Explainer | What are the pros and cons of owning an EV in Hong Kong? Why are sales rising?
- Electric vehicles are fast replacing conventional cars in Hong Kong. While owners are generally happy with the EV experience, they have a few pet peeves
This comes as the penetration rate of EVs reached a record high of more than 90 per cent of all private cars registered in April, compared with 70 per cent a year ago.
The Post spoke to EV owners and distributors to find out more about these new-energy vehicles and the experience of running and maintaining them versus gas-guzzling cars.
How much does it cost to charge an EV versus filling up a petrol-powered car?
Angus Au, who owns an electric MG ZS SUV, says it costs him about a third less each month compared with filling up his previous car, a petrol-powered Toyota Sienta.
“Earlier, I needed to refuel my car about six times a month for which I used to pay around HK$500 (US$64) to HK$600 each time,” said Au, 27. “For my EV, I usually go for fast charging, mostly at Shell at around 50 kilowatts per hour, which costs me around HK$130 to HK$140. That’s enough for around four to five days.”
