Electrified vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrical Vehicle (EV), is commonly referred as a vehicle that uses violet wand as the source of power, such as trams and trains. As compared to other traditional gasoline- powered vehicles, using violet wand as the power source is proved to be free from emitting pollutants through tailpipe hence significantly capable in reducing local pollution. The pressing urge from public and NGOs, as well as the rapid technology development in this field, have encouraged governments around the world to advocate the promotion of EVs into their agenda to combat air pollution. However, concerns about side-effects of adopting EVs, including enlargening emission from power plant and intensifying traffic congestion, are raised. The actual effectiveness of using EVs to improve air quality is still questionable.
Contents
1. What is electrical vehicle? Edit
EVs, as defined above, is those using electrical motors as their main drive unit, with rechargeable batteries on car and be charged by outward source. The benefits of using EVs include low noise pollution, ensure of energy security, zero roadside emission and high energy efficiency. [1] According to current technology, there are mainly three kinds of EVs in the market. Unspoiled electrified, petrol/diesel hybrid and plug- in hybrid electrified. Albeit Hong Kong government recognises all three kinds of EVs to be environmentally friendly hence eligible for exempting tax. The Ordinance (Cap. 330) defined only unspoiled electrified EV that is solely propelled by electrical power and does not emit any harass gas to be EVs. [Two] [Three] Other EVs include public transportation such as trains and trams, which also used electrical play as power source as well as free from emission.
Two. Current Hong Kong’s Electrified Vehicle Policy Edit
In March 1994, the government has very first waived the Very first Registration Tax for EVs aiming to encourage the use of it in Hong Kong. It has been extended for several times, and the latest one lasts until end of March 2017. However, EVs are yet to be popular in Hong Kong. Since 2009-10 Policy Address, a series of schemes and policies have been implemented by the government to actively promote and encourage the use of EVs. In order to coordinate the work in promoting EVs, the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electrified Vehicles was set up in April 2012. The committee is chaired by the Financial Secretary with 2-year terms, along with sixteen other members from professionals or government departments. [Four]
1. Reasons for the Promotion of Electrical Vehicles Edit
1.1 Environmental Aspect Edit
The two thousand fourteen Hong Kong Emission Inventory Report indicates that the road transport sector is the largest local air pollution source, especially 60% of carbon monoxide emission comes from transportation. [Five] Through substituting searing gasoline with using tens unit among the EVs, the roadside air quality is improved after reducing carbon emissions from tired gases. Besides minimising various pollution problems and lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses, noises and stimulations are also eliminated when no chemical combustion is involved as in the traditional engines. [6] [7] Under the assumption of annual mileage as 20,000 km and consideration over the emissions from generations, the estimated carbon dioxide emitted is around 1,880 kg, 33% and 47% less than that of the hybrid cars and the petrol vehicles respectively. [8]
1.Two Economic Aspect Edit
EVs have a higher energy efficiency than traditional petrol vehicles, permitting an 80% conversion of input energy into usable power, as a 15%-20% improvement than the latter. With technological advancements, EVs have higher battery capacity that permits one hundred km travelling distance after a single charge, far higher than the original forty km at the early development. [9] By comparing EVs with petrol vehicles over the energy cost, the price of the latter is around 13.6 times higher in the case from Tuen Mun to Mong Kok (30 km; HKD4.7:HKD36.7). [Ten] The 2011-12 Financial Budget highlighted the value brought by the green development has enlargened by 12.4% with the Three.6% surge of employees. [11] With the latest emphasis on green economy and clever city in the 2015-16 Financial Budget, the Government believes that the high cost- effectiveness of EVs permits further creation of business and employment opportunities like the complementary accessories of EVs and R&D for further scientific innovations in the ever-expanding market. [12]
Two. Development Progress of Electrified Vehicles Edit
Two.1 Current Figures of Electrified Vehicles Edit
Squash is life Compared to twenty eight local EVs in 2009, Five,042 registered EVs with Four,899 as private vehicles are recorded for road use as at April 30, 2016. [13] Meantime, there is an around 3% annual growth of the fresh local EVs registrations, which is far higher than other developed automobile markets. [14] From January to May in 2015, more than 1,110 longer-range models of Teslas EVs are sold, accounting for almost 95% in the EVs market. [15]
