Policy drivers for electrifying public transport vehicles in Hong Kong : stakeholder responses

Abstract

Exhaust emissions from vehicles are major contributor to local air pollution and global climate change. Electric vehicles are zero tailpipe emission, while electricity can be generated from renewable sources. They are widely considered by policymakers. Although the Hong Kong Government carried out various policies in last few years, the market share of electric vehicles is still low, particularly in the public transport sector. This dissertation aims to investigate the policy drivers and obstacles to electric vehicles adoption in Hong Kong, focus on public transport vehicles – buses, public light buses and taxis, because they are the largest contributor to the street-level air pollution. The methodologies of this study included two parts. The first part is an extensive literature review and overseas case studies. The second part is survey interviews on 34 decision makers from public transport operators, public vehicle associations, infrastructure developers, car park management companies and property management companies. The survey covered 25.2 percent of total licensed public vehicles in Hong Kong in March 2013. The investigation reveals that long payback period, lack of infrastructure support, battery capacity, and range anxiety are the key obstacles to public electric vehicles adoption in Hong Kong, while environmental concern is less important to the stakeholders. As breakthroughs in technology will compensate most of the shortcomings, in short-term, provide direct subsidy on a non-linear sliding scale, and allocate land for overnight charging are vital for the Government to push public electric vehicles adoption. In medium to long-term, the Government has to be more proactive and roll out a clear roadmap for future development. Provide governmental research and development support, release the threshold of Green Pilot Transport Fund, further amendment on Road Traffic (Expressway) Regulations (Cap. 374Q), enhance collaboration with electric vehicle manufacturers, increase promotion, public education and professional training are recommended. The dissertation ends with a future research agenda. Suggestions included investigates the effectiveness of public electric vehicles' operation and acceptance by passengers; monitoring public electric vehicles' adoption, operation and development among Hong Kong and major regional competitors - Singapore and Shanghai. In addition, research on how China's expanding electric vehicle industry will influence public transport sector in the next two to three years' time.