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Following is the transcript (English portion) of remarks made by the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, at a meet-the-media session after attending a ceremony to launch China Light & Power’s trial of a charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) in Hong Kong this morning (May 18):
Reporter : Will you look at expanding the charging network to Hong Kong Island?
SEN: This is a scheme which I would say is a very timely move for CLP to work together with Wilson Parking and the Links to provide infrastructure for the charging of electric vehicles before they actually come to Hong Kong. Obviously the Hong Kong Government will look to similar business friendship for collaboration to pave the way for the coming of electric vehicles in time to come. I am sure the collaboration will grow and allow Hong Kong to take full advantage of this new wave of electric vehicles.
Reporter : Any charging facilities for EVs in Government carparks?
SEN : We’ll certainly identify carparks both in the public and private sector to join the scheme with a view to providing the most convenient and sufficient power supply to the EVs when they come.
Reporter : Of all the environmentally friendly cars, why do you think electric vehicles will work?
SEN : First of all, when we look at the environmentally friendly car market in Hong Kong, for every seven vehicles in our market one belongs to the category of environmentally friendly and enjoy government concessions. The Government’s move to exempt the first registration tax for electric vehicles is a demonstration that we are receptive to environmentally friendly engines. The case for Hong Kong is simple - tiny area, so we’re not talking about a very difficult terrain, or long range, we’re talking about vehicles driving 20-30 km. With the new technology coming in, it can run up to 100-160 km. I think they should be suitable for Hong Kong. Also, I think the recurrent savings comparing petrol with electricity will be a big bonus for people who intend to use this. Of course we are using a technology that is carbon neutral, we would welcome any new technology which can reduce emissions and carbon footprints and yet can serve Hong Kong’s transportation needs.
Reporter : … More on EVs …
SEN: I think the MOU signed today will kick off research and collaboration between the power companies and carpark management companies. This is a very good testimony that Hong Kong stands ready to receive the environmentally friendlier technology and I think the project launched today is in fact a step ahead before EVs become more popular. Hong Kong’s public and private sectors are invited to seize this opportunity to make every step to move towards a greener city.
Reporters : Will the government lead by example in the trial on EVs?
SEN: The Government has been taking the lead in bringing in the new EVs, the first of which is from Japan. We’re also sending the signal around the world that if there is a mature technology, we certainly stand ready to take advantage of that. I think the Government will also try to procure some EVs so that we will be setting examples.
Reporters : ……EVs
SEN: I am using this EV these few days. And it’s so far so good.
Ends/Monday, May 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 14:52
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