The Environment Bureau has announced an ambitious plan to popularise electric vehicles in Hong Kong. However, there are few concrete measures apart from existing subsidies. To achieve its aim, the authorities need to offer more long-term policies. For a start, why not implement a green plate licensing system for EVs and tie specific benefits to the licence? Despite the one-for one replacement scheme , which offers a tax concession for drivers who switch over to electric cars, and the first registration tax waiver for commercial electric vehicles, the percentage of EVs in Hong Kong remains dismal. One reason is precisely the lack of long-term benefits for such ownership. More quick charging stations would be nice, but EV owners should be enjoying proper privileges. Under a green plate system, drivers can, for example, enjoy reduced parking, licensing and even electronic road pricing fees, as well as priority in entering green areas. Having such a system makes it easier to formulate measures specifically for electric vehicle owners. The popularisation of EVs in the transport sector is equally important. With the cost of building a minibus charging station running well over HK$1 million (US$128,725), the sheer expense of the transition is a major factor in the industry’s reluctance. Companies in the logistics sector also lack support in switching over to electric trucks. The authorities should expand subsidies to benefit more transport businesses and extend greater support so that EVs can become the majority in the industry soon. Once this happens, demand for the repair and maintenance of EVs will increase. Yet, Hong Kong does not have a registration scheme for EV mechanics. Given the fundamental differences between electric and conventional vehicles, quality assurance is necessary. The government, which has already identified a need for training in this area, could collaborate more closely with vocational schools to nurture talent, introduce standards and so, ensure safety. To ease the financial burden on the government, special green bonds can be issued to pool investment and engage the whole society in this plan. A transparent timeline with quantified targets should be made public. If the government fails to look beyond subsidies to plan properly for the long term, the vision of an all-EV Hong Kong will remain a distant dream. Alison Ng, Mong Kok