Drivers of electric vehicles will soon be able to drive on expressways without the hassle of a special permit, pending the Executive Council's approval of a proposed new standard.
The Transport Advisory Committee recommended yesterday that electric cars with an output of at least seven kilowatts be allowed on expressways, including Tolo Highway, Island East Corridor and North Lantau Road, people close to the discussion said. The committee also recommends clearance for electric motorcycles of at least three kilowatts.
Most of the electric vehicles on the market would fit those criteria, according to people in the trade, who said the move would help promote the green vehicle industry.
At present, only 68 private cars and nine motorcycles are registered in Hong Kong as battery-powered. Their owners have to apply to the Transport Department for special expressway permits because existing laws allow only to petrol- and diesel-fuelled vehicles.
Only private cars with an engine size of at least 125cc are allowed to drive on highways, for safety reasons.
The standard proposed for electric vehicles is much higher. When translated into engine size, seven kilowatts is equivalent to more than 500cc, an electric-car expert said.