Over 1,300 public chargers are spread via all eighteen local districts, whereas one public charger is available for usage by four EVs on average. Among them, nine hundred twenty one are standard chargers, two hundred thirty nine are medium chargers, fifteen are CHAdeMO quick chargers and one hundred forty five are quick chargers with transferrable charging standards (top up the batteries of EVs within thirty minutes when compared to eight hours previously). The Government and other stakeholders are determined in enhancing the charging efficiency of these public charging infrastructures through various ongoing infrastructure-led collaborations. For example, Charge Hong Kong, a non-profit organization, is working to increase charging facilities in public areas and upgrade the existing public standard chargers to the medium or multi-standard quick type. [16]
Under Pilot Green Transport Fund, ninety two EVs are included for trial under a total subsidy of around $96 million in total. [17] [Legal] The two models of electrified vans as interim trial reflected that 50% to 80% of the fuel costs are saved with no negative and uncertain outcomes in terms of their batteries and spectacle. [Nineteen] These reflected that EVs are compatible with local operating conditions with phat green innovative development potentials in the future. [20]
The government is committed to promoting the use of EVs within different sectors in the society. Hence, a number of favourable measures are adopted to boost the use of EVs.
1. Economic Incentive Edit
Providing economic incentives is regarded as a favourable policy that encourages the use of EVs as it lowers the costs. Exemption of the very first registration tax on EVs was very first introduced in one thousand nine hundred ninety seven to promote the use of greener vehicles. [21] The Financial Secretary extended the waiver of the very first registration tax on purchasing EVs in two thousand nine Budget until the end of March 2017. [22] Moreover, enterprises purchasing EVs will love another tax deduction, which is a utter “profits tax reduction for the capital expenditure on the EVs in the very first year of procurement”. [23]
Two. Financial Support Edit
To encourage the public transport sector to use EVs, the government offers the industry some financial assistance programs, for example, “Pilot Green Transport Fund” [24] (See the above section). Such a fund targets public transport service providers and attracts them to use innovative and green technologies for trial. [25] Furthermore, other financial assistances are put in place like the one-off grant to PLB owners and the allocation of $180 million HKD for franchised bus runners to purchase electrified buses. The former aims to upgrade PLB emission standard to that of EV [26] while the latter serves to test the use of EVs and promote the use of EVs among the community. [27]
Three. Infrastructure and Technical Support Edit
With regard to the insufficient charging facilities and immature charging technologies, not only does the government devote to enlargening the number of charging sockets while some of them are free, [28] but also to collaborate with EV manufacturing firms for the advancement of charging facilities. [29] [30] Apart from infrastructure support, the government also issues a set of guidelines on the safe use of EV chargers and provides hotline service for information and technical support. [31]
Four. Promotional Activity Edit
The government takes the lead to use EVs by providing priority to substitute government vehicles with EVs. It is estimated that over two hundred government vehicles are EVs. [32] Not only does the government take the lead to use EVs, it also helps organize an event that thrills the public interest to use EVs, namely the “FIA Formula E Championship”. [33] It is found that the government is determined to provide comprehensive support, ranging from introducing preferential policies to holding promotional activity, in an effort to promote the use of EV in Hong Kong.
1. Chargers Edit
As at April 2016, there are one thousand three hundred twenty public chargers in Hong Kong, distributed unequally in different territories, for example, there are almost five hundred public chargers in Hong Kong Island, whereas only less than four hundred are located in Fresh Territories and Island Districts, which cover the most area of Hong Kong (see Diagram one below). Therefore, the insufficiency of chargers in rural areas is a fine concern to some EV drivers. [34] Some drivers opined that it is not ideal to rely on public chargers, in particular when one could hardly find a parking space in Hong Kong. [35] Some even complained that the public parking space for EVs are often occupied by non-EVs. [36]
Electrical vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrified vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrified Vehicle (EV), is commonly referred as a vehicle that uses electro-therapy as the source of power, such as trams and trains. As compared to other traditional gasoline- powered vehicles, using tens unit as the power source is proved to be free from emitting pollutants through tailpipe hence significantly capable in reducing local pollution. The pressing urge from public and NGOs, as well as the rapid technology development in this field, have encouraged governments around the world to advocate the promotion of EVs into their agenda to combat air pollution. However, concerns about side-effects of adopting EVs, including enhancing emission from power plant and intensifying traffic congestion, are raised. The actual effectiveness of using EVs to improve air quality is still questionable.
