Hong Kong Updates Electric Vehicle Roadmap to Achieve Zero Emissions by 2050

Government updates Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles

The Government today (February 12) announced the Updated Version of the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles (the Updated Roadmap). The Updated Roadmap reviews the development of electric vehicle (EV) technology over the past decade, summarises the progress that has been made to promote EV popularisation in Hong Kong since the Government formulated the Hong Kong Roadmap on Popularisation of Electric Vehicles (the Roadmap) in 2021, and updates the strategies and measures adopted by the Government to promote EV popularisation.

A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) said, "The Government formulated the Roadmap in 2021, setting the target of ceasing new registration of fuel-propelled private cars, including hybrid vehicles, in 2035 or earlier, with a view to achieving zero vehicular emissions before 2050 and supporting Hong Kong's carbon neutrality goal before 2050. The Government also announced the Green Transformation Roadmap of Public Buses and Taxis in 2024.

"To ensure that our policies keep pace with the times, after fully considering the latest technological developments, the local progress in EV popularisation, and views from the industry, we have updated the Roadmap. It summarises our policy direction to pragmatically and continuously promote the development of the EV market in Hong Kong to achieve zero vehicular emissions before 2050."

Building on the original Roadmap, the Updated Roadmap outlines five areas with a total of 28 measures, summarised as follows:

(1) Policy promotion

The EEB will co-ordinate relevant policy bureaux and departments to establish an EV charging network underpinned by fast chargers to fully support EV applications in Hong Kong; establish a working group to identify suitable electric commercial vehicles for local use and support their popularisation; and provide funding through the New Energy Transport Fund and the Green Tech Fund for research and development of related green technologies. To date, the two funds have provided nearly $200 million in funding for EV trials and research and development.

To address the inconsistency in EV charging standards between the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, and to promote the internationalisation of charging standards, the National Energy Administration and the EEB will collaborate to launch a pilot scheme for the next-generation EV charging technology ChaoJi, with the target to complete the construction of ChaoJi charging demonstration stations in Hong Kong by 2027. This will facilitate the "bringing in and going global" of the country's innovative charging technology.

China's EV industry leads globally in both scale and innovation. The Government will provide policy support and co-ordination to enterprises seeking to promote EVs in Hong Kong, leveraging Hong Kong's status as an international fintech hub and also a bridgehead for global expansion to help China's EV industry and technology go global, and to promote the popularisation of EVs worldwide.

(2) Electric private cars

With vigorous promotion by the Government and concerted efforts of stakeholders, EVs have developed rapidly in Hong Kong, growing more than fourfold in four years to over 140 000 units, with the electric private car growth rate ranking among the highest in the world. It is estimated that the number of electric private cars could surpass 290 000 by 2030 and approach nearly 500 000 by 2035. Electric private car technology has matured, with substantially increased models and prices becoming competitive with conventional fuel-propelled private cars. The popularisation of electric private cars is gradually driven by market forces. Going forward, the Government will support the green transition of private cars by improving supporting facilities and user convenience, primarily through charging network expansion, maintenance training, and battery recycling. While some international regions have slowed vehicle electrification, Hong Kong will maintain the target of ceasing new registrations of fuel-propelled private cars, including hybrid vehicles, in 2035 or earlier, to align with the national commitment to carbon neutrality.

(3) Electric commercial vehicles

At present, the overall electrification of commercial vehicles is still in its early stages of technological and market development, lagging behind those of electric private cars. Certain vehicle types, including franchised buses, taxis, van-type light goods vehicles, have achieved a relatively mature stage of large-scale application. The Government will adopt a pragmatic approach to progressively promote the large-scale application of these vehicle types. For electric commercial vehicles that have not yet reached the stage of large-scale application, a working group will be established to introduce more models suitable for local use and create conditions for their future large-scale applications.

(4) Charging network

Hong Kong began promoting the installation of charging infrastructure in new car park spaces through tightened gross floor area exemption arrangements in 2011. Coupled with the EV-charging at Home Subsidy Scheme launched in 2020, there are now approximately 130 000 parking spaces equipped with charging infrastructure in private buildings and estate car parks in Hong Kong. The number of public chargers has also increased to 2.5 times the approximately 4 700 in 2021, reaching approximately 16 500 at present, sufficient to support about 100 000 EVs. It is expected that by mid-2027, the number of public and private parking spaces equipped with charging infrastructure will go up to about 200 000, capable of supporting over 300 000 EVs.

The Government will leverage market forces in the future through policy guidance to build a public charging network with fast chargers as the backbone. The target is to increase the number of fast chargers to no less than 4 000 by 2030, supporting approximately 200 000 EVs, and it is expected that this number will further increase to around 10 000 fast chargers by 2035, altogether supporting approximately 500 000 EVs. Coupled with a large number of parking spaces equipped with EV charging infrastructure, EV owners will find it more convenient.

