With more than 6,000 already on the roads and the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), HK Electric has launched a series of new initiatives to cater for the increasing demand for EV charging facilities and related services in Hong Kong.
An online tool that generates tailor-made preliminary proposals on the installation of EV charging facilities has been made available, together with the provision of real-time occupancy status of HK Electric's charging stations and a trial scheme on booking system of EV charging stations.
Speaking at the "Smart EV Smart Charging" seminar today, Managing Director of HK Electric, Mr. Wan Chi-tin, said that EVs helped improve roadside air quality and were beneficial to the environment.
Mr. Wan said the new "Smart EV Charge Easy Online Advisor" will allow EV users, incorporated owners and property management companies to have a preliminary report to facilitate the installation of EV charging facilities at their buildings just seconds after answering some simple questions.
"The report covers electricity supply capacity, electricity loading of the building, metering arrangement, financial arrangement by customers, and smart charging features etc. By obtaining a proposal with basic information of the building, customers can further discuss the installation arrangement with their owners associations or the HK Electric team," Mr. Wan explained, adding that HK Electric has received over 780 enquiries and assisted in the installation of EV charging facilities in more than 40 buildings since early last year.
As the officiating guest of the seminar, Mr. Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment expressed:“Electric vehicles (EVs) have no tailpipe emissions and are more energy efficient than conventional vehicles. Replacing conventional vehicles with EVs can help improve roadside air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate the development of the environmental industry. Regarding the public EV charging facilities, there are now around 1,400 public EV chargers. We have also set up 17 quick chargers at various districts such that there is one on average within around 15 km. We will continue to closely monitor the growth in the number of EV and consider the need to expand the public charging facilities in a timely manner.”
Mr. Wan stressed the importance of having convenient charging facilities and related supporting services to the promotion of a wider use of EVs in Hong Kong, in addition to the performance and functions of EVs.
The Company, Mr. Wan added, will further extend free charging services at HK Electric charging stations housed in government and public car parks as well as the Company's premises until the end of 2017.
And to provide greater convenience for EV owners to charge at HK Electric charging stations, a new function has been added in the "HK Electric Low Carbon App" . Information of the Company's ten charging stations including their locations and the types of chargers will be provided, as well as navigation function. Among those stations operated by the company, real-time occupancy status of the four quick charging stations is also available on the App, and this service will be extended to other charging stations gradually.
One of the quick charging stations is located at HK Electric's former operational headquarters in Ap Lei Chau. Users can now book a charging space there through a trial scheme using mobile apps. The Company hopes to acquire more operational experience to prepare for future development and promotion of smart charging systems.
Representatives from EV manufacturers and charging service providers were invited to the seminar to showcase their latest EV models, charging facilities and electronic booking and payment systems. About 200 participants from incorporated owners, management companies of office buildings and shopping malls and other stakeholders attended to hear the latest developments in the EV field.
Meanwhile, HK Electric will support the first-ever Formula E in Hong Kong. As the event's energy partner, it will ensure a reliable energy supply and provide all electricity-related technical support, as well as offering free charging service to the all-star celebrity race. HK Electric hopes the public will appreciate that EVs are not only emission free, but are fast and powerful as well.