The global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum, with the European Union, Japan, and California pledging to end the sale of new fossil-fuel vehicles by 2035, while major automakers are also planning to transition to electric models by the early 2040s.

In line with this global trend, Hong Kong has set ambitious goals, aiming to phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2035 as outlined in the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles announced in March 2021.

As of late 2023, Hong Kong has seen a significant increase in EV adoption, with 107,000 registered vehicles, making up 11.8% of the total vehicle count, up from just over 11,000 in 2018.

The One-for-One Replacement Scheme, introduced in 2018, has successfully incentivized car owners to switch to EVs, resulting in electric vehicle sales surpassing conventional cars in 2022, capturing 53% of the market.

To support this transition, the Hong Kong government allocated HK$750 million in December 2023 to enhance electric taxis and buses as part of its decarbonization strategy.

Additionally, the 2024 Policy Address has earmarked HK$300 million for the installation of 500 quick chargers by 2027, with a target of reaching 3,000 by 2030.

Currently, Hong Kong has 10,401 public EV chargers, but only 1,753 are fast chargers, indicating a pressing need for infrastructure enhancement to support the growing number of electric vehicles.

Fast chargers are crucial for EV adoption, providing an 80% charge in just 30 minutes, compared to slower chargers that take 6-8 hours, underscoring the need for more fast charging points.

However, the power grid in Hong Kong requires substantial upgrades to accommodate the additional load from fast chargers, as localized electric currents present a significant challenge.

To ensure a sustainable transition, effective recycling of toxic batteries and the adoption of alternative hydrogen fuel energy are essential components of Hong Kong's clean energy strategy.

The production of lithium-ion batteries for EVs contributes significantly to emissions, accounting for 40-60% of total production emissions, making effective recycling solutions vital.

With the global temperature rise target already breached, there is an urgent need for private and social investment in clean energy infrastructure to support these initiatives.