(5) Supporting measures

Hong Kong's first large-scale EV battery recycling facility is under construction at the EcoPark and is expected to commence operation in the first half of 2026, converting end-of-life EV batteries into recycled black mass to supply the Chinese Mainland and neighbouring areas. The recycling facility will not only promote the development of the EV battery recycling industry and strengthen Hong Kong's role in the regional green industry chain but also serve as a good model for mutually beneficial co-operation in the environmental industry of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

To keep pace with the latest developments of EVs, the Government has recently commenced work to update the Technical Guidelines on Charging Facilities for EVs and aims for completion by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the Government is collaborating with tertiary institutions to promote the continuing education and training of EV technicians and maintenance personnel. As at December 2025, approximately 1 100 technicians have completed these training courses.

The spokesperson added, "With climate change becoming increasingly severe, promoting sustainable green transport has become a global consensus. The measures in the Updated Roadmap will lay a foundation tailored to local conditions for future vehicle electrification, pragmatically promote EV popularisation, and lead the industry towards green transformation."

For details of the Updated Roadmap, please visit the EEB website (www.eeb.gov.hk/sites/default/files/pdf/Updated_EV_Roadmap_eng.pdf).

Photo source: reference image

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong

The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:

In view of the growing community concern over animal protection, the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, today (May 19) announced the launch of a direct investigation operation to examine the secretariat services and administrative support provided by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) for the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong (VSB), particularly with regards to its handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons and related arrangements.

According to government statistics, over 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep pets, with the total number of pets exceeding 400,000, reflecting a strong demand for veterinary services in the community. The VSB, a statutory body established under the Veterinary Surgeons Registration Ordinance, is responsible for regulating veterinary surgeons in Hong Kong, including registration and disciplinary matters. The Secretariat of the VSB (Secretariat), under the AFCD's purview, provides secretarial and administrative support.

The Office notes recurring concerns about the cumbersome procedures for lodging complaints against veterinary surgeons, and that the Secretariat's handling of such complaints is unduly prolonged. There are views that even if the VSB determines, after a disciplinary inquiry, that a veterinary surgeon has committed professional misconduct or acted negligently, the public announcement of the decision is subject to serious delays, preventing the public from being informed in time to raise awareness and make informed decisions about veterinary services. In addition, the Office has received complaints highlighting shortcomings in the Secretariat’s arrangements for disciplinary inquiries and its handling of enquiries, indicating potential room for improvement in its administration and service standards.

Mr Chan said, "The proper handling of complaints against registered veterinary surgeons has a direct bearing on the quality of veterinary services and public confidence in the profession, and is closely correlated with animal health and welfare. The VSB is statutorily mandated to regulate, register and exercise disciplinary control of veterinary surgeons, and its ability to effectively perform these duties depends heavily on whether the administrative support provided by the Secretariat is proper. In this light, I have decided to launch a direct investigation operation to examine the procedures and mechanisms through which the Secretariat supports the VSB in handling matters related to the regulation of veterinary surgeons, and review the AFCD's supervisory role to identify areas for improvement and, where necessary, make pertinent recommendations."

Mr Chan said, "The Office earlier announced the results of a direct investigation operation into the Government's work in combating cruelty to animals, which attracted widespread public attention. Combating animal cruelty and protecting vulnerable lives is not a task that can be accomplished overnight; it requires the sustained and unwavering commitment of all sectors of society, including government authorities, non-governmental organisations and the wider public. This direct investigation operation is the second one of our series of investigations in relation to animal protection."

The Ombudsman today also visited the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Jockey Club Centennial Centre (Tsing Yi Centre) and met with its Executive Director, Ms Fiona Cumming, to gain an insight into the SPCA's work in preventing animal cruelty and rescuing injured animals, as well as its perspectives on related issues.

During the meeting, Ms Cumming briefed Mr Chan on the SPCA's latest efforts and challenges in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty, rescuing injured and abandoned animals, and promoting public education. Mr Chan also toured the facilities at the Centre, including the veterinary and animal care facilities, to learn about how frontline staff provide immediate treatment and rehabilitation support for injured animals. He spoke with staff members about their experiences in handling suspected cases of animal cruelty.

Mr Chan said, "Many animal protection organisations in the community have been working tirelessly to promote animal welfare. During our direct investigation operation, we received full support from the SPCA, the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden and relevant animal rescue organisations. Through their outstanding work in animal protection, emergency rescues and public education, these organisations demonstrate compassion and social responsibility, and truly deserve praise."

Mr Chan added, "The media have recently reported on a suspected case of animal abuse and abandonment. The Police responded swiftly and decisively, leading to the arrest of the suspects within days. The action is highly commendable in fully demonstrating the Government's commitment and determination to combat animal cruelty, and conveying a clear and powerful message to society."

The Office will continue to follow up on the implementation of relevant policies and measures, with a view to fostering a more compassionate and caring society.

The Ombudsman welcomes views from members of the public on this topic. Written submissions should reach the Office of The Ombudsman by June 19, 2026:

Address: 30/F, China Merchants Tower, Shun Tak Centre

168-200 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong

Fax: 2882 8149

Email: di490@ombudsman.hk

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Ombudsman probes secretariat services and administrative support provided by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for Veterinary Surgeons Board of Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases