Electric vehicles look for HK niche
As concerns about air pollution grow, several new electric vehicles went on display in Hong Kong yesterday.
Eight environmentally friendly models, including a bus, light truck and several passenger cars, were shown at the Hong Kong Productivity Council's seminar on electric-drive technology.
Among them was Hong Kong's first hybrid petrol-electric car - developed by the council - which is expected to generate 60 per cent fewer harmful emissions than regular cars.
Further field tests are still needed for the prototype.
The model uses a different system from that used in the Toyota Prius, which is already popular on the international car market.
An electric rear engine is powered by a lightweight - but high-powered - battery, while a small combustion engine powers the front axle. Its batteries are made by the local firm Gold Peak Batteries.
'Leading automobile manufacturers have been exploring new technologies to reduce vehicle exhaust in order to improve air quality and increase fuel economy,' said council director Stephen Lee.
'Both hybrid-electric vehicle and electric vehicle systems are being recognised as viable technologies to achieve these goals.'
Also on display was the latest Vectrix - an all-electric motorcycle developed in the United States. With fast acceleration, the vehicle has become the world's first electric motorcycle that is suitable for highway use.
It uses a Gold Peak battery that can be recharged 1,500 times, and it can travel about 100km between charges.
But at Euro12,000 (HK$127,000) in Europe, it is expensive when compared with a regular 250cc motorcycle, which usually costs less than HK$50,000.
Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, a deputy director of the Hong Kong Automobile Association, said the emission-cutting effects of electric vehicles would be limited in Hong Kong.
'Their market in Europe is much bigger, with large highway networks,' he said.
'Another potential market is the mainland.'
