Letters | How Hong Kong can get more electric buses on the road

Readers discuss the transition to green transport, whether street art has a place in the city, and the importance of sunset clauses in pandemic legislation

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An electric minibus is delivered by a manufacturer to an operator at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay on September 16, 2022. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 11:30am, 25 Aug 2023

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As Hong Kong promotes green transport, the electric vehicle industry, including Hong Kong International Electric Vehicles (Holdings) Limited, has been dedicated to investing in and introducing electric buses tailored to the city.

Ahead of the upcoming policy address, we would like to make recommendations for the development of commercial electric vehicles.

Historically, efforts to increase charging infrastructure have focused on private electric cars, with little emphasis on commercial vehicles. The current approach of subsidising vehicle owners who install chargers is also proving insufficient.

The government should engage experienced operators as consultants to address the industry’s needs and provide economically viable solutions for commercial electric vehicle users.

The shortage of charging facilities, and attendant issues such as land availability and inadequate power supply, pose significant challenges. Electric buses that need to return to dedicated charging stations to recharge will impact operational efficiency, increase costs and impede the transition to green vehicles.