LettersFrom electric to self-driving cars: why cities must look before they leap

Cleaner air due to electric vehicles is welcome, but the fuel tax lobby may have other ideas

Autonomous vehicles have the potential to minimise driver error and reduce commuting stress, but are vulnerable to malicious hackers

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A young fan of electric vehicles at the Charged Hong Kong 2015 Rally in Sha Tin. Photo: Edward Wong

Published: 11:03am, 13 Feb 2019Updated: 11:03am, 13 Feb 2019

Monetary rewards for transitioning to electric cars in Hong Kong are a commendable step towards getting fossil-fuel-powered, exhaust-fume-spewing vehicles off crowded roads (“Where are we heading with electric cars in the city?”, January 31). Although one-to-one replacement of fuel-powered cars and buses will not clear urban roads of congestion, as a regular bus passenger, cyclist and pedestrian, I’d be grateful for the cleaner air while waiting at bus stops, during my bicycle rides and on my regular walks.

Here in Australia, uptake of astronomically priced electric vehicles has been slow. We have to contend with those who protest that the rising tide of ecologically minded motorists, who are becoming besotted with electric vehicles, risks reducing the government’s collection of fuel excise from petrol-guzzling vehicles, which funds road building and maintenance. This is a circular argument if ever there was one.

This line of reasoning insinuates that electric car owners take the easy way out by not contributing to the upkeep of roads, an accusation that could well be levied at aspiring Hong Kong electric car owners, who might benefit from favourable pricing and tax breaks.

Ultimately, the technology is moving towards self-driving electric vehicles that use in-time sensing of nearby traffic to minimise driver error, road rage, impatience and commuting stress. Impaired driving from alcohol excess and smartphone use would be no longer possible.

I’d urge caution all around as we drive towards this promise-laden horizon. Cyberattacks can scramble whole transport systems and hijack vehicles electronically. Power cuts could incapacitate transport grids leading to traffic paralysis and chaos. Furthermore, as with aeroplanes, input of information on adverse weather and road conditions is needed to ensure safety.

Joseph Ting, Brisbane