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The Government announced today (March 15) that the charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) has been expanded to cover all 18 districts in Hong Kong. The network will support the increasing number of EVs expected to be introduced into the local market, including vehicles such as the "Nissan LEAF" EV which was unveiled today.
"In collaboration with the power companies and the property development sector, we are glad to report that some 300 charging points are now available for public use around Hong Kong," said Mr John C Tsang, the Financial Secretary, at an EV publicity event today.
"This sends a strong message to our community that Hong Kong is preparing to become an EV-friendly city by establishing the essential infrastructural support in anticipation of the growth of our EV fleet. Together with incentives from the Pilot Green Transport Fund to be set up in this month, the adoption of EVs is expected to take a leap forward in the coming year," said Mr Tsang.
He also announced in this year's Budget speech a plan to set up EV charging points at Government car parks for public use. Meanwhile, EVs will continue to enjoy a full waiver on First Registration Tax.
The event also features the debut of the "Nissan LEAF" EV. "We thank Nissan for supporting the EV development in Hong Kong, and for selecting Hong Kong as the first Asian city outside Japan for supply of its LEAF EVs," said Mr Tsang.
The Nissan LEAF is the first 5-seater electric saloon car to enter the local market. With a maximum speed of 145 km/h and a driving range of over 160 km per full charge, the LEAF offers a green and practical proposition for many urban drivers. The LEAF was introduced to the Hong Kong market under the EV pilot programme established jointly by the Government and Nissan. Nissan has set aside a quota of 200 cars for corporate clients in Hong Kong from its first batch of LEAFs under commercial production.
Ends/Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:18
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