home
> News
> Hong Kong launches first electric taxis
Hong Kong launches first electric taxis
May 20, 2013
Hong Kong launches first electric taxis
Hong Kong saw its first electric taxis hit the streets on Saturday in a step towards reducing the city’s high levels of roadside pollution. The cars have been rented by the Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association, which is testing them over the next six months.
The 45 bright red cars were launched by Chinese electric vehicle producer BYD, which is partly backed by US investment titan Warren Buffett. Called the BYD e6, the five-door crossover sedans are powered by iron phosphate batteries and take two hours to charge, a statement from BYD said, adding that they can then travel for 300 kilometers (more than 180 miles).
“The idea of being environmentally friendly is a global trend and the electric car is one good example,” said Wong Chung Keung, President and Chairman of the association. “An electric car saves the cost of fuel and will allow our taxi drivers to earn more,” he added, saying that a normal taxi would cost HK$0.8 to run per kilometer while an electric car would cost HK$0.2 ? HK$0.3.
Hong Kong’s Financial Secretary John Tsang was quoted in a BYD statement as welcoming the electric car and saying he was committed to “promoting environmental sustainability by laying the foundation for Hong Kong to become a zero emissions city.”
Read more at Eco Business.
category : Topics
