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Following is a question by the Hon Kenneth Ting and a written reply by the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, at the Legislative Council meeting today (November 19):

Question:

Given the growing popularity of gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles, will the Government inform this Council whether it has formulated incentive-based policy to attract more people to use these vehicles in the light of such development, so as to strengthen environmental protection in Hong Kong; if it has, of the details; if not, whether the authorities will consider proceeding with the formulation of such policy?

Reply:

Madam President,

Motor vehicle emission is one of the major causes of air pollution in Hong Kong. Therefore, the Government has been monitoring closely the development of environmentally friendly motor vehicle technologies such that appropriate policies could be formulated at an opportune time to promote the use of environmentally cleaner vehicles among vehicle owners.

Among new motor vehicle technologies, petrol/electric hybrid vehicles are relatively more mature products. However, since the technology is still under development, there are very few makes and models of petrol/electric hybrid vehicles available in the world market. In the local market, only one model of petrol/electric hybrid vehicle is being supplied by one motor vehicle agent at present.

Apart from the limited number of choices available, the emission performance and energy efficiency of this type of vehicles also vary greatly. While some models outperform the newly registered vehicles powered by conventional engines in Hong Kong, the emission performance and energy efficiency of the others are only comparable to those using conventional engines.

For the reasons mentioned above, we consider it inappropriate to implement a policy through the provision of an incentive at this stage to encourage vehicle owners to use petrol/electric hybrid vehicles for the purpose of protecting the environment. However, we will continue to monitor closely the development of hybrid vehicles and other motor vehicle technologies, and examine whether a policy of incentives should be formulated and, if so, how it could be implemented effectively. At the same time, we will educate members of the public on what they should do in fulfillment of their responsibility to protect the environment.

On the education and publicity fronts, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has since February 2002 been running an "Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme" to introduce to potential motor vehicle buyers the energy efficiency of motor vehicles in the local market. The objective of the scheme is to encourage motor vehicle suppliers to provide consumers with more information about the energy efficiency of their vehicles so as to assist consumers in choosing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles. At present, the scheme covers petrol private cars. It will be gradually extended to include other types of vehicles. Up to now, 44 motor vehicle models have joined the scheme. We are considering how to extend the scheme further for the purpose of encouraging more motor vehicle suppliers to promote vehicles of high energy efficiency through the scheme.

Ends/Wednesday, November 19, 2003

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