Electric vehicles potentially contribute to Hong Kong improving its air quality.
In a bid to combat air pollution and transition towards a low-carbon economy, Hong Kong is actively implementing policies and initiatives to promote the electrification of vehicles and reduce roadside emissions. Aligning with its carbon neutrality target by 2050, the city is making significant strides towards a greener future.
One of the key strategies is the Green Transport Strategy, which aims to achieve zero vehicular emissions by 2035. This includes ceasing new registrations of fuel-propelled and hybrid private cars and transitioning public transport to cleaner energy sources.
The promotion of zero-emission vehicles is another crucial aspect of Hong Kong's green agenda. The city is introducing more zero-emission buses, such as the Enviro500EV delivered to the MTR Corporation, contributing to a cleaner public transport system. Private vehicles are also being encouraged to switch to electric or other low-carbon options.
Hong Kong's efforts extend beyond electric vehicles (EVs) to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The New Energy Transport Fund (NET Fund) has launched a subsidy scheme to trial hydrogen fuel cell heavy vehicles, aiming to reduce emissions further and support the broader strategy of hydrogen development in Hong Kong.
To further decarbonize businesses, the Hong Kong International Carbon Market Council and the "Core Climate" initiative have been established to promote carbon trading and management.
Operators like AMS Public Transport are aligning with government policies to reduce emissions by exploring eco-friendly options and closely monitoring environmental indicators.
However, the transition to EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles must be more ambitious, according to Patrick Fung, the Clean Air Network's chief executive officer. Residents like Agnes, a newspaper stand owner in Hong Kong's Central district, who are exposed to roadside emissions daily, echo this sentiment. Another resident, Athena, believes the government should first tackle pollution from public buses.
As of January 2025, EVs account for over 12% of all private vehicles and over 60% of newly registered cars in Hong Kong. Despite the lower incentives, EV sales now outsell Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, which will increase demand for charging stations, making the lack of EV charging infrastructure another challenge.
Comparatively, neighbouring Shenzhen has one of the highest concentrations of EVs in China, particularly in commercial logistics vehicles. The city's rapid electrification can be attributed to policy pushes by the central government, including quicker license acquisition for new energy vehicles (NEVs) and significant subsidies for EV charging infrastructure. Companies like Shenzhen-based BYD, the world's largest EV maker, have greatly contributed to the city's GDP and led to employment opportunities.
However, Hong Kong's transportation sector, which accounts for the second largest share of its total greenhouse gas emissions, presents a significant challenge. Commercial vehicles such as buses contribute over 90% of NO2 emissions. The cost of overhauling Hong Kong's diesel-powered double-decker bus fleet to be fully powered by hydrogen is estimated to be over HK$771 million (US$6 billion).
These initiatives collectively support Hong Kong's goal to halve carbon emissions by 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The city's journey towards a greener future is undoubtedly a challenging one, but with persistent efforts and innovative solutions, it is a goal that is within reach.
- The Green Transport Strategy in Hong Kong, which aims for zero vehicular emissions by 2035, incorporates science and environmental-science by transitioning public transport to cleaner energy sources and ceasing new registrations of fuel-propelled and hybrid private cars.
- To foster sustainability and reduce carbon footprint, the city's financial sector is actively engaging in carbon trading and management initiatives, such as the Hong Kong International Carbon Market Council and the "Core Climate" initiative.
- Technology plays a crucial role in Hong Kong's push towards a low-carbon economy, with the introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and the subsidy scheme for their trial run, as supported by the New Energy Transport Fund (NET Fund).