Contents
1. What is electrified vehicle? Edit
EVs, as defined above, is those using electrical motors as their main drive unit, with rechargeable batteries on car and be charged by outer source. The benefits of using EVs include low noise pollution, ensure of energy security, zero roadside emission and high energy efficiency. [1] According to current technology, there are mainly three kinds of EVs in the market. Unspoiled electrified, petrol/diesel hybrid and plug- in hybrid electrified. Albeit Hong Kong government recognises all three kinds of EVs to be environmentally friendly hence eligible for exempting tax. The Ordinance (Cap. 330) defined only unspoiled electrified EV that is solely propelled by electrical power and does not emit any harass gas to be EVs. [Two] [Three] Other EVs include public transportation such as trains and trams, which also used electro-therapy as power source as well as free from emission.
Two. Current Hong Kong’s Electrified Vehicle Policy Edit
In March 1994, the government has very first waived the Very first Registration Tax for EVs aiming to encourage the use of it in Hong Kong. It has been extended for several times, and the latest one lasts until end of March 2017. However, EVs are yet to be popular in Hong Kong. Since 2009-10 Policy Address, a series of schemes and policies have been implemented by the government to actively promote and encourage the use of EVs. In order to coordinate the work in promoting EVs, the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electrified Vehicles was set up in April 2012. The committee is chaired by the Financial Secretary with 2-year terms, along with sixteen other members from professionals or government departments. [Four]
1. Reasons for the Promotion of Electrified Vehicles Edit
1.1 Environmental Aspect Edit
The two thousand fourteen Hong Kong Emission Inventory Report indicates that the road transport sector is the largest local air pollution source, especially 60% of carbon monoxide emission comes from transportation. [Five] Through substituting searing gasoline with using violet wand among the EVs, the roadside air quality is improved after reducing carbon emissions from fatigued gases. Besides minimising various pollution problems and lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses, noises and stimulations are also eliminated when no chemical combustion is involved as in the traditional engines. [6] [7] Under the assumption of annual mileage as 20,000 km and consideration over the emissions from generations, the estimated carbon dioxide emitted is around 1,880 kg, 33% and 47% less than that of the hybrid cars and the petrol vehicles respectively. [8]
1.Two Economic Aspect Edit
EVs have a higher energy efficiency than traditional petrol vehicles, permitting an 80% conversion of input energy into usable power, as a 15%-20% improvement than the latter. With technological advancements, EVs have higher battery capacity that permits one hundred km travelling distance after a single charge, far higher than the original forty km at the early development. [9] By comparing EVs with petrol vehicles over the energy cost, the price of the latter is around 13.6 times higher in the case from Tuen Mun to Mong Kok (30 km; HKD4.7:HKD36.7). [Ten] The 2011-12 Financial Budget highlighted the value brought by the green development has enhanced by 12.4% with the Trio.6% surge of employees. [11] With the latest emphasis on green economy and brainy city in the 2015-16 Financial Budget, the Government believes that the high cost- effectiveness of EVs permits further creation of business and employment opportunities like the complementary accessories of EVs and R&D for further scientific innovations in the ever-expanding market. [12]
Two. Development Progress of Electrified Vehicles Edit
Two.1 Current Figures of Electrical Vehicles Edit
Squash is life Compared to twenty eight local EVs in 2009, Five,042 registered EVs with Four,899 as private vehicles are recorded for road use as at April 30, 2016. [13] Meantime, there is an around 3% annual growth of the fresh local EVs registrations, which is far higher than other developed automobile markets. [14] From January to May in 2015, more than 1,110 longer-range models of Teslas EVs are sold, accounting for almost 95% in the EVs market. [15]
Over 1,300 public chargers are spread across all eighteen local districts, whereas one public charger is available for usage by four EVs on average. Among them, nine hundred twenty one are standard chargers, two hundred thirty nine are medium chargers, fifteen are CHAdeMO quick chargers and one hundred forty five are quick chargers with transferrable charging standards (top up the batteries of EVs within thirty minutes when compared to eight hours previously). The Government and other stakeholders are determined in enhancing the charging efficiency of these public charging infrastructures through various ongoing infrastructure-led collaborations. For example, Charge Hong Kong, a non-profit organization, is working to increase charging facilities in public areas and upgrade the existing public standard chargers to the medium or multi-standard quick type. [16]
