SAIC to ship more EVs to Hong Kong amid surge in registrations as fast-charger availability grows

SAIC Maxus, a unit of China’s largest domestic carmaker, aims to double sales of its MIFA 9 EV minivan to 1,000 by October

The number of registered plug-in EVs surged 84 per cent year on year as of May, according to the Transport Department

Reading Time:2 minutes

Hongkongers have bought more than 500 units of the Maxus MIFA 9 since the model’s introduction in April. Photo: SAIC Weibo

Published: 7:30am, 22 Jul 2023Updated: 7:38am, 22 Jul 2023

China’s largest domestic carmaker SAIC Motor is bringing more electric vehicles (EVs) to Hong Kong through its subsidiary in a move that could spur broader adoption of such cars in the city, according to automotive distributor Inchcape Greater China.

SAIC’s Maxus subsidiary has sold more than 500 units of its MIFA 9, a seven-seat EV minivan, since it was first launched in Hong Kong by Inchcape in April, Amanda Yan, general manager of the overseas department of SAIC Maxus, said at a media briefing on Friday. The company aims to nearly double its total sales in the city to 1,000 units by October.

SAIC Maxus and Inchcape are also preparing to launch more EVs, such as delivery vans and other multipurpose vehicles, in the Hong Kong market soon.

The availability of more EV brands and models in Hong Kong will further drive their adoption, according to Ted Lau, managing director of Inchcape Greater China.

Amanda Yan, general manager of the overseas department of SAIC Maxus (left) and Ted Lau, managing director of Inchcape Greater China (right), pose by the SAIC MAXUS MIFA 9 in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

“With more EVs being brought to the city, prospective car buyers will have more options,” said Lau, adding that he hopes more charging facilities will come online to support the growing adoption of EVs in the city.

As of May, Hong Kong had 57,261 registered plug-in EVs, an 84 per cent increase from 31,184 a year ago. EVs make up 8.8 per cent of the city’s private cars, according to data from the Transport Department.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x