expressed interest in introducing EVs into the Hong Kong market and have been working on a concrete supply plan.

“The Government has been pursuing collaboration with various EV manufacturers including Mitsubishi, Nissan and BYD. We also began the trial on Mitsubishi's EV ‘i MiEV’ in May.

“So far the testing results have been positive. The first batch supply of ‘i MiEV’ will be launched progressively before April 2010. The Government will procure 10 units in this batch for deployment in different bureaus and departments. This will enable us to test the performance of EVs comprehensively under different operational environment,” Mr. Yau said.

“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. 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.” Mr. Yau said.

At today’s meeting, the committee was also briefed on the impending supply of commercial EVs such as vans, minibus and truck to the Hong Kong market in 2010.

“The introduction of commercial EVs, which can also enjoy the waiver of First Registration Tax applicable to all EVs, will extend the adoption of EVs for meeting commercial transportation needs. We look forward to the introduction of a greater variety of EV models in Hong Kong as soon as possible,” Mr. Yau said.

The committee also welcomed the plan of the two power companies to launch charging facilities in 2009. The setting up of EV charging network will complement the supply of EVs to Hong Kong and will facilitate the take-up of EVs by the community.

Representatives from a number of EV manufacturers and dealers briefed the committee today on their future plan in the promotion of EVs. The committee was also briefed on the latest development of various EV-related issues.

The Government has identified in this year’s Budget the promotion of EVs as one of the key measures to promote green economy. The committee was set up in April this year to make recommendations on the strategy and specific measures to promote the use of EVs in Hong Kong. With the maturity of EV technology, EVs will be introduced into the market in the coming few years. Apart from working closely with EV manufacturers to secure the supply of EVs for the local market, the Government will also work with the committee to prepare for the future development of EVs, including the setting up of complementary infrastructure such as the charging network.