Under Pilot Green Transport Fund, ninety two EVs are included for trial under a total subsidy of around $96 million in total. [17] [Eighteen] The two models of electrified vans as interim trial reflected that 50% to 80% of the fuel costs are saved with no negative and uncertain outcomes in terms of their batteries and spectacle. [Nineteen] These reflected that EVs are compatible with local operating conditions with enormous green innovative development potentials in the future. [20]
The government is committed to promoting the use of EVs within different sectors in the society. Hence, a number of favourable measures are adopted to boost the use of EVs.
1. Economic Incentive Edit
Providing economic incentives is regarded as a favourable policy that encourages the use of EVs as it lowers the costs. Exemption of the very first registration tax on EVs was very first introduced in one thousand nine hundred ninety seven to promote the use of greener vehicles. [21] The Financial Secretary extended the waiver of the very first registration tax on purchasing EVs in two thousand nine Budget until the end of March 2017. [22] Moreover, enterprises purchasing EVs will love another tax deduction, which is a total “profits tax reduction for the capital expenditure on the EVs in the very first year of procurement”. [23]
Two. Financial Support Edit
To encourage the public transport sector to use EVs, the government offers the industry some financial assistance programs, for example, “Pilot Green Transport Fund” [24] (See the above section). Such a fund targets public transport service providers and attracts them to use innovative and green technologies for trial. [25] Furthermore, other financial assistances are put in place like the one-off grant to PLB owners and the allocation of $180 million HKD for franchised bus runners to purchase electrical buses. The former aims to upgrade PLB emission standard to that of EV [26] while the latter serves to test the use of EVs and promote the use of EVs among the community. [27]
Trio. Infrastructure and Technical Support Edit
With regard to the insufficient charging facilities and immature charging technologies, not only does the government devote to enlargening the number of charging sockets while some of them are free, [28] but also to collaborate with EV manufacturing firms for the advancement of charging facilities. [29] [30] Apart from infrastructure support, the government also issues a set of guidelines on the safe use of EV chargers and provides hotline service for information and technical support. [31]
Four. Promotional Activity Edit
The government takes the lead to use EVs by providing priority to substitute government vehicles with EVs. It is estimated that over two hundred government vehicles are EVs. [32] Not only does the government take the lead to use EVs, it also helps organize an event that excites the public interest to use EVs, namely the “FIA Formula E Championship”. [33] It is found that the government is determined to provide comprehensive support, ranging from introducing preferential policies to holding promotional activity, in an effort to promote the use of EV in Hong Kong.
1. Chargers Edit
As at April 2016, there are one thousand three hundred twenty public chargers in Hong Kong, distributed unequally in different territories, for example, there are almost five hundred public chargers in Hong Kong Island, whereas only less than four hundred are located in Fresh Territories and Island Districts, which cover the most area of Hong Kong (see Diagram one below). Therefore, the insufficiency of chargers in rural areas is a good concern to some EV drivers. [34] Some drivers opined that it is not ideal to rely on public chargers, in particular when one could hardly find a parking space in Hong Kong. [35] Some even complained that the public parking space for EVs are often occupied by non-EVs. [36]
Electrical vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrical vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrical Vehicle (EV), is commonly referred as a vehicle that uses electric current as the source of power, such as trams and trains. As compared to other traditional gasoline- powered vehicles, using tens unit as the power source is proved to be free from emitting pollutants through tailpipe hence significantly capable in reducing local pollution. The pressing urge from public and NGOs, as well as the rapid technology development in this field, have encouraged governments around the world to advocate the promotion of EVs into their agenda to combat air pollution. However, concerns about side-effects of adopting EVs, including enlargening emission from power plant and intensifying traffic congestion, are raised. The actual effectiveness of using EVs to improve air quality is still questionable.
