Like many other countries in the world, the Hong Kong government is looking for ways to reach carbon neutrality in the near future. Since transport currently makes up for 20% of carbon emissions in Hong Kong, citywide change will have to include efforts to reduce carbon emissions in this area. The release of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles by the Hong Kong government comprehensively strengthens efforts to advance electric vehicle (EV) usage in all fronts and sectors of society. The specific strategies and targets of the roadmap will be reviewed every five years so that they can be adjusted and updated in response to new technological, environmental, social, and economic development and situations.

By working with the Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong 2035 and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles initiative hopes to help Hong Kong reach zero vehicular emissions by 2050 and transform Hong Kong to become greener, smarter and more liveable. 

Key Measures 

The roadmap is designed to cover different aspects and categories, including:

• Electric private cars
• Electric commercial vehicles
• Charging networks
• Maintenance services
• Battery recycling
• Decarbonisation innovation 

Electric Private Cars

Under the electric private car heading, there will be no new registration of fuel-propelled private cars, including hybrid vehicles, by 2035 or earlier. There will also be an extension of financial initiatives, like the First Registration Tax (FRT) Concession, lower vehicle license fees, and free charging services at government car parks (until 2025) that incentivise car owners to make the switch and promote the widespread adoption of electric cars.  

Charging Networks

With initiatives like the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme, mandatory charging infrastructure for gross floor area concessions, and installations of medium EV chargers at government parking spaces, the charging network is expected to substantially expand in both private and public spaces over the next few years. As of 17 March 2021, when the roadmap was first published, there are 3,351 EV chargers in Hong Kong. The goal of achieving 155,000 EV charging points by 2025 (150,000 for private commercial or residential parking and 5,000 in public space) will help support the push for electric cars in the city. In addition to increasing the quantity of electric car charging stations and charging points in Hong Kong, the government is also looking to amp up the quality of EV chargers by replacing standard chargers with medium chargers. Sites for quick charging facilities are being identified. By boosting quantity and quality, the government is addressing concerns about charging capabilities in Hong Kong. 

Maintenance Services

Thirdly, the government is enriching electric car maintenance services available in Hong Kong by offering post-secondary training and education programmes to mechanics and technicians. Since electric cars are propelled by battery-powered electric motors, it requires a completely different skill set which many traditional mechanics and repair shops do not have. With more technicians and mechanics that can manage electric car maintenance, electric car owners do not have to worry about not being able to find the right parts or mechanics to fix their cars.

Battery Recycling

Hong Kong is also working towards legislating a producer responsibility scheme for retired EV batteries in the next few years. This is in response to the environmental impact of battery waste. As widespread usage of electric cars means more and more retired EV batteries in the future, the government is hoping to enhance its ability to cope and process EV batteries. 

Others

Other aspects to the roadmap include trials for electric public transport and commercial vehicles as well as encouraging innovation in the field of decarbonisation technology and other green and smart technology. All of which will go towards helping to create a greener, cleaner, and smarter Hong Kong. 

Implications for Current and Future EV Users

With more electric car charging stations and other measures, the roadmap is transforming Hong Kong to become more EV friendly. Obstacles that may have caused car owners to hesitate to buy an electric car will be resolved. With supply and demand, there will be more and more EV options to choose from. The competition in the EV market will mean that there is more of a push and drive to continue developing EV technology. Within the last ten years, we have already seen the cost of EV batteries falling over 89%. The energy density of new battery models, quick charging capabilities, battery lifespan, and environmental friendliness have all seen drastic improvements with time. 

With the development of technology, increased supply, and overall sustainability, the cost of purchasing and using electric cars will become increasingly close or even the same as that of fuel-propelled vehicles. In summary, the roadmap is helping to make the whole Hong Kong community more well-equipped and well-prepared for electric cars in the near future, leading to overall benefits in the EV market and bringing the city closer to reaching its carbon neutrality target.

Getting Insurance for Your EV

With the above initiatives from the Hong Kong government, getting an electric car will become much easier in the future. If you have an electric car now or planning to get one, it is important to get your car insured by a reputable insurer. As a leading motor insurance provider and Tesla’s designated insurance partner, Liberty Insurance has got you covered. Tesla owners can consider choosing our mileage-based insurance program - InsureMyTesla, which provides coverage specifically for Hong Kong Tesla owners. 

Get in touch for more information about insuring a Tesla and other motor vehicles, or have your questions answered directly by our customer support team by calling or visiting us.
 

* The information shown is intended as a general summary only. Refer to the policy for full details of the coverage. Liberty Insurance reserves the right to amend any part of the coverages by posting changes to https://www.libertyinsurance.com.hk/insuremytesla

Sources:
https://www.enb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/pdf/EV_roadmap_eng.pdf 
https://www.evhomecharging.gov.hk/en
https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/electric-car-battery-pack-prices-outlook/ 
https://about.bnef.com/blog/battery-pack-prices-cited-below-100-kwh-for-the-first-time-in-2020-while-market-average-sits-at-137-kwh/