Charged Hong Kong

To: Policy Address and Budget Consultation Support Team,
Address: 24/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong
Telephone: 2810 3768
Fax: 2147 5770
eMail: policyaddressbudget@fstb.gov.hk

As the situation with the air quality of Hong Kong continues to deteriorate, and Hong Kong continues to lose out to competing countries such as Singapore in surveys and opinion polls on this subject, we urge the Hong Kong government to increase efforts in this respect. According to the Hedley Index, in 2015 there were 2,196 premature deaths, 146k hospital bed days and 3.5m doctor visits caused by air pollution. Total economic loss was HK$27.5 billion. We have the following suggestions for the 2017-2017 budget and 2017 policy address:

Message from Louis Palmer, wave.earth:

I am very pleased to announce that our dream came true and we have successfully set up the mosaic at the UN World Climate Change Conference, together with the the electric car race of FIA formula E in Marrakesh, Morocco, on 11-11. We have created a powerful message from more than 50'000 students from all over the world, that they are ready to do something and to reduce their CO2 emissions. So the world leaders should also take steps to stop global warming!

Two GUINNESS world records broken

With all your contributions, we have broken two world records:

- The world record for the largest greeting card mosaic was so far around 390 m2, and we measured that our mosaic was exactly 699 m2!
- And we have also broken the world record for the greeting card with the most contrubutions. It stood so far at 13000, and we have received 50581!

It will take around 3 months until Guinness will accept both world records, and then I will let you know.

What will happen next?

On-line sign-up for the Charged Hong Kong Rally on 3rd December 2016 has been launched. Click here for sign-up.

The Charged Hong Kong Rally is an opportunity to meet and socialise with other Electric Vehicle drivers in Hong Kong, and to go for a drive together. This year's rally will take place on Saturday December 3rd 2016. The route will be within the range of most EVs in Hong Kong. We'll be showcasing the viability of Electric Vehicles as an everyday vehicle to the public, and helping to educate the public regarding the problems surrounding Air Quality in Hong Kong and how electric vehicles can help.

The event will start with a breakfast gathering at Hotel ICON, Tsim Sha Tsui. We've booked the Market Restaurant, and arranged a group of tables. Valet parking is provided, as well as valet charging for those in need of a top-up (but given the number of electric cars attending, please limit this to if you really need it). There will be plenty of time for socialising, and the cars will be on display at the entrance to the hotel (allowing for plenty of photo and video opportunities). The schedule is for this event to start at 9am. Around midday, we'll be getting in our cars for the eco-Rally. We've planned some stops along the way. We plan to arrive at the rally end point, Beas River, at around 3pm. There, we can sit down and enjoy tea at the country club.

​The Hong Kong Government has launched a public consultation for the 2017 Policy Address and 2017-2017 budget. You can find this online:

English: http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/consultation16/eng/index.html
Chinese: http://www.policyaddress.gov.hk/consultation16/chi/index.html

The single biggest issue affecting Electric Vehicles in Hong Kong is that the First Registration Tax exemption, that was last renewed in 2014, is due to expire on 31st March 2017. That must be renewed, for the continued growth and progress of EVs in Hong Kong. While it has been renewed for the past 20 years, there is no guarantee that will continue.

Members of the public are invited to give their views on the website (www.policyaddress.gov.hk), by email (policyaddressbudget@fstb.gov.hk), by phone (2810 3768) or by fax (2147 5770).

We hope that Charged.HK members can get involved in this process, and provide your feedback to the government. Some suggestions include:

The Hong Kong Environmental Bureau is organising an international competition to find opportunities for a second life for retired batteries from Electric Vehicles.

"Electric vehicles (EV) have gained popularity worldwide in recent years. In Hong Kong, the Government’s promotion of EV has led to an almost 60-fold increase in the EV population in less than six years (from less than 100 at the end of 2010 to over 5,800 at the end of July 2016). Since retired EV batteries still have 70% to 80% of electricity storage capacity, their potential for second-life applications is immense. The Competition will help find innovative and practical ideas for re-using retired EV batteries, whose numbers are expected to increase with the increased popularity of EV."

You can find out more at the competition website:

http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/misc/2ndEVbattery/en/index.html

Despite the thunderstorms, a fantastic time was had by all at this past weekend's PLA Autumn Festival Event held at the Stonecutters Island naval base. As well as the 10 classic cars on show, we had 8 electric vehicles, to show both the past and future of transportation to the base staff and their families.

Thanks to the Concerted Efforts Resources Centre for their fantastic organisation and invitation for Charged.HK to participate this year. And thanks to all the volunteers for their help that day.

#ndew2016