Contents
1. What is electrical vehicle? Edit
EVs, as defined above, is those using electrical motors as their main drive unit, with rechargeable batteries on car and be charged by outward source. The benefits of using EVs include low noise pollution, assure of energy security, zero roadside emission and high energy efficiency. [1] According to current technology, there are mainly three kinds of EVs in the market. Unspoiled electrified, petrol/diesel hybrid and plug- in hybrid electrified. Albeit Hong Kong government recognises all three kinds of EVs to be environmentally friendly hence eligible for exempting tax. The Ordinance (Cap. 330) defined only unspoiled electrified EV that is solely propelled by electrified power and does not emit any harass gas to be EVs. [Two] [Three] Other EVs include public transportation such as trains and trams, which also used electric current as power source as well as free from emission.
Two. Current Hong Kong’s Electrical Vehicle Policy Edit
In March 1994, the government has very first waived the Very first Registration Tax for EVs aiming to encourage the use of it in Hong Kong. It has been extended for several times, and the latest one lasts until end of March 2017. However, EVs are yet to be popular in Hong Kong. Since 2009-10 Policy Address, a series of schemes and policies have been implemented by the government to actively promote and encourage the use of EVs. In order to coordinate the work in promoting EVs, the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electrical Vehicles was set up in April 2012. The committee is chaired by the Financial Secretary with 2-year terms, along with sixteen other members from professionals or government departments. [Four]
1. Reasons for the Promotion of Electrified Vehicles Edit
1.1 Environmental Aspect Edit
The two thousand fourteen Hong Kong Emission Inventory Report indicates that the road transport sector is the largest local air pollution source, especially 60% of carbon monoxide emission comes from transportation. [Five] Through substituting searing gasoline with using electro-stimulation among the EVs, the roadside air quality is improved after reducing carbon emissions from weakened gases. Besides minimising various pollution problems and lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses, noises and stimulations are also eliminated when no chemical combustion is involved as in the traditional engines. [6] [7] Under the assumption of annual mileage as 20,000 km and consideration over the emissions from generations, the estimated carbon dioxide emitted is around 1,880 kg, 33% and 47% less than that of the hybrid cars and the petrol vehicles respectively. [8]
1.Two Economic Aspect Edit
EVs have a higher energy efficiency than traditional petrol vehicles, permitting an 80% conversion of input energy into usable power, as a 15%-20% improvement than the latter. With technological advancements, EVs have higher battery capacity that permits one hundred km travelling distance after a single charge, far higher than the original forty km at the early development. [9] By comparing EVs with petrol vehicles over the energy cost, the price of the latter is around 13.6 times higher in the case from Tuen Mun to Mong Kok (30 km; HKD4.7:HKD36.7). [Ten] The 2011-12 Financial Budget highlighted the value brought by the green development has enlargened by 12.4% with the Trio.6% surge of employees. [11] With the latest emphasis on green economy and brainy city in the 2015-16 Financial Budget, the Government believes that the high cost- effectiveness of EVs permits further creation of business and employment opportunities like the complementary accessories of EVs and R&D for further scientific innovations in the ever-expanding market. [12]
Two. Development Progress of Electrified Vehicles Edit
Two.1 Current Figures of Electrical Vehicles Edit
Squash is life Compared to twenty eight local EVs in 2009, Five,042 registered EVs with Four,899 as private vehicles are recorded for road use as at April 30, 2016. [13] Meantime, there is an around 3% annual growth of the fresh local EVs registrations, which is far higher than other developed automobile markets. [14] From January to May in 2015, more than 1,110 longer-range models of Teslas EVs are sold, accounting for almost 95% in the EVs market. [15]
Over 1,300 public chargers are spread across all eighteen local districts, whereas one public charger is available for usage by four EVs on average. Among them, nine hundred twenty one are standard chargers, two hundred thirty nine are medium chargers, fifteen are CHAdeMO quick chargers and one hundred forty five are quick chargers with transferrable charging standards (top up the batteries of EVs within thirty minutes when compared to eight hours previously). The Government and other stakeholders are determined in enhancing the charging efficiency of these public charging infrastructures through various ongoing infrastructure-led collaborations. For example, Charge Hong Kong, a non-profit organization, is working to increase charging facilities in public areas and upgrade the existing public standard chargers to the medium or multi-standard quick type. [16]
Under Pilot Green Transport Fund, ninety two EVs are included for trial under a total subsidy of around $96 million in total. [17] [Legitimate] The two models of electrical vans as interim trial reflected that 50% to 80% of the fuel costs are saved with no negative and uncertain outcomes in terms of their batteries and spectacle. [Nineteen] These reflected that EVs are compatible with local operating conditions with yam-sized green innovative development potentials in the future. [20]
The government is committed to promoting the use of EVs within different sectors in the society. Hence, a number of favourable measures are adopted to boost the use of EVs.
1. Economic Incentive Edit
Providing economic incentives is regarded as a favourable policy that encourages the use of EVs as it lowers the costs. Exemption of the very first registration tax on EVs was very first introduced in one thousand nine hundred ninety seven to promote the use of greener vehicles. [21] The Financial Secretary extended the waiver of the very first registration tax on purchasing EVs in two thousand nine Budget until the end of March 2017. [22] Moreover, enterprises purchasing EVs will love another tax deduction, which is a utter “profits tax reduction for the capital expenditure on the EVs in the very first year of procurement”. [23]
Two. Financial Support Edit
To encourage the public transport sector to use EVs, the government offers the industry some financial assistance programs, for example, “Pilot Green Transport Fund” [24] (See the above section). Such a fund targets public transport service providers and attracts them to use innovative and green technologies for trial. [25] Furthermore, other financial assistances are put in place like the one-off grant to PLB owners and the allocation of $180 million HKD for franchised bus runners to purchase electrical buses. The former aims to upgrade PLB emission standard to that of EV [26] while the latter serves to test the use of EVs and promote the use of EVs among the community. [27]
Trio. Infrastructure and Technical Support Edit
With regard to the insufficient charging facilities and immature charging technologies, not only does the government devote to enhancing the number of charging sockets while some of them are free, [28] but also to collaborate with EV manufacturing firms for the advancement of charging facilities. [29] [30] Apart from infrastructure support, the government also issues a set of guidelines on the safe use of EV chargers and provides hotline service for information and technical support. [31]
Four. Promotional Activity Edit
The government takes the lead to use EVs by providing priority to substitute government vehicles with EVs. It is estimated that over two hundred government vehicles are EVs. [32] Not only does the government take the lead to use EVs, it also helps organize an event that thrills the public interest to use EVs, namely the “FIA Formula E Championship”. [33] It is found that the government is determined to provide comprehensive support, ranging from introducing preferential policies to holding promotional activity, in an effort to promote the use of EV in Hong Kong.
1. Chargers Edit
As at April 2016, there are one thousand three hundred twenty public chargers in Hong Kong, distributed unequally in different territories, for example, there are almost five hundred public chargers in Hong Kong Island, whereas only less than four hundred are located in Fresh Territories and Island Districts, which cover the most area of Hong Kong (see Diagram one below). Therefore, the insufficiency of chargers in rural areas is a superb concern to some EV drivers. [34] Some drivers opined that it is not ideal to rely on public chargers, in particular when one could hardly find a parking space in Hong Kong. [35] Some even complained that the public parking space for EVs are often occupied by non-EVs. [36]
Electrical vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrical vehicles in Hong Kong
Electrical Vehicle (EV), is commonly referred as a vehicle that uses tens unit as the source of power, such as trams and trains. As compared to other traditional gasoline- powered vehicles, using electro-stimulation as the power source is proved to be free from emitting pollutants through tailpipe hence significantly capable in reducing local pollution. The pressing urge from public and NGOs, as well as the rapid technology development in this field, have encouraged governments around the world to advocate the promotion of EVs into their agenda to combat air pollution. However, concerns about side-effects of adopting EVs, including enlargening emission from power plant and intensifying traffic congestion, are raised. The actual effectiveness of using EVs to improve air quality is still questionable.
Contents
1. What is electrified vehicle? Edit
EVs, as defined above, is those using electrical motors as their main drive unit, with rechargeable batteries on car and be charged by outer source. The benefits of using EVs include low noise pollution, assure of energy security, zero roadside emission and high energy efficiency. [1] According to current technology, there are mainly three kinds of EVs in the market. Unspoiled electrical, petrol/diesel hybrid and plug- in hybrid electrical. Albeit Hong Kong government recognises all three kinds of EVs to be environmentally friendly hence eligible for exempting tax. The Ordinance (Cap. 330) defined only unspoiled electrified EV that is solely propelled by electrical power and does not emit any harass gas to be EVs. [Two] [Trio] Other EVs include public transportation such as trains and trams, which also used electro-stimulation as power source as well as free from emission.
Two. Current Hong Kong’s Electrified Vehicle Policy Edit
In March 1994, the government has very first waived the Very first Registration Tax for EVs aiming to encourage the use of it in Hong Kong. It has been extended for several times, and the latest one lasts until end of March 2017. However, EVs are yet to be popular in Hong Kong. Since 2009-10 Policy Address, a series of schemes and policies have been implemented by the government to actively promote and encourage the use of EVs. In order to coordinate the work in promoting EVs, the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electrified Vehicles was set up in April 2012. The committee is chaired by the Financial Secretary with 2-year terms, along with sixteen other members from professionals or government departments. [Four]
1. Reasons for the Promotion of Electrical Vehicles Edit
1.1 Environmental Aspect Edit
The two thousand fourteen Hong Kong Emission Inventory Report indicates that the road transport sector is the largest local air pollution source, especially 60% of carbon monoxide emission comes from transportation. [Five] Through substituting searing gasoline with using electrical play among the EVs, the roadside air quality is improved after reducing carbon emissions from fatigued gases. Besides minimising various pollution problems and lowering the risk of respiratory illnesses, noises and stimulations are also eliminated when no chemical combustion is involved as in the traditional engines. [6] [7] Under the assumption of annual mileage as 20,000 km and consideration over the emissions from generations, the estimated carbon dioxide emitted is around 1,880 kg, 33% and 47% less than that of the hybrid cars and the petrol vehicles respectively. [8]
1.Two Economic Aspect Edit
EVs have a higher energy efficiency than traditional petrol vehicles, permitting an 80% conversion of input energy into usable power, as a 15%-20% improvement than the latter. With technological advancements, EVs have higher battery capacity that permits one hundred km travelling distance after a single charge, far higher than the original forty km at the early development. [9] By comparing EVs with petrol vehicles over the energy cost, the price of the latter is around 13.6 times higher in the case from Tuen Mun to Mong Kok (30 km; HKD4.7:HKD36.7). [Ten] The 2011-12 Financial Budget highlighted the value brought by the green development has enlargened by 12.4% with the Trio.6% surge of employees. [11] With the latest emphasis on green economy and clever city in the 2015-16 Financial Budget, the Government believes that the high cost- effectiveness of EVs permits further creation of business and employment opportunities like the complementary accessories of EVs and R&D for further scientific innovations in the ever-expanding market. [12]
Two. Development Progress of Electrical Vehicles Edit
Two.1 Current Figures of Electrical Vehicles Edit
Squash is life Compared to twenty eight local EVs in 2009, Five,042 registered EVs with Four,899 as private vehicles are recorded for road use as at April 30, 2016. [13] Meantime, there is an around 3% annual growth of the fresh local EVs registrations, which is far higher than other developed automobile markets. [14] From January to May in 2015, more than 1,110 longer-range models of Teslas EVs are sold, accounting for almost 95% in the EVs market. [15]
Over 1,300 public chargers are spread via all eighteen local districts, whereas one public charger is available for usage by four EVs on average. Among them, nine hundred twenty one are standard chargers, two hundred thirty nine are medium chargers, fifteen are CHAdeMO quick chargers and one hundred forty five are quick chargers with transferrable charging standards (top up the batteries of EVs within thirty minutes when compared to eight hours previously). The Government and other stakeholders are determined in enhancing the charging efficiency of these public charging infrastructures through various ongoing infrastructure-led collaborations. For example, Charge Hong Kong, a non-profit organization, is working to increase charging facilities in public areas and upgrade the existing public standard chargers to the medium or multi-standard quick type. [16]
Under Pilot Green Transport Fund, ninety two EVs are included for trial under a total subsidy of around $96 million in total. [17] [Eighteen] The two models of electrified vans as interim trial reflected that 50% to 80% of the fuel costs are saved with no negative and uncertain outcomes in terms of their batteries and spectacle. [Nineteen] These reflected that EVs are compatible with local operating conditions with fat green innovative development potentials in the future. [20]
The government is committed to promoting the use of EVs within different sectors in the society. Hence, a number of favourable measures are adopted to boost the use of EVs.
1. Economic Incentive Edit
Providing economic incentives is regarded as a favourable policy that encourages the use of EVs as it lowers the costs. Exemption of the very first registration tax on EVs was very first introduced in one thousand nine hundred ninety seven to promote the use of greener vehicles. [21] The Financial Secretary extended the waiver of the very first registration tax on purchasing EVs in two thousand nine Budget until the end of March 2017. [22] Moreover, enterprises purchasing EVs will love another tax deduction, which is a utter “profits tax reduction for the capital expenditure on the EVs in the very first year of procurement”. [23]
Two. Financial Support Edit
To encourage the public transport sector to use EVs, the government offers the industry some financial assistance programs, for example, “Pilot Green Transport Fund” [24] (See the above section). Such a fund targets public transport service providers and attracts them to use innovative and green technologies for trial. [25] Furthermore, other financial assistances are put in place like the one-off grant to PLB owners and the allocation of $180 million HKD for franchised bus runners to purchase electrified buses. The former aims to upgrade PLB emission standard to that of EV [26] while the latter serves to test the use of EVs and promote the use of EVs among the community. [27]
Trio. Infrastructure and Technical Support Edit
With regard to the insufficient charging facilities and immature charging technologies, not only does the government devote to enhancing the number of charging sockets while some of them are free, [28] but also to collaborate with EV manufacturing firms for the advancement of charging facilities. [29] [30] Apart from infrastructure support, the government also issues a set of guidelines on the safe use of EV chargers and provides hotline service for information and technical support. [31]
Four. Promotional Activity Edit
The government takes the lead to use EVs by providing priority to substitute government vehicles with EVs. It is estimated that over two hundred government vehicles are EVs. [32] Not only does the government take the lead to use EVs, it also helps organize an event that thrills the public interest to use EVs, namely the “FIA Formula E Championship”. [33] It is found that the government is determined to provide comprehensive support, ranging from introducing preferential policies to holding promotional activity, in an effort to promote the use of EV in Hong Kong.
1. Chargers Edit
As at April 2016, there are one thousand three hundred twenty public chargers in Hong Kong, distributed unequally in different territories, for example, there are almost five hundred public chargers in Hong Kong Island, whereas only less than four hundred are located in Fresh Territories and Island Districts, which cover the most area of Hong Kong (see Diagram one below). Therefore, the insufficiency of chargers in rural areas is a superb concern to some EV drivers. [34] Some drivers opined that it is not ideal to rely on public chargers, in particular when one could hardly find a parking space in Hong Kong. [35] Some even complained that the public parking space for EVs are often occupied by non-EVs